South Carolina nurse hesitant to move to B.C

Pat, a registered nurse from South Carolina, is considering moving to British Columbia (B.C.) with his partner Andee, a bookkeeper. They are looking for a better life away from the current political climate in the U.S. However, they face challenges. Pat expresses frustration with the complicated processes required for transferring his nursing credentials. He has to navigate various websites and submit a lot of documentation about his education and work history. "I need somebody to help me navigate where to go," he said. This confusion makes him uncertain about how to proceed. The couple is also worried about the high cost of living in B.C. They currently pay $1,000 a month for a home in South Carolina, but have received troubling estimates for housing prices in B.C. “It’s a huge concern,” Andee said, noting that they also have financial challenges in the U.S. B.C. is actively recruiting healthcare workers to fill gaps in its medical system. Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that the province is working to simplify the credential transfer process for U.S. healthcare professionals. She believes these changes will make it easier for nurses like Pat to start working in B.C. without extensive additional assessments. Osborne acknowledged that living costs are generally higher in B.C. but emphasized that Northern B.C. can be more affordable. She highlighted that nurses in the region are among the best-paid in Canada and have access to strong benefits. Despite their challenges, Pat and Andee remain determined to explore their options for relocating. "If it is feasibly possible to begin building a decent life, I think we’re strongly committed,” Pat said. They are hopeful that progress in their application process could lead them to move to Canada.