a nurse's life in regina, sk

I worked at the General in Regina, and it was one of the worst experiences I've ever had. Newbies get no respect, and the staff is cut throat. Often others slept on the job (this was with fresh SICU patients). I couldn't get out of there soon enough. Very poor morale.

Maybe this is a bit late to reply to your questions, but, since you've asked...some of the staff speak of being called/requested to work overtime; it seems that shifts are 12 hours (my limited knowledge - just based on a few conversations - days and nights usually); I met some very nice staff recently; however about a year ago - a family member was in
their hospital during Christmas and the staff who came around apologized - to say that all the other staff had called in sick so she was the only staff on for the shift.
As for living conditions - there are lots of apartment buildings in the nearby area of the hospital (it is called Transition Area) - to the west of the hospital (so it is walking distance to the hospital).
There is a large medical clinic nearby, with a large drug store beside it, and a lab across the street. And other services and businesses too. There is bus service available.
Within walking distance of the hospital there is Wascana Park - a large green park surrounding Wascana Lake, in the general area of the Legislative Buildings; walking distance to the Royal Sask Museum (of Natural History).

hi oobie,

working condition in regina depends on your unit, do you know which unit you will be assign?

im assign in general, since you will be coming as an internationally educated nurse and working as a GN here are some tips for you:
i did brought my own uniform, but it will all depend on whatever unit you will be assign, i know for sure here in regina area those assign in C-ICU, Emerge, OR, L&D, NICU, S-ICU were provided uniforms by the district. working hours is 12 hrs a day, 12 shifts a month you can work 3 days straight and off for 2 and back again. it will also be dependent on which roaster you would be put in, so whatever unit you will be in will all depend on your unit manager. you will not go straight to the unit as you will still be orientating in everything. you have to be certified for IV pumps, BT, etc, etc. im telling about the regina qu'appelle health region here in regina - classroom orientation first and then start to the unit. we undergone 7 weeks of orientation and 60 days probationary period, but before the end of the probationary period they will assess you if you can go on your own without mentor, they might extend your probationary period dependent on your performance in the unit. at first it is very overwhelming to learn everything in so short a time. adjusting with your co-workers is 1 issue, another is the equipments they're using, patients, forms to filled up, managers, unit area and many things you'll have to find it out for yourself.

it is sheer determination, hard work and willingness to learn and being able to communicate well with everybody is my best tool for passing my probationary period. i must add you have to have the right attitude as well.

this is big dreams especially for those nurses coming from the philippines, please live up to your employers expectation. being happy is doing things that makes you happy. if you are not happy with what you are doing then you can never be happy no matter what. im just really blessed that this big opportunity was offered to me because the pay is good, i can give a better future for my kids and will be able to enhance my skills here in canada.

housing was provided for a while, we were bellited in a hostel but because it's too far from the hospital where im working i decided to just look for an apartment near my workplace so im walking going and from work. i dont want to take the bus and its better to walk its a good exercise as well. food if you know how to cook you can never have a hard time with that.

i hope to see you here in regina. goodluck!

I hope you've invested in some really warm clothes for your walk to and from work sknurse07! Winter will be upon us soon and all that flat prairie around Regina does nothing to slow down the wind. You've never been that cold in your life, I'm sure. I recommend a supply of long underwear, some turtleneck sweaters to wear under your scrubs, a hoodie to wear over, fleece lined boots (Kamiks are really warm), tuque, scarf and mittens, plus a long jacket rated "extreme". Go to Mark's Work Wearhouse and they'll outfit you.

Hey, I once got frostbite to my ears waiting for a bus in Calgary (and it was only Noember).

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate winter???

That's because you're a transplant! We who grew up on the prairies like to boast about how cold it gets and how stalwart we are! I spent every weekend from October to April outside, no matter what the weather, for 3 years as a kid. Skiing at a very primitive rope tow site out in the middle of Nowhere Saskatchewan and I loved it. But I was always dressed for the weather. When my kids were small, I bundled them up and hoofed them outside no matter what for a couple of hours every day.

Hey you are talking to the woman who used to leave the stroller out on the porch with her newborns in it (OK they were well bundled). I've walked the dog when even she didn't want to go out and she's a sled dog.

Cold winters win over wet cold winters. Here you can bundle up, on the coast, once you're wet, you'll never be warm again until you get dry clothes.

I just don't enjoy the digging out of the drive way, the six hours of daylight and the fact that Edmonton is too damned cheap to plow residential streets.