Hi,

I'm currently enrolled in the RPN course in Southern Ontario. I have been considering working in the maternity ward or with mental health. I was wondering which field (if thats what you call it) would have the most job opportunities? Any input or advice is appreciated! thank you so much :)

Moved to the Canadian forum

These days you will have to look at just getting a job for starters. If you are going to hold out for one area or another you will be waiting a long time. Either area will be about the same for jobs likely. Too many people think they will get out of school and get a job in the area they want.

Agreed. There are few jobs in any Province for new grads due to ongoing cutbacks, position eliminations and layoffs. Take anything you can get and work towards your area of choice.

Many people learn the hard way, sitting unemployed for 6 months to a year hoping for their ideal job.

If you want maternity as an RPN, start doing your post-grad maternity certificate. You can put that in your cover letters and on your resume, and it will give you a leg up. Competition is stiff for maternity, and there are only a handful of hospitals in the GTA that allow RPNs to work to their full scope in maternity. Oakville Trafalger, Credit Valley, Mississauga, Brampton Civic and McMaster hospital all have RPNs in maternity. As far as I know, none of the down town hospitals have RPNs in maternity yet.

As others have said, however, be prepared that it will be stiff competition so make sure you have good references, a great resume and a great cover letter!

I've worked post partum on a very busy unit. Turn over is almost non existent. Usually it's due to retirement or sick leave. Be prepared to work casual for a very long time. Develop a love of paperwork because theirs are days when the documentation is heavier than the patient care.

Have you spent time on a unit yet? Dealt with a mother who's child is being apprehended? It's not always a sunshine unit.

I think mental health would have more opportunities as I have seen more job postings in this area, and its transferable beyond the hospital:geriatric psychiatry, addictions, ect. To places like LTC, home care, outpatient programs, community integration/support programs. Plus there are psych hospitals as well as general hospitals that both hire mental health nurses. I have rarely seen postings for post-partum, as turn over is almost non-existent.

Agreed. More opportunities in mental health for sure. A friend works in L and D. She took the certification course post graduation and it still took her 14 months to find a position in her specialty.

The more flexible you are with respect to positions, FTE and shifts, the easier it is to eventually transition into that ideal job.