For those considering Canada, read on...

The situation here won't be as bad for as long as it is south of the border, but many of the problems seen in the US have an impact on us because of our shared border and our inter-related industries. Canada has its first trade deficit in more than 30 years, largely because of conditions in the US. However, our banking industry is regulated and not likely to fail. We are more financially stable, but have hit a rough patch.

Full time nursing positions in Ontario are in short supply no matter what specialty area one looks at. I did a quick search for mental health positions and found exactly 2. One was part time and both require a baccalaureate in nursing. My best advice is to make a list of the psychiatric units in the GTA and contact each of them to assess the possibility of obtaining work there. Sadly, it doesn't look too hopeful.

If you recall, I mentioned in an earlier post that Alberta's health system is undergoing a radical overhaul with the shift from 9 health regions to one centralized service. The actual amalgamation took place on April 1 and now Alberta Health Services is THE health region. They are also the employer of almost all nurses in the province. The CEO, Dr Stephen Duckett, and his administrative board are still working through the process of who will do what and how. One thing is certain, there will be huge changes in the way health care is delivered in this province.

Dr Duckett has a blog wherein he communicates with the people whose lives and livelihoods he holds in his hands. Recently he posted the following item:

In the meantime, we'll have to tighten our belts further. So I've put further brakes on external recruitment (no Virginia, this is not a freeze. Read my lips: Brakes, not stop). Essentially, there'll need to be more senior approval of all external recruitment action.

This is an indication that there will be very few IENs recruited in the foreseeable future. Those who are already in possession of an offer of employment will in all probability be employed. But those just beginning the process will not. Dr Duckett is also talking about laying off 100 middle management personnel in the next week or so; they will be looking for other employment and you could find yourself in competition with them. Not a good place to be.

Please keep your eyes open and pay attention to the changes that are occurring.