International Student interested in Nursing in Canada

dishes, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2013

Depending on where you are located and where you look for work, your chances are either low, very low or non-existent. The job markets in most Canadian cities that have nursing schools, are saturated with resumes from qualified applicants.

aywl · Apr 30, 2013

Hi, first time poster here.
I am wondering how the nursing licensing procedure looks like for international students (I'm from the US) that have graduated from a Canadian nursing school.
Due to budget cuts, what are the chances I'll find a job after graduation?

If u don't mind going to rural area, you get get a job easily, rural area is always hiring; good luck

joanna73, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2013

As mentioned, jobs are slim for new grads in any of the cities. Few jobs and employers can have their pick.

Small towns are hiring across Canada, particularly in the Northern regions.

gfdsa · Apr 30, 2013

Thanks all for your comments. I think it is the same situation for any field that jobs are slim for new grads in any of the cities. Is it true that each nursing school is producing about 100-120 new grads each year?

Fiona59 · Apr 30, 2013

Looke at Edmonton and Calgary. Each has two universities that graduate BScNs (both first and second degree students). Then add in the colleges that educate Practical Nurses (at least two classes each per year) and any private schools. Oh, and Athabasca. And the Registered Psychiatric Classes.

I'd say it's closer to 500 a year.

aywl · May 1, 2013

Thanks all for your comments. I think it is the same situation for any field that jobs are slim for new grads in any of the cities. Is it true that each nursing school is producing about 100-120 new grads each year?

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Actually in the place I am working now (both long term care and actual care), managers prefer personality and language ability than experiences, plus management have to pay more to the experienced nurses, so they always hire new grads;

joanna73, BSN, RN · May 1, 2013

There will always be exceptions, but new grads are having a rough time across the country. They are now competing with experienced nurses who have been recently laid off for jobs (ON, AB, Nfld). The market is not good in BC, either. Read some of the postings in this forum.

Not saying you won't land a job, but be prepared that it may take some time, and you may not get your first choices. Nursing has been at a low point since 2007 because of the recession.

As far as AHS is concerned, there are maybe 20 student postings and that's for the whole Province.

Fiona59 · May 1, 2013

Yup we heard that the RAH will take less than five this summer. It's just not worth paying for them if they can only work under direct supervision of another nurse.

Oh, and a unit is closing four beds and roughly 8 staff will be displaced. On top of the staff displaced when the transitional care units closed. Should be interesting to see where they wind up.

joanna73, BSN, RN · May 1, 2013

And yes, new grads cost less, theoretically. However, in reality, new grads are more costly for a unit due to training costs. Most units are bare bones these days, which means no extra bodies to supervise new grads.

LTC will hire new grads, but some are successful and some are not. LTC can be rough for experienced nurses, too. Many people to pass meds to and prioritize care. Not for everyone.

There are jobs, but you may need to relocate and/or accept casual until a permanent line becomes available.

Fiona59 · May 1, 2013

Joanna, I think the OP is here on some kind of student visa. If that's the case, they might have to find full time work to be able to stay in Canada. With the news about foreign workers lately and the percieved sudden realization that Canadians need jobs it might not be that easy.

joanna73, BSN, RN · May 1, 2013

Right. Well then, that scenario presents further issues. Many locals and permanent residents to choose from.