Nurses living/working in British Columbia?

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Are there any nurses out there (i.e. LPN/RPN/RN) who are living and working in British Columbia, Canada?

If so, where are you (ex. Victora, Vancouver, Nanaimo, etc?)? What's it like to live there? What are the job prospects like? How's the cost of living compared to your pay-scale? Is it feasible for a single, sole-supported nurse without children to have a comfortable life there?

Many thanks!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Canadian forum

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I dont live in BC. So, I have little concept of the REAL work/life/culture situation, but I ask because I am a RPN and I wouldn't mind keeping BC as an option to relocate to. However, I keep seeing ads on jobsites that insinuate that being a LPN in BC is bleak. Here's an example of a job posting:

"Become an Uber Driver Partner - Instead of Licensed Practical Nurse"

Here is the link:

Uber

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I've worked there in the past. It was hard to find a job on VI. Saturated market, depressed economy for both RN and LPN job seekers. I remember RPNs were having a hard time as well due to increasing care in the community for mental health patients

Wages were lower than AB.

Preference definitely given to locally educated,

Very restricted LPN scope where I worked.

housing? You neede two incomes if you want to purchase.

Here in AB we see more nurses coming not in than leaving.

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I got into school to complete my BScN in Hawai'i but I'm trying and was hoping to stay in Canada. Right now I'm trying to make a life change, move somewhere warm where I can settle into a new life.

I've had a rough year and I can't live anymore years of my life enduring anymore brutal winters, which is why I didnt consider Alberta. I desperately need a positive life change as my partner cheated on me and kicked me out of the home we shared (he continues to broadcast his very public dating rampage on social media) and my dad died all within the same month. I was hoping BC could be an option but I guess I'll be moving to Hawaii as planned in the late summer.

I was really hoping I could find a way to stay in Canada, but the schools here make it so difficult for LPNs/RPNs to advance to the BScN that I've kind lost my patience with upgrading and applying every year, they change the perquisites and admissions criteria they want all the time...

Hopefully Donald Trump won't win and I can have a positive life change in Hawai'i.

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@Fiona59

How long ago did you live in BC?

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Is it feasible for a single, sole-supported nurse without children to have a comfortable life in Hawaii?

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Is it feasible for a single, sole-supported nurse without children to have a comfortable life in Hawaii?

Probably less feasible, but no Canadian schools (except Athabasca U) would accept me for the BScN. And if i have to tolerate another winter on top of the losses I've recently suffered i will loose my sanity. I have no husband, no children... Nothing else to live for or give my life meaning... I work backbreaking jobs for what purpose? All i have now is the hope to complete my bscn and keep building my career in the places that are allowing me the opportunity. So, what hope do I have here? For a more positive life for myself here?

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Will you have opportunity to work in Hawaii before you complete the BScN?

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Will you have opportunity to work in Hawaii before you complete the BScN?

I previously lived in Hawai'i and have maintained friendships with some locals. So, i will be able to get my old job back working as a yoga teacher on a resort... But no matter where I live I will struggle because I'm alone in the world.

I applied for my LPN lisence in Hawai'i but I'm doubtful anyone will hire me there.

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I understand wanting a fresh start in life, I have done it myself. However, I encourage you to make well thought out plans and not make rash choices, in your attempt to run from a painful situation. If you don't take care of what's inside you, it doesn't matter where you move to, the pain will still be inside you, you need to be patient with yourself and work through it.

If you do decide to move to Hawaii, consider that moving and job loss are major life stressors and compounded stress can result in physical illness. Suggest you make plans for the possibility that you could become ill while you are living in Hawaii and ensure that you have adequate health insurance.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You need to take care of what's going on inside. Running away isn't going to help if it's still with you. Being alone can be a blessing. You can go and do what you want. Start over. Teaching yoga in Hawaii doesn't sound too brutal. Take care of yourself.

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