Nursing Job Outlook for Ontario (RN and RPN)?

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Specializes in Medicine.

So I have been interested in going into nursing for a long time and it's really a career I want. Before I apply to any schools (hopefully at the end of the month :yes:) I would like to know the job outlook for this career in Ontario in the next few years (for both RN and RPN). PLEASE BE HONEST!!!!

Is it true that there is a "nursing shortage"?

How hard is it to get a job as an entry level nurse?

Is it better for me to become an RPN and then bridge to the RN program after I have some work experience?

If the job outlook is bad for Ontario, how is it in other provinces?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is definitely not a nursing shortage. The job market really depends on where you are looking. Toronto is a tough place to find work but outside of the city is a little better.I don't know about all the provinces but things in Alberta and BC are bleak from what I have heard.

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Specializes in med-surg, OR.

There are jobs to be had, but you may have to settle for casual or part-time, in possibly in a unit you might not like working in (until you get enough seniority to get full-time, or to transfer into a unit where you want to work.) The job market is also very location dependent, some cities are saturated with nurses, others are not. I don't think there is really "a shortage." They are pumping out nurses (RPN, BSCN, compressed BSCN). Most retirees come back working casual. All jobs in Ontario seem to be dwindling in general, so from that perspective, I think there is more opportunities in nursing. But there is definitely NO shortage. I strongly suggest volunteering: at a hospital/ltc/healthcare agency, and ask lots of questions to staff nurses, when you get an opportunity.

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Specializes in NICU.

I don't know, I think there are definitely more jobs than other fields, but i wouldnt say there is a shortage. I'm in my final pre-grad placement in the RPN program and was already offered a job on my unit (acute surgical trauma), and a few of my classmates were offered jobs at their placements as well. I'm not sure how it is to apply from outside though.

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