ON nurse wanting to transfer to AB

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I've been a full time RN in NW Ontario since Dec 2014, I love my job, but have wanted to move to Edmonton, AB area to be with family and try something new. I called CARNA and they said I need a letter of recommendation to transfer my license to AB because I have work experience. Which wasn't a problem, until I learned that the company I work for does not give letters of recommendation....

So I'm not sure what I should do. I know the process of transferring can take 6-8 weeks, and I should have some interviews lined up.

I'm super nervous to begin the transferring process, because of all the unknowns, the last thing I want to do is move to a place and fail. At least where I am, I have a great job and security.

Can anyone calm my fears and give me some direction.

Thanks in advance,

LynZii

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Did you give your manager the CARNA employer reference form to complete? or did you ask for a letter of reference?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Have you read any of the numerous threads on here dicussing the job market in Alberta?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

As the two previous responses indicate, there's a bit of homework you need to do. First, I'm quite sure that your employer cannot refuse to fill out a reference form from a college of nursing. The form is quite different from a letter of reference. The registration process may take longer than the 6-8 weeks CARNA offers as a benchmark, too. Some people are finding 12 weeks to be more like it.

Second, be prepared for a very long and frustrating time finding a job in Alberta. There aren't many places that are actively hiring and even those are mainly posting temporary positions. Preference is given to those already working for AHS in temporary positions with no permanent position to return to. There's no simple path to finding work here any more.

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Nope, didn't know there was a form that had to be filled out.

I've read over the threads about transferring to AB, but none of them are from this year.

This just makes me even more sad. Thanks for the replies. 12 weeks is a good long wait. I guess I'll just stay here a little longer and see what ends up happening with the job market over there. :(

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Have you read any of the numerous threads on here dicussing the job market in Alberta?

Reading one from early this year now, is the hiring freeze still on? Thankfully I'm not picky about where I work, LTC is probably one of my first choices.

I guess I was looking for a big light at the end of the tunnel.. guess I'm going to have to keep looking harder, hehe

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Specializes in geriatrics.

The hiring freeze comes in waves, and has been on/ off for at least three years. Internal applicants of AHS are selected above out of Province applicants, and most positions have 50+ applicants, especially in the urban centres.

You could try applying to small towns. This would get your foot in the door with AHS. We were informed this week that our budgets would be lean. The hiring freeze and "workforce transformation" is definitely in place.

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Reading one from early this year now, is the hiring freeze still on? Thankfully I'm not picky about where I work, LTC is probably one of my first choices.

I guess I was looking for a big light at the end of the tunnel.. guess I'm going to have to keep looking harder, hehe

The big light at the end of the tunnel is usually attached to a train. And right now AHS is a trainwreck waiting to happen

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