Should I apply for this job?

Fiona59 · Mar 14, 2012

I don't recall saying that you would have to pay for the training. From what I understand, it is the national nephrology certificate that's required, like you've mentioned. And it was more of an example. I know that CCU, Peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis all require additional specialization certificates from BCIT on top of your BSN.
Aside from that, the point of my question was more along the lines of "are new grads advised against trying to go into any specialties for X amount of time?" And how do new grads generally get their foot in the door? For those RNs who are posting, how did you start out after school?

BCIT doesn't provide free education. You will pay for their courses.

I'm an LPN who graduated in the last decade when no-one was hiring full time nurses of either grade. I wound up working four casual jobs at one point to be able to repay my loans. You simply cannot be picky and hold out for a dream job. LTC, Community Health, and Acute Care were the places that would hire casual. You had to be available for any shift because the permanent part time staff get first pick. The casuals get the leftovers. Many times I'd get called at 22hr to see if I could be there for a night shift. Many pay periods there was only one or two shifts on a cheque.

AHS provides paid training in dialysis for both LPNs and RNs who are going to work on the dialysis units. Peritoneal patients often wind up on general medicine units and the Nephrology staff drop by to monitor their progress. Many peritoneal patients are capable of managing their own care and often perform their dialysis on units with supplies being delivered and staff checking on them. Won't even go near the topic of patients who perform home hemodialysis.

Alka_Selse BSc · Mar 14, 2012

Thank you so much, Diffindo. I will take this all to heart.

In regards to your point of only competing heavily for a final practicum in a specialized area.. Are there a lot of opportunities during clinicals to work in the different areas? From the program outline that I received from the school, it seems limited to ER, med/surg, pediatrics, and maternity. But I will definitely make those connections.

On the plus side, I much prefer rural living than the city, so that's good to hear about rural hospitals being a bit more accepting. And luckily, I have just over 3 years before having to find a job, or 4 if I don't get into the fast track program. At the information session, it was noted that the average age of nurses is about 47, and increasing steadily. So, the majority of the baby boomers will be retiring in the next ten years at most, if they retire at 65, and sooner if they retire earlier. So, it seems to be a good time to be going into nursing. I expect it will still be congested a couple years after graduating, but hopefully the field will open shortly thereafter.

Alka_Selse BSc · Mar 14, 2012

BCIT doesn't provide free education. You will pay for their courses.
I'm an LPN who graduated in the last decade when no-one was hiring full time nurses of either grade. I wound up working four casual jobs at one point to be able to repay my loans. You simply cannot be picky and hold out for a dream job. LTC, Community Health, and Acute Care were the places that would hire casual. You had to be available for any shift because the permanent part time staff get first pick. The casuals get the leftovers. Many times I'd get called at 22hr to see if I could be there for a night shift. Many pay periods there was only one or two shifts on a cheque.

My apologies, Fiona59, I think I misunderstood what you were saying previously. I thought you were saying you had to pay for on-the-job training. The hospital provide paid training; I'm aware of that. The certificate, however, was a 8(?) month program that the hemo nurses had to take from BCIT (and I had no misconception about having to pay for it). After speaking with the nursing staff on the hemo unit at St. Paul's in Vancouver, I don't recall them ever saying that it was funded for them. From what you've said, AHS funds the education cost?

And thank you for your insight of work after grad. I expected it would be something like that - two or three part-time casual positions. I am curious, though, how hiring differed between graduates of the LPN and RN program, if you know. I've heard that there's a massive difference between LPN responsibilities in BC compared to the rest of Canada, especially the east.

cris23 · Mar 22, 2012

Hello everyone,

Thanks for offering your advice and some other interesting information. I have applied for the position and am now waiting to be contacted.