Alberta or manitoba?

Fiona59 · Feb 1, 2013

I'm shocked that it's been that challenging for you. AHS is cutting back, but you have experience and new grads are still hired. E people has been up and running for a couple months, so that's not an issue. Have you tried LTC units through AHS also? They need people too. Well casual is the way to go then.

New grads are cheaper to hire. New grad LPN is around $24/hr. Final step, experienced LPN is $32.

Budgets cuts.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2013

Do you think they are overlooking Juli's resume based on the fact that she costs more than a new grad? Sneaky. I never thought of it that way. Experience should count for something!

itsmejuli · Feb 1, 2013

I think I'd be at step 2 or 3 since I've only been here 2 years and nursing for almost 4 yrs.

Will let you know if I get interview for this casual position.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2013

I hope you get the position! Have a good night.

new2012grad · Feb 2, 2013

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out And scream and shout and let it out!!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2013

Don't be too discouraged, new grad. Despite hard times, nursing jobs exist everywhere. However, you may not get your ideal position, and you should be prepared to relocate to a smaller city or town if you want to work sooner rather than later. It's tough for new grads and experienced nurses everywhere across the nation. We can't change that at the moment. In fact, there was an article as recent as a day or two about the restructuring occuring in AHS. In Newfoundland, nurses are facing layoffs. ON has been the same through 2008-2010. We have to learn to make the best of things to move forward sometimes.

Fiona59 · Feb 2, 2013

I think the universities and colleges need to do a better job in preparing students for the real workplace. Don't the unions visit them anymore?

AUPE came in and did a presentation before I finished my PN course. How to join, what to expect, how the dues were paid, what the union had gained for the workers. They explained seniority. Then after being hired there was a short union presentation at the hospital.

Students need to look at the units where they work. How many regular staff are working, how many floats from the pool are on the unit.

I'm shocked by the attitudes displayed by our last few new hires. They just don't understand that as casuals they aren't entitled to full time hours without working shift or weekends. Ones that are hired into permanent lines expect vacation at their choice because that's when their friends/families/weddings are planned. After over a decade, I'm still stuck with the least desirable months and no I'm not giving up my crap choice so you can go to Bermuda with your boyfriend, my husband would kill me (he is laughed at at his work over having to take his vacation in the winter because at the top of his seniorty list and could be off all summer if he wanted)

new2012grad · Feb 2, 2013

My heart out to u all :))

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2013

I've had a similar discussion with a casual staff member about hours. She assumes that when she is ready to accept a position months down the line, the hours will be available. However, I was explaining that if someone is hired into that position, those hours will disappear, and that the shifts are based on seniority, which a new casual does not have. So in other words, when positions are filled on a unit, unless they decide to create a float, or an extra, there may or may not be hours to take. Most units are based on seniority, and staff cannot automatically bump someone out of their position or take their hours.

itsmejuli · Feb 3, 2013

Well my resume and cover letter are submitted for that casual position. I have all the qualifications they're looking for so let's see if I get accepted or rejected for an interview. Maybe I should contact the person I interviewed with previously and get her to recommend me. At least I'd get my foot in the door and have oreientation through anothher budget. :bored:

itsmejuli · Feb 3, 2013

to the OP

Sorry for hijacking your thread....we got talking about the reality of finding work in Alberta.

Its not easy finding that first job. I graduated in the states and with no healthcare experience had a hard time finding a job. I got that first job by networking in a college class I was taking.

When I moved to Alberta I got a job by going to the CLPNA conference and networking. I brought my resume with me and was ready to interview right then and there. I got my next job because I have very good communication and people skills. I know how to answer interview questions.

If you look at the CLPNA website there are lots of LPN jobs listed, especially if you're willing to start in homecare or longterm care. You need that magic one year somewhere to develop your time management and communication skills.

But you also need to decide where you want to live. Getting a job is only half of the equation, you need to be happy in your off time too. There is nothing holding me back from working in a rural area but I'm a big city girl and that's the off time I want. I'd lose my mind in a rural area.

Good luck to you.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2013

My mind is going....if you are a city girl, you might eventually lose your mind in a rural setting. However, it was well worth the sacrifice and I'm glad I made it. I've learned a lot and my debt is gone. For new grads or IENs who need that first experience, rural is always looking. You'll save your money, too. Nowhere to spend it.