Alberta nurses I need your help!

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Hello guys,

I want to move and to practice as a RN in Alberta(Fort McMurray) or others northern cities. I was wandering how and where can I get the information about those areas (such as RN salaries in those areas, climate, renting the houses, finding the jobs opportunities there). Any information will be really appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

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United Nurses of Alberta negotiates for nurses. For collective agreements:

http://www.una.ab.ca/conferences/collective%20Agreements/002889A7-000F7D10

For registration information:

http://www.nurses.ab.ca/

For housing information:

http://www.fortmcmurrayalberta.ca/

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Specializes in ER, Rural Nursing, Public Health.

Howdy - former Edmontonian here....

You probably know that the provinces, such as AB, are divided into Health Regions (sorry, I have no idea where you are from). AB nurses are paid $27.12- $35.60 ... If you have your BSN, you are looking at roughly $30/hr

The 3 more "northern" health authorities are (check out their websites for job postings):

Northern Lights Health Region (included Fort Mc) http://www.nlhr.ca

Peace County Health http://www.pchr.ca (includes Grand Prarie)

Aspen Health http://www.aspenrha.ab.ca (included Hinton, Jasper)

One negative point about working in AB is that full-time are sometimes hard to come by (which is why I now work in the US). There is plenty of part-time, but I guess you can pick up shifts (which isn't always a problem with the shortage these days).

Did you want rural nursing? Can I give you a hint? Grande Cache (Peace County Health) has full-time positions. This is a GORGEOUS location, deep in the mountains. They do offer a very generous sign-on/ relocation (last time I spoke with them was back in May). The mine is reopening up there, so the population/ service demand will be increasing shortly.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in ER, Rural Nursing, Public Health.

Sorry - one more thing.... I don't know how much you know about Fort Mac, but let me add:

IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!! There is a critical housing shortage. You're looking at up to $500,000 for a normal sized home in some areas. They are scrambling to build housing for people up there right now. The industry just exploded up there, so that is why it is a popular place to live. Do not move there if you want to save money ...lol I know peole who couldn't even find an aprtment to rent, so they ended up having to leave. A lot of the workers/ labourers up there work in camps, so that is how they get around the housing issue.

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Fort Mac is also having drug problems, big time.

The housing issue is very real and getting worse daily. Any job up there is hard to fill.

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Thanks all of you guys for your help.

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

Any advice on Whitehorse ? Mountainous and relatively inexpensive is what I see.

Thoughts ?

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Never been to the Yukon, but had a friend who worked in the NWT. Very expensive, even with the northern pay and tax relief.

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Specializes in ER, Rural Nursing, Public Health.

I did a stint up in Whitehorse - at the General Hospital. HANDS DOWN - some of the most incredible nurses I have ever met. It is a 49 hospital. Lots of medivacs out to Vancouver and Edmonton when people get really sick.

Here is the promblemo - jobs are hard to come by at the Hospital because Whitehorse has become quite the desirable place to live. That is why I never stayed. No jobs. If you are willing to work casual, then go for it! There is a growing young family population there... many people come for the outdoors aspect. It is also one of the most spread out cities in Canada, so you will definitely need a car. Lots of driving involved when you live in WH.

If you are inerested in community/ rural nursing, check out Teslin, Mayo, Watson Lake (has a very small hospital)... OR if you have ER/ ICU experience (at least 2 years) they are always seeking flight nurses (whom were wonderful/ knowledgable people). There is a college up there which the hospital uses for continuing education (TNCC, ACLS, PALS) and the doctors/ nurses whom teach it are very passionate about their profession...

If you want an amazing experience and a chance to meet some great people, I highly recommend the Yukon!

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

Considering the NWT. Will be discussing with Fort Smith. This is a locum position which strikes me as just what I need.

I did a stint up in Whitehorse - at the General Hospital. HANDS DOWN - some of the most incredible nurses I have ever met. It is a 49 hospital. Lots of medivacs out to Vancouver and Edmonton when people get really sick.

Here is the promblemo - jobs are hard to come by at the Hospital because Whitehorse has become quite the desirable place to live. That is why I never stayed. No jobs. If you are willing to work casual, then go for it! There is a growing young family population there... many people come for the outdoors aspect. It is also one of the most spread out cities in Canada, so you will definitely need a car. Lots of driving involved when you live in WH.

If you are inerested in community/ rural nursing, check out Teslin, Mayo, Watson Lake (has a very small hospital)... OR if you have ER/ ICU experience (at least 2 years) they are always seeking flight nurses (whom were wonderful/ knowledgable people). There is a college up there which the hospital uses for continuing education (TNCC, ACLS, PALS) and the doctors/ nurses whom teach it are very passionate about their profession...

If you want an amazing experience and a chance to meet some great people, I highly recommend the Yukon!

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