Calgary Job Situation

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 18, 2016

To be honest, the only volunteers I ever see at my hospital are the pet therapy dog handler and the guy who delivers newspapers to the unit. I'm on the floor all the time, while my manager is either at meetings or in her office, so she would basically have no contact with volunteers at all. Given that volunteering in a nursing capacity is illegal any volunteering you might be permitted to do might include passing out water or newspapers, feeding or reading to paneled patients or working in the gift shop. Not exactly going to catch any manager's eye.

cj96 · Jun 3, 2017

I think volunteering will increase your chance of finding a job. It will increase your exposure to the patient population, allow you to get to know the staff, introduce yourself to the manager. Over time you may be able to sneak a few words about your job situation and have a conversation with the managers about it.

Fiona59 · Jun 3, 2017

I think volunteering will increase your chance of finding a job. It will increase your exposure to the patient population, allow you to get to know the staff, introduce yourself to the manager. Over time you may be able to sneak a few words about your job situation and have a conversation with the managers about it.

My manager would remember you as the annoying person!

There is a Facebook group for LPNs in Alberta, no students admitted. Calgary is under discussion a lot. People are saying every line down there has 100+ applicants. Usually 50+ INTERNAL applicants.

Volunteering will keep you busy but will not give you an in to AHS

Amy888lee · Jun 12, 2017

joanna73 Guide

I saw that NZ locum position on AHS now. Did you work at that position before? I am looking for a job too. That position looks interesting but confusing too. Would you mind to tell us more about that position? like, whether we can choose which nursing area we want to work at?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jun 12, 2017

The NZ locum posting is for short-term, very temporary postings in different communities in the north of Alberta. The $6 an hour incentive is to compensate for the lack of choice you'd have in assignments. Because they're providing transportation, accommodations and per diem allowances, they will send you where you'd be the best fit. That's the definition of "locum". What part of the posting do you find confusing, Amy888lee? Some factors you may have overlooked for these positions are things like being able to work independently; the requirement of a minimum of one year recent nursing experience, with 2-3 years preferred; strong critical thinking and assessment skills and the ability to function in an area of changing conditions. Given your current situation, I don't think you'd succeed in this environment.

Amy888lee · Jun 13, 2017

Hey guys! Do u think volunteering in the hospital or a nursing home could possibly increase my chance of getting a job there? I'm thinking I'm just gonna work retail or something and volunteer when I'm free, that way i can get to know the managers and staff right? Is there anyone who has gotten in this way? Or know of someone who got a job this way?

Have you find any job yet?

Amy888lee · Jun 13, 2017

NotReady4PrimeTime

Based on the posting, it looks like the employer will send the nurses to any area that needs nurses. Unless there is a very long orientation; otherwise, I don't think there are a lot of nurses can be able to work at all different areas. For sure, this is not for new grad either.

Fiona59 · Jun 13, 2017

NotReady4PrimeTime
Based on the posting, it looks like the employer will send the nurses to any area that needs nurses. Unless there is a very long orientation; otherwise, I don't think there are a lot of nurses can be able to work at all different areas. For sure, this is not for new grad either.

I know someone who has done these assignments. Good gen surg background and the ability to be Charge. No real,orientation to the unit. In you go and start working.