First, a bit of background about me. I am currently 30 years old, male, with a strong interest in healthcare. I have a PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, specializing in atherosclerosis. I have also completed 2 years of post-doctoral training in diabetes, obesity, and developmental origins of health and disease. Ever since my third year of undergrad (9 years ago now, wow), I have been in and around hospitals on a daily basis, as all of my studies were done there.

While I do cherish the intellectual challenges and the exciting discoveries that a career in academic research offers, I find myself longing for the clinic. I want real contact with patients, to be able to make a difference on a daily basis, and all the while feel challenged in my work. I entered research with the intention of improving health care, but there is a significant gap between these two worlds. If I do not understand what patient care entails, how can I improve it through research?

This year I have applied to the nursing program at the U of Calgary. If accepted, I would work hard to become a RN, with the possibilities of working towards a NP in the future. Before going forward, I have a few questions about nursing.

1. For nurses, do you enjoy your work? Do you find that your skills are being fully utilized? Do you have the time and opportunity to collaborate with scientists on research projects?

2. What is the job market projection in Canada for RNs or NPs in the next 2-4 years?

3. Is it relatively easy to move from province to province for work? For example, would BC preferentially select applicants who obtained their degree in BC? Or would I be able to get a job there?

Thank you very much for your time!

I will be starting the AE-BSN at KPU, and was wondering what the curriculum sort of looked like. I looked at the course descriptions, and it seems like most of them are delivered online however how many times would be the approx. expected amount to be in person (I live a little further out and was curious as to what my commute would be looking like). And also just any more info would be much appreciated on what to expect! Thank you so much!! 

So basically I go back to my old high school to pick up my transcript and date of leaving letter, and afterwards I started chatting with this teacher I was really close with in school. She asked what my plan was and I told her I was considering becoming an RN but I was missing courses, so she gets all excited and says I should come back to day school next semester to fill them in. She brings me into the guidance office and tells the counsellor what I said to her, so he sits me down and starts going through my grade records. Next thing I know, this guy is looking at my grade 11 science and math marks and he just starts RIPPING on me for like 45 minutes, saying "nursing is competitive and there's no way you'll get in with these grades, you'll probably have to redo grade 11" and he starts saying that I can try doing ILC courses, but I probably won't succeed because I need someone to teach me, especially in math because I'm an idiot, apparently. So he starts blathering on about how unconfident (is that a word?) he is in me and basically what my options are, but that it's going to take a lot of luck to get me to where I want to be. Like what the hell I just went in for my transcript, I didn't ask for this. I'm not a student there, I don't really need your opinion. I mean, he is right I suppose, but he's not telling me anything I don't already know. I've done my research, I know nursing is competitive and I know the program is hard. But all he really did was make me feel even worse. My grades weren't even that terrible either, they're like low 70's. Every other grade 12 mark I had was between 85-90. I did get 90's in grade 9 and 10 math and science (I know the learning curve is a lot different in grade 11 and 12, but still), so I think if I really set my mind to it and focused, I could get really good grades in the 4U courses.

Anyway, rant over. That councillor didn't do much for my confidence, so I'm doubting myself a little at this point. I mean, I struggled in math and science in grade 11 (math has always been a sore spot with me) but like I said, I didn't do THAT badly. I'm not completely illiterate in math, I just need to put in a little extra work. So my question is this: is it really unreasonable to think that I can get good marks going through ILC, if I struggled in the past? If you've done it, did you find it very difficult? I mean, I know it's not going to be easy, but is it doable for someone like me?

I'm wondering if anyone in this community could share some insights about becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada.

I graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with a major in Health Science. My academic performance during the last two years wasn't the strongest — my cGPA was around 3.06/4.0 (roughly 73.75%). After graduating, I completed a one-year graduate certificate program in Regulatory Affairs with an average of 86.6%.

I really enjoy working in Regulatory Affairs, but I've been feeling a bit uncertain about the long-term stability of the field. That's what led me to explore more stable and respected career paths, and nursing really stood out to me.

I've been looking into accelerated nursing programs in the GTA, particularly at U of T, York, Humber, and Seneca. I know these programs are competitive, and I'm not sure if my academic background is strong enough to be a good candidate.

If anyone has experience with these programs or the application process, I'd really appreciate any advice or insight — especially on how to strengthen my academic profile or improve my chances. Thanks so much in advance!

Potentially relevant information- I started the process before the election this is not a knee jerk reaction (not that there is anything wrong with that)

Thank you so much?

I have recently taken the SEC in BC and was advised 2 short courses and a consolidated clinical. Most of the IENs I have asked said that I will have a hard time looking for a job if I didn't go for the GNIE program. I have 10 yrs of experience working as a RN and I would like to find out if anyone is in the same dilemma. I need to decide if I should go for GNIE instead in order to have a better chance of getting a job from the health authorities or Should I proceed with taking the short courses and have my registration sooner. Your suggestions, experiences and view on this matter will be truly helpful. Thanks

Forgive me if there is a similar thread. Couldn't find any.

I would like to connect with RNs who intend to apply to NP programs for Fall of 2025 in Ontario.

What programs are you looking into and why?

I'd appreciate recommendations from current/past students for less competitive schools in ON. I have 2+ years of post RN experience in mostly community/primary care/diabetes care and mental health and would really love to get in on my first attempt.

Or, will it be easier to do a 1 year MSc in Nursing and then apply to a 1 year NP certificate diploma? If yes, are there 1 year online MScN programs out there? 

Would like some opinions to enable better planning.

Thank you!

Thank you.

I will be finishing my LPN from Quebec soon and I am exploring my options of registering outside the province. I heard from others that I need to take additional courses (6) in Ontario before CNO will allow me to sit for the REx-PN exam. I was wondering whether I would need to take similar such courses in BC prior to getting the approval from the BC college of nursing to take the REx-PN exam? Any insights or experiences on this topic will be highly appreciated, many thanks!

I recently passed my NCLEX under CRNA-Alberta. I don't have an active license yet because im still looking for a job currently. 
 

my questions is, should I keep looking for a job here in AB and get registered here.? Then transfer my license to BC. 

OR DOES anyone experience just moving to BC and register in BCCNM..? 

I am uk trained psychiatry nurse, fully licensed to practice in Alberta and I must say the job market has been quite frustrating. I have volunteered and now finish my volunteering jobs, AHS is also quite daunting as I kept getting rejections and better candidates email. Please does anyone know or have tips on how to find job. 

We've looked into OMNI College in Vancouver as an option, but paying this amount of money for tuition with no guarantee of a job is very high risk.

How would we go about moving without going via the study route? Is it possible?

any information is really appreciated!

I am looking for advice as I am deciding between civil nursing and military nursing (nursing officer). Quick background, I am 20F in 3rd BSN program considering joining the airforce . I am looking to join partially for the benefits and for the challenge / experience with hopes to achieve something meaningful in life. 
I am not too passionate about nursing in general which is why am not looking forward to the bedside aspect of nursing that comes with the civil side. I would be happy behind the desk, in admin, leadership or teaching. This is slightly harder to get into as a new grad which is why I was considering Nursing officer since it's a not just nursing but also both military and nursing.
 

Please share your experience and realities for those In civil, military or both. I would love to hear (read) your thoughts on this because I feel stuck. 
My main concerns is the constant relocations which I wouldn't mind at first but it would be more challenging since I am hoping to start a family close to 30s. 
 

What is career outlook like in CAF, would I be making a big mistake joining? 
Please share and feel free to be super honest. 
 

Thanks a lot.

I have completed my BScN program and I am in Canada, however I am not licensed to practice as a RN. What other options do I have for work in the healthcare but not as a nurse? 

Thank you ?

I'm an RPN in Ontario. I may be moving to Quebec but I would most likely want to continue my nursing in Ottawa.

If I live in Quebec but keep my Ontario licence to and work in Ontario, is this allowed?

Does anyone know the process of changing my licence over to Quebec if I decide to do that instead?