Canadian Psych nurses

pugmum · Mar 10, 2006

Hi, Just wondering if there are any psych nurses who are working in long term care? I am currently working as an LPN in Long term care and I am finishing my degree in psych nursing. Feeling very frustrated that there seem to be few jobs in Manitoba for psych nurses other that in personal care homes. I am ready for a change. Are there any psych nurses working in long term care that regret there decision to work in that area? Do you feel that you have lost some of your psych nursing skills?
I am considering moving to either BC or AB in order to find a job. Have any advice?

RPNs are hired in BC to work in LTC.

Savanah1978 · Mar 10, 2006

Sorry I was not very clear. :idea: I want to get out of LTC, and work in a different area, but here in Manitoba it seems that the only positions posited for psych nurses is in long term care. I'm trying to stay postive that by the time Iam finished school, that there will be some different job postings for positions other than in LTC. :uhoh21:

Camelhappy1 · Mar 11, 2006

Try Alberta Hospital, in Edmonton. It has an excellent reputation in Canada for the work they do there. Actually, it is set on the outskirts of Edmonton in the north end, out towards Fort Sask. I wanted to work there at one time when I was considering pysch, but decided on another path. HR was very friendly and helpful.

Also, housing in that end of Edmonton is quite cheap....

Fiona59 · Mar 12, 2006

Edmonton is experiencing a property boom. While it may be cheap by Vancouver/Toronto prices, most new homes are coming in at over $200K.

Fort Sask. is even getting pricer!

PamelaJean · Mar 13, 2006

If you have interest in coming to Manitoba there are plenty of jobs in the hospital I work in. Our psych ward is constantly short and always looking for psych nurses. Oh yah it is in Northern Manitoba but it's not that bad.

Savanah1978 · Mar 13, 2006

Where abouts do you work in Northern Manitoba? I presently live in Brandon, and I have lived in Thompson for a short period of time (6 months).

floxy124 · Mar 19, 2006

Can any body tell me the working condition in mannitoba.Iam a psychiatric nurse presently practicing in Dubai UAE.I intend relocating to mannitoba.I mean salarywise and job opportunities.I have both forms of albertha and mannitoba .I need advice as i do not want to make any mistake.

PamelaJean · Mar 20, 2006

I am in The Pas. about 5 1/2 hours north of Brandon and 4 hours south of Thompson

PamelaJean · Mar 20, 2006

Can any body tell me the working condition in mannitoba.Iam a psychiatric nurse presently practicing in Dubai UAE.I intend relocating to mannitoba.I mean salarywise and job opportunities.I have both forms of albertha and mannitoba .I need advice as i do not want to make any mistake.

Alberta is warmer and it pays better I am unsure of the job situation there, I know there are lots of jobs for RN but I do not know about RPN

Fiona59 · Mar 20, 2006

well, right now it's -14 and there is 24 cm of snow on the ground....

I've seen Psych nurses work as RNs in LTC and in some areas of active treatment. I believe there is some sort of course around that allow them to bridge into RN duties.

Savanah1978 · Mar 21, 2006

Here in Manitoba, the pay range for psych nurses is 25- 34, and if you have your degree in psych nursing you recieve an education bonus of $1200 a year. Right now most of the positions for psych nurses is in LTC and there are a few other opportunities. It is easy to get a casual position but may take a little while to get a permanent position. Alberta I think pays a little better right now and I know that they go back to contract at the end of March, so they will be getting a raise. From the job sites that I have looked at in Alberta there seem to be more opportunities for psych nurses.