Cant find RN job in edmonton

Castiela · Oct 20, 2017

I've heard Alberta is a hard province to get a job in but I don't know any more specifics, best of luck

hellohobbit · Oct 21, 2017

Hi! I saw a lot of postings online on AHS and Covenant Health. Did you apply all of them? Chances are one interview out of 50+ applications.

Also, do you have previous work experience in nursing like a healthcare aide etc?

Fiona59 · Oct 22, 2017

Hi! I saw a lot of postings online on AHS and Covenant Health. Did you apply all of them? Chances are one interview out of 50+ applications.
Also, do you have previous work experience in nursing like a healthcare aide etc?

The new AHS board clearly states which positions are for internal applicants. It's most of them.

It's a hard market. I know people who applied for over 150 positions and finally gotten an interview. It's almost the same for internal applicants. Every position has 50+ internal applicants.

hellohobbit · Oct 22, 2017

What would you advice new grads do in order to find a job in Edmonton? Is long term care less competitive?

Fiona59 · Oct 22, 2017

What would you advice new grads do in order to find a job in Edmonton? Is long term care less competitive?

You just have to apply everywhere. Cast the net widely and not be picky.

LTC is just as competitive and they are looking for people who want to be there, not those who "are willing to work there"

Edmonton Remand is always understaffed, but not to everyone's taste, but it is an "in" to AHS.

You could also look at the private sector.

hellohobbit · Oct 22, 2017

You just have to apply everywhere. Cast the net widely and not be picky.
LTC is just as competitive and they are looking for people who want to be there, not those who "are willing to work there"
Edmonton Remand is always understaffed, but not to everyone's taste, but it is an "in" to AHS.
You could also look at the private sector.

Yeah you're definitely rigtht about LTC. I've noticed that a lot correctional centre are hiring RNs. I've never been to a correctional centre or prison before but my friend said it was easy. It's all about meds and mental work. What's your input in this? Also, can you give some examples about private sector? Thanks a bunch!

Canadiangirl94 · Oct 23, 2017

Hey, ya I've applied for about 150 positions. All of those on covenant health and AHS even ones I'm not technically qualified for. I also worked as a home health care aide in the past as well during my last year of nursing school. I actually didnt apply for the positions at the remand, good to know. Although the new job board has changed and has made it difficult to apply for jobs in numerous fields.

s307 · Oct 23, 2017

I'm in the same situation as you are, only I've been applying for two years. I think there is a lot of internal hiring and union problems. Also, AHS uses a computer system to filter out resumes so you need a lot of key words on your resume for it to be chosen. Good luck!

Fiona59 · Oct 24, 2017

You also have to realize that just because a job is posted doesn't mean it will be filled.

I know of several people of who have applied for postings as internal applicants only to have the posting cancelled and given to a duty to accommodate.

Factor in the interview process has changed over the last five years where seniority basically counts for nothing as the it's all on the interview scores. Let's leave it at there have been times people have been hired when the rest of the staff has no idea how they interviewed as the best candidate. Books smarts is winning over skills and experience.

It's a dog eat dog world right now in AHS and nobody understands how people are hired, and what is going on with the new posting board.

aywl · Oct 26, 2017

"Books smarts is winning over skills and experience."

In Our unit manager only hire new grads because they are book smart, management want to get ride if the senior staffs to save money;