Finding an RN job in british columbia (IEN)

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 18, 2011

moved to our canadian nurses forum for best chance s.member responses.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 18, 2011

The sad fact is that the regionalization model isn't all that people-friendly. Each region has their own process for posting, screening and hiring. The managers or supervisors have only the smallest of roles in the whole scheme, that of making interviewing and selecting the final candidate. While you COULD hand your resume directly to a manager, it will still have to go to human resources and go into the pile with all the rest. Then when you add in seniority, the odds multiply that you're not even going to be looked at. It's very difficult to get your foot in the door these days unless you have something very special in your resume. I'm just guessing here, but if you're only looking in Vancouver, you might be unemployed for a long time. My suggestion is to look for positions that state they've been reposted. That often means the unit isn't the most desirable place to work, but it could be your entree. And then once you've gotten into the system it's a bit easier to move around.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

It is hard to stand out as an applicant when you submit an online resume, I recommend that you write a tailored cover letter for each and every application. The cover letter should demonstrate to the potential employer that you understand what is unique about their healthcare facility and what qualities and experiences you posess that will make you a good fit at their workplace.

Avoid using generic cover letters, human resources and managers are busy people, make your cover letter and resume warrent their time and consideration.

4_Sq · Jul 19, 2011

Apply to all of the Health Authorities in British Columbia

Northern Health

Vancouver Coastal

Vancouver Island

Interior Health

Fraser Health

I noticed that if you specialize in Emerg nursing there seems to be a lot of jobs available right now

Fiona59 · Jul 19, 2011

Hi, my name is John. I'm a nurse from the Philippines who just passed the June 2011 CRNE. Based on the assessment of the CRNBC, I didn't have to go through clinicals so I was able to take the boards immediately. Now, it is time for me to find a job here in British Columbia. My question is, what is the best way to apply for jobs? especially that I am a male nurse and my entire experience is from the Philippines. Some people say it should online by making a profile with the different health authorities but I feel that my resumes sent through email are not being given priority. Wouldn't it be better to hand it to a nurse supervisor personally? or would they just tell you to do it online? And since I have no experience here in bc, would it be impossible for me to find a job? Can anyone out there help me find a job? thanks

I'm sorry but why should your 'resumes sent through email ..be... given priority"?

You have to understand that employees already IN the system are given priority. You are basically competing with every other nurse who has moved to BC or graduated recently.

Nurses in BC are unionized. Their union is very strong and vocal. Don't expect to jump to the head of the hiring line by being male, an IEN, or writing a snazzy cover letter.

dane_j · Jul 20, 2011

I'm sorry but why should your 'resumes sent through email ..be... given priority"?
You have to understand that employees already IN the system are given priority. You are basically competing with every other nurse who has moved to BC or graduated recently.
Nurses in BC are unionized. Their union is very strong and vocal. Don't expect to jump to the head of the hiring line by being male, an IEN, or writing a snazzy cover letter.

I do not expect to jump to the head of the hiring line. The reason why I posted this message is to ask for help since i feel like my credentials are not as good as the graduates here because i lack the "CANADIAN EXPERIENCE". SO relax on the comments Fiona. I never said I should be given priority because im a male, an IEN and can write a good cover letter. What i said is, wouldn't it be better to hand off resumes personally as compared to just applying online. Well it turns out all the health authorities are not accepting personally submitted resumes as they say that all applicants must go online.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 20, 2011

Make sure resume/CV is to Canadian format, apply for everything including community like LTC. Not sure if you are prepared to move but that may be something to consider

PiRN · Jul 20, 2011

I do not expect to jump to the head of the hiring line. The reason why I posted this message is to ask for help since i feel like my credentials are not as good as the graduates here because i lack the "CANADIAN EXPERIENCE". SO relax on the comments Fiona. I never said I should be given priority because im a male, an IEN and can write a good cover letter. What i said is, wouldn't it be better to hand off resumes personally as compared to just applying online. Well it turns out all the health authorities are not accepting personally submitted resumes as they say that all applicants must go online.

Let's stop BITTERNESS please!!

To dane_j, make your resume KISS (keep it short and simple) but putting all your nursing related credentials, I think you have a Master's degree because you are being equivalent without going to some clinical practice, as what you said. You may also take some courses like Physical Health Assessment Course or Pharmacology because they need those qualifications in the hospitals.

Goodluck on your way! Congratulations for being an RN in Vancouver! :)

PiRN · Jul 20, 2011

As to everyone, being a nurse is not all about having the knowledge and skills, you should have the attitude of being a nurse which is to maintain professional and THERAPEUTIC!! :) :) :)

hanjin · Jul 20, 2011

As to everyone, being a nurse is not all about having the knowledge and skills, you should have the attitude of being a nurse which is to maintain professional and THERAPEUTIC!! :) :) :)

I totally agree with you PiRN. Afterall, that's what a nurse should be!!

To Dane,

We're in the same boat. I suggest while waiting for your registration and job hunting, try to do volunteering at any institution related to Nursing, like LTC and Retirement Homes, though you can't expect to be doing nursing duties. I'm sure that would make a good Canadian experience.

PiRN · Jul 20, 2011

I totally agree with you PiRN. Afterall, that's what a nurse should be!!
To Dane,
We're in the same boat. I suggest while waiting for your registration and job hunting, try to do volunteering at any institution related to Nursing, like LTC and Retirement Homes, though you can't expect to be doing nursing duties. I'm sure that would make a good Canadian experience.

TRUE!! If you had Volunteer experience in the past, including Canadian Volunteer experience, you MUST put it in your resume.. :)