Help! Advice needed please

[Dizziafro]

Hi, I'm a British nurse in Ottawa waiting to have my qualifications verified by the CNO but need to work whislt i'm waiting. The CNO have had all my information since March when i was in England and i'm still awaiting an answer. I know i can't work as a qualified nurse but thought i would utilise my time productively and try and find a job in the Healthcare environment to enable me to learn more about the Canadian healthcare system. I am also in the process of filling out an application form to volunteer at the local hospital.

My problem lies with the type of work i can do. I thought i would be able to get an "unqualified" post as a Personal support worker/Healthcare aide/Care worker etc. It seems from the jobs i am looking at you need to have certification in the particular field to apply for the jobs. a) Do i have to have one of these certifications to get such a job b) Do you think if i apply for these types of posts with my current qualifications they will reject my cv as i am "over qualified" c) I would appreciate any ideas or advice of jobs i could do whilst i'm waiting d) Does anyone know of any temping agencies i or what kind of avenues to try to get a job in healthcare.

Any advice that would help me woud be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Fiona59]

Have you thought about "sitting"? Usually it's through a security firm and you basically sit as a constant person with a patient. Sometimes they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act, other times they are dementia patients post-op that need that constant presence to stop them trying to pull tubes and wander off.

Not a glamour job but it pays and you can see how different units work.

Good luck in the job hunt and dealing with the system.

[loriangel14, RN]

It may be difficult but if you keep looking you may find a PSW/aid type job with the certification. I don't know about the Ottawa area specifically but I am in Southern Ontario and a couple of LTC facilities in my area hire without the PSW course.Sitting jobs through an agency is another good idea. Many nursing student do this while in school.

[Dizziafro]

Thank you ladies, i will take your advice and keep trying