Help! registered practical nurse hiring in Canada

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 3, 2015

Moved to the Canadian forum

Fiona59 · Jan 3, 2015

You've tried every LTC in your area? Looked at casual opportunities at every site?

Can you relocate? Stay with friends if working in another town?

You are lucky to be in ON, the Athabasca PN-RN course for AB PNs require a years paid employment to be eligible for the course.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

Start applying to every small town that has a hospital and/ or LTC. Many small towns are desperate. The cities are saturated and this has been the trend for the last 8 years.

HanHRH · Jan 4, 2015

I've applied in every position I could even if I was not qualified for the position - I do not own a vehicle and have not been able to get anything. I've applied 3 hours outside of my house to various establishments. I have even applied to Nunavut but they require 1yr of paid employment even for new grads as well as Alberta/Manitoba.

I don't know what else to do! Like I said I literally have kept track of all the jobs I have applied for. I feel like I may just be too new?

I don't know what to do anymore!

Thanks for commenting,

Hannah

forgivenfaith119 · Jan 4, 2015

I am not sure how things work in Canada but could you volunteer at the hospital? People would then get to know you and you could make contacts.

HanHRH · Jan 4, 2015

I was thinking of doing that but even that is hard to get into as well - and many employment facilities for nursing in Ontario won't even consider it the right "experience"..

Very very frustrating.

forgivenfaith119 · Jan 4, 2015

I would keep trying. I know that is easier said than done though. Something is bound to come up.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2015

If you're unsuccessful, start looking in Northern Ontario.....all the small towns where nobody really wants to live. Three hours outside the GTA may not be far enough anymore.

Also have someone review your resume and cover letters, because that could be an issue. Do you have connections or friends from school who may be able to assist you?

HanHRH · Jan 5, 2015

I have had many past placement instructors as well as other nurses review and edit my resume and cover letter. It is the best I can get it at this time without having more experience. I signed up for a coronary care course online for RPN's that will be starting January 13th and am possibly taking an EKG/Phlebotomy and Arrythmia course. I ordered an NRP textbook so I can get my NRP certificate later. I hope these will maybe assist me in finding a job but I am unsure.

I sadly do not know many people that live up in Northern Ontario and I am in a very restricted financial situation (cannot afford to purchase a vehicle/relocate).

Is it just timing with my lack of experience?

I was trying to work as an RPN before and during my future schooling in Sept 2015 to become an RN. I feel I might not be able to work as an RPN until then or I may have to wait till I become an RN to work.

Thank you very much for your responses, I greatly appreciate it.

Hannah

nessa_5555 · Jan 21, 2015

Peterborough, ON is hiring rpn's/rn's but you having access to a vehicle is mandatory for the community nursing agencies that are hiring

nikki1384 · Feb 4, 2015

I think a lot of people are in the same position as you, including myself. I graduated Dec 2013 and still have not found a job as an RPN. I have also applied to 300+ jobs with no success. Im doing the same as you and going back to bridge to RN in sept. Good luck and hang in there.