Job Prospects in Toronto for New Grad RN

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Hi,

I will be graduating from nursing this summer and am looking to relocate to Toronto in August/September 2011. With all the shortages of nursing jobs around Canada, I wanted to get an idea of what the job prospects are for new grads in Toronto, specially around the downtown Toronto area. I found a few posts from a year ago about this same topic, but the responses didn't seem too promising. I have my fingers crossed and am hoping it's improved since...

I'm interested in pediatric nursing and hopefully will be able to start right away in peds, although I know with the availability of positions it's not always possible to start in an area you are interested in.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I don't know about Toronto first-hand but from what I hear it's about the same as the rest of the country...crappy! :(

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Specializes in geriatrics.

40 percent of the graduating class of 2010 in and around Toronto is currently still either unemployed or underemployed. I went to Ryerson and relocated in Jan 2012 to Alberta, as did a few others. Better money out here anyway. Be prepared to accept whatever you get. Toronto, as with most other places across Canada and the US is under hiring freezes. Good luck.

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Hi Joanna,

I also graduated in June 2010 and wrote the CRNE for the second time in Oct and finally passed. I've been thinking really hard about relocating in Alberta as well since there aren't a lot of job opportunities for recent grads here in Ontario..Would you advice me to move up there? My biggest concern is to move and transfer my registration there and not be able to find a job...Your response would be much appreciated!

Thanks

JV

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Well here in AB, we have Covenant Health and Alberta Health. Its different from Ontario this way. I would suggest going to Alberta Health's website and start applying for jobs first before you move here. However, I had a friend in my clinical group who just moved to AB and found a job after she moved. I guess it depends. I would start the process first though. You will also need to apply to CARNA here for your RN license. AB grads are also having a hard time finding jobs apparently. However, compared to Ontario, the job market is better. I had also applied in Newfoundland, and had a response. But, I always wanted to see the West, so it was a good reason all around for me to relocate. Good luck.

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I recently graduated in December and have been browsing ads as I live here in Toronto. I did a placement at a downtown hospital and know that it is very difficult to get positions at this time and that is not just for paediatric positions. It is still tough to get positions in adult health but, it seems easier (the people I know who have offers of employment were from adult health). A lot of my friends who graduated in June 2010 are still looking for positions as RNs and remain employed in other non-related fields :( Sorry to be such a downer! but, even in Toronto the job prospects are not as bright! :crying2:

I'm considering relocating as well, writing the NCLEX and trying in the US? I would still rather be an RN in Canada though!

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I am a new grad, graduated in 2010, passed exam from the first trying. I had only 2 interviews and have got a job as HFO in August. Since that time I still sending my resumes because my HFO will done next week and I have only 6 weeks of full-time job (better then nothing). Since August I have NO ONE interview:crying2: I am in Toronto.

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I just wanted to update people about the job prospects here in Toronto... it continues to suck. I'm just frustrated with the whole system. Too much competition and many people are underemployed. I don't really want to move to another province but since I haven't been getting any call backs I'm slowly and surely been looking at other provinces for employment.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I packed up last year as did 3 of my friends to AB. Toronto will continue to suck for a while. AB nurses are the highest paid of all the Provinces, and they are always looking. Search on Alberta Health Services for jobs.

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I packed up last year as did 3 of my friends to AB. Toronto will continue to suck for a while. AB nurses are the highest paid of all the Provinces, and they are always looking. Search on Alberta Health Services for jobs.

I heard in other forums that AB is not doing well as well. Anyway, it doesn't hurt to try. Few questions though, if you don't mind me asking...

Did you have a phone interview or a face-to-face interview?

How long did it take you to find a job in AB? Was it FT, PT, Casual, Temp, Perm?

How much is rent and transportation... in big and small cities?

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Also did you apply for registration with the CARNA before or after you started applying for jobs @ AB?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I had a phone interview. I heard of the job from a friend I made here on allnurses. Rents are comparable to Toronto. Depends where you want to live....if you are relocating, you need permanent part time, and at least a .80 which gives you 32 shifts in a 3 month rotation. Alberta Health Services just added 300 new RN positions. We are also the highest paid at 32.99 an hour plus differentials.

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