Jobs in AB?

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I'm living in Calgary, and I graduated last June (2013) with my Bachelor's of Nursing. Right before I graduated, I was originally offered a casual position on the unit where I did my final practicum (acute medicine), however after months of not answering my phone calls or emails, the manager then told me that the position was cancelled and they couldn't hire me anymore.

Since then, I have applied for over 350 positions on the AHS webpage, including rural postings, and dropped off almost as many resumes in person, as well as applying for non-AHS jobs on other websites like kijiji. I have had a few interviews, but the general consensus is that I don't have enough experience for the position, or someone else seemed like a better fit and more outgoing candidate.

I have tried to keep current by getting more training in things such as ACLS, NVCI, etc. however this doesn't seem to be helping my job prospects much. I know the situation is not great for external AHS applicants, but I am the only person I know from my graduating class that has not been hired even a year later. I have been so frustrated as it feels like I went through my nursing program for nothing. I am just wondering if any of you are going through the same thing, or if there is something that I am doing wrong that I could fix to help me finally find a job as a RN ?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

There are many threads here about the terrible job market in AB. It's not you. AHS continues restructuring and cutting jobs. Keep applying to rural areas, LTC, clinics. Anything you can find to get your foot in the door.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I know they frown upon this now but I would go to the actual unit and ask to speak to the unit manager and leave your resume. Best time to catch the manager is early in the morning before 0800 or close to their home time which is before 1500. Apply everywhere appropriate and start with a casual position so you get your foot in the door.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

This might work for rural areas that are desperate for staff. However, all the managers will still direct applicants to the online system. Everyone has to apply online.

Last week for example, I was in an interview. The manager was debating about which position to hire me for and suggested I go online to apply for something else. In the end, I didn't have to. I was hired for the position I wanted, and one that I had applied online for.

My point is, after two interviews and interest, it was still suggested that I apply again online. Managers cannot hire straightaway anymore.

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I think it depends on the unit, most that I have been to have still accepted resumes in person. I have applied everywhere that I would be competent working and everywhere that people have told me hires new grads but I still have not been able to even get a casual position.

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08 and before 1500? On my unit, we are all just too busy! The manager doesn't have time to talk to us never mind cold callers.

If there is no online application, you just won't make it to the interview level.

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Have yet to graduate but all of these threads about not finding jobs are depressing...

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Specializes in Critical Care.

My advice is what worked for me and I was actually hired and interviewed the same day when I walked up to the unit manager. This was also the time of Stephen Duckett where he was laying off nurses. I worked in various units in Calgary and the times I've mentioned were always the best time I found time to talk to them. Not all managers are the same. Take everything with a grain of salt. You can choose to be pessimistic or optimistic. I know optimism attracts positive things! For the new local grads, contact a recruiter and see what they can do to help. I think if you do everything in your power to get a job (whether it applying online, in person, or whatever) you'll be successful. All I'm saying is try! I have a feeling that most of you will get a job as long as you're not picky! Good luck!

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My advice is what worked for me and I was actually hired and interviewed the same day when I walked up to the unit manager. This was also the time of Stephen Duckett where he was laying off nurses. I worked in various units in Calgary and the times I've mentioned were always the best time I found time to talk to them. Not all managers are the same. Take everything with a grain of salt. You can choose to be pessimistic or optimistic. I know optimism attracts positive things! For the new local grads, contact a recruiter and see what they can do to help. I think if you do everything in your power to get a job (whether it applying online, in person, or whatever) you'll be successful. All I'm saying is try! I have a feeling that most of you will get a job as long as you're not picky! Good luck!

How did you survive being hired by AHS when bumping was taking place? Or were you hired by a non-union facility? The old saying "last in, first out" is so true in my hospital be you a member of UNA or AUPE.

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I feel for your situation. Have you tried going through the AHS Candidate Management? That was how I landed my full-time job in Northern AB August 2013. I graduated from Ontario last June as well. My hospital is still hiring nurses especially in LTC. It really depends on how far rural you are willing to go. When we're a grad nurse, it's slim pickings but if you can stick out in the country for at least a year there are full time positions to be had.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

What is AHS Candidate Management?

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What is AHS Candidate Management?

Something that those of us who work for them have never heard about!

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