LPN's in British Columbia

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Hello,

I am a LPN living in Alberta and I want to move back to BC, preferably the Okanagan and there are no jobs! What is going on there and what's up with the wages? There are lots of jobs in Calgary, will this eventually happen in BC too?

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Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

I am an RN in BC. My sister is an LPN in AB. There are far more jobs in AB then in BC for LPNs. It's getting more difficult for RNs to find jobs also. The Okanagan is a tough place to get started I think..... keep searching, you'll find something :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

Nope, there are no very little to no jobs for LPNs in the Okanagan. I was very fortunate to graduate and get hired casual in Aug, 2008. Since then, the over saturation of LPNs combined with the poor economy has slowed everything down to a halt.

Don't forget that there's still Okanagan College, Sprott Shaw and now Vancouver Career College graduating new LPNs looking for jobs too.

My own manager has said many times that she prefers to hire locals to help support her own community. She also prefers to hire those who did preceptorships/practicums/volunteer hours in the facility as the person knows it and obviously likes it there or would not be applying.

It is virtually impossible to know when/if things will turn around. The LPN hiring situation is even worse in the Lower Mainland from what I understand. I've had 2 LPN friends move from the Okanagan to Calgary and both had much better success with jobs there than in the Okanagan.

Best of luck.

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Hello Brittney,

I saw in some of your past replies that you studied at Columbia College? How was it? I applied for their PN program on August 22nd. How was the instructors and was it hard? Hope you reply.. Thanks :)

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I am an L.P.N. on disability. I injured my back 3 years ago. I have been doing alot of rehab with yoga, back strengthening exercises and feel I am ready to go back to work. I feel I am capable of working in a seniors facility where I would be doing meds, dressings, etc. I am currently taking a nursing unit course, but I really want to work again as an L.P.N. Of course there is a huge difference in pay also. It has been a difficult journey, but I have come along way. Any advice????

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Specializes in Wound Care , Foot Care,and Geriatrics.

Hi,

I am curious why working in LTC would be a huge financial difference? I work as an LPN in LTC in B.C [ Vancouver Island] and get the same pay as in the hospital. Granted, because of the facilities bargaining we are only allowed to work 8 hour shifts, 4/2.

As far as re-entering nursing I think you have a solid plan, LTC isn't as physically heavy and it will give you the time to freshen up your skills, time management, and confidence.

I was an RCA for five years. After returning to work after nursing school of a year, as an LPN, I was surprised that it took me a bit to get back into the swing of things :] I also had a very different perspective mind you. LTC was busy, challenging, but good for me.

Good luck with your re-entry back to work, and take care! We have so many nurses off with injuries, stress leave, and working with limitations.

Warm regards,

Follow Your Bliss

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