More RN's being cut in Ontario

Published

http://www.680news.com/news/national/article/48800--patient-care-compromised-as-nurses-cut-by-hospitals-trying-to-balance-books-ndp

Just another example of what's happening to RN's here in Ontario.

2,000 RN positions cut in the past year, and counting. 120 more being cut at one hospital in Peterburough. That hospital plans on replacing 70-80% of those cut RN jobs with RPN's, and leave the other 20% of positions vacant, meaning over-worked RPN's, and a shortage.

A lot of the old RN's are making close to $50/hour. The RN's getting cut are one who've been there for 20+ years, seeing as they've maxed out at the highest pay rate, newer RN's seem to be a tad lucky since they're pay is still lower on the scale.

Where I work (I work in 2 hospitals) in the GTA area, they've cut close to 50 RN jobs, and replaced them with RPN's. They've gotten rid of RN's in Mental-Health, besides one charge nurse. In the surgical-unit they've cut RN's, having only 2 RN's on duty, the rest 10-12 are RPN's. It's happening everywhere!

(I've been accepted to the RPN-RN bridging program, but i've decided to put that on hold for now & stay where i'm at)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I was also accepted into a bridge program and decided to put it on hold. I really wonder if I made a big mistake or not.

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care.

The hospital in Peterborough hasnt made any plans to cut RN's yet. What is going on is a Peer Review of the hospital because they are running a $12 Million Deficit. The Peer review suggested that the hospital CUT BEDS, therefore cutting jobs, not replacing them. The hospital is newly built, and the government has not yet handed over the promised $10Million to build it. Staff is overworked, stressed, and the hospital is underfunded for the area.

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Yes, and when there is a funding shortfall, all positions are looked at carefully.

What we are seeing out west is LPNs being utilized to full scope with fewer RNs on the floor. I'm a LPN with a decade of experience and make the same as new RN. I wind up getting called into work before a new grad.

Fair, hell no. My experience and hourly wage is what is getting me the shifts.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I am noticing this trend with RPN's as well. It scares me because I've just graduated as an RN. I'm 37 soon, in debt, and everywhere I look, it is "New Grad RPN" mostly, or experienced RN. I knew the job situation was bad, but this is the worst I've ever seen it.

So that probably means accepting Agency work, part time, or whatever I can get. I don't care....I just want to work. I think what may happen is me writing the NCLEX, and leaving to somewhere. Because the bills won't pay themselves.

It makes me angry that they would rather cut corners than pay for needed services.

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So that probably means accepting Agency work, part time, or whatever I can get. I don't care....I just want to work. I think what may happen is me writing the NCLEX, and leaving to somewhere. Because the bills won't pay themselves.

It makes me angry that they would rather cut corners than pay for needed services.

Apparently it's not any better in the States. In fact, it's taking a new grad 1 yr. to get a job. Just keep applying! I hope the best for you! Hang in there.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Thanks so much! I know it's hard out there, but I'm very determined, and I have loans to pay. Some of my friends have been getting jobs, so they are there, just not nearly as many as there should be. My goal is to have a job by the end of this year. I haven't even written my Boards, but I knew the market was bad, so I thought I should start investigating early. I'm glad I did.

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ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS - great disappointment /JUNE 2010

I too am discouraged. I have been an R.N. in the U.S.A. for eight years. I wrote Alberta crne. I am a Canadian citizen. CRNE /passed and need 225 hrs....TO GET MY PERMIT licence and a reference....whos gotta give me a reference after 5 weeks of knowing me . I wouldnt fill out a reference for someone after only 5 weeks ( arequirement). FOR INTERNATIONAL APP,S.

I ALSO HAVE CRITICAL CARE EXPERIENCE! Noone,s even called me for a job interview. I,m starting to feel a bit upset about this. I will tell you, you wont find a job in the U.S.A as a graduate nurse either unless you are willing to go to states like OKlahoma,South Dakota etc......the rural communities have a more difficult time

hiring nurses....because there is absolutely nothing there . I am livin in such a communtiy waiting for job offer in Alberta. Its an hour an a half to civilization as I call it. Nothing ,but my work here. NOT ONE OFFER WITH ALL MY EXPERIENCE.

dont give up keep tryin.......( THE ECONOMY IS BAD !)

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Hi. I'm not sure if you've tried this, but if you can hook up with an Agency or recruiter, it might be a little easier than doing it on your own. That's what I will do, because they have the connections. While the market sucks (my faculty advisor said it's the worst she's seen in an over 30 year career!!! uuuugghh!!) don't lose hope.

At least you have experience, so that's something. Good luck. I don't care where I have to go to learn, because my skills aren't going to get any better by sitting and stagnating after my exam. I am fortunate at least that I can go anywhere, and I love travelling.

I hope this improves for everyone's sake, soon. Patients need care, and nurses need jobs and reasonable working conditions. I guess when people start getting sicker, and/or dying they will realize that they can't cut staffing levels. So ridiculous!

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THANK -YOU

I will try this agency thing. I dont know if there is that many in Canada, Alberta because everything is different

there. Its worth a try.

As always,

Sandra

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Well I live in Ontario, Canada, and there ARE a ton of agencies around here. I'm sure where you live there would be a few. Given that you have experience, it wouldn't be that difficult to get in. Even as a new grad, some agencies will take me.

Just Google health care agencies Alberta or nursing agencies Alberta, or something like that.

I hope that works out.

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Alberta's primary nurse employer is AHS. Yes, that one, the one with the freeze and Duckett in charge of funds, etc.

The usual agencies ComCare, VON, WeCare, etc are usually into some limited homecare, pediatrics, and flu clinics (seasonal). They haven't been posting vacancies in the newspaper with much lately. It wouldn't hurt to send them a resume.

What I hear on the ground is that things are opening up slowly. Temporary lines are becoming permanent, so ultimately that means that casuals will be hired.

I doubt there will be a mass hire overseas in my working lifetime. We've still got new grads from '09 looking for a permanent job.

It's hard out there in Alberta. I keep hearing that SK and MB are hiring but don't know if there is any reality in it. It seems most of their jobs are in the settlements and North. Not really places for new nurses or nurses returning after a few years of raising families.

It's kind of what it was like for new grads at the end of the '90s and early part of the century. Take what you can as a casual/temp and gain some experience, make contacts and when things open up you have experience.

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