I just wanted to share some good news with you all. I know there have been several of us IEN's actively looking for work in Nova Scotia, and getting a tad frustrated with the long drawn out process of finding an employer!
Well, finally - after many many (MANY!) months of sending out my CV to various hospitals, I have *finally* received a job offer!! WOOHOO!!!!
So to everyone still looking for work - don't give up hope. There is a job out there for you if you keep hunting! I have found this year to be very frustrating - I have no trouble getting work here in Australia, infact, have been head hunted even (very good for the ego!). So to have to fight so hard to get a job has been a bit hard on my self esteem at times! But I have to say - finally getting that offer and signing the contract has made it all worth it!
So I am now busy packing up the house, studying hard for the CRNE, and waiting (im)patiently for the work permit to be approved!
I'd love to hear from the other IEN's who have been job hunting whether they have found employment yet?
Hi Arrianna - I got a position at the main hospital in Truro. The hourly rate is slightly less than what I get now, and I think the penalty rates are definitely not as good as what we get here in Australia either.
But, all said and done - my reasons for wanting to work and live in Canada have never been about the money. Its about experiencing a new culture and developing my professional practice. Which I guess probably sounds a bit conceited? Not that I would be insane enough to take a job for a massive paycut! I still need to live after all :)
I've filed for my WP - had a reply in less than 2 weeks to go get my medical. The one and only doctor that is able to do the medicals has a 2 week wait, so more waiting, and then hopefully not long after that is done to get a final answer. The LMO took 2 weeks also.
How much is the hourly rate for the LTC job? Would it still allow you enough to live off? Because if its for a full time permanent position and you were looking for sponsorship for perm residency, it would allow you to get all that. And then once you are living in Canada with PR, you are free to continue looking for a *better* job. Just a thought....
Good on you Bec,You are right,my family is waiting for me in NS and will be filing for my WP come monday.LTC rate is 32/hr not including penalty rates.Good thing is they offer relocation to which im sure you will also be having .Are the rates same as yours?thinking about it more,guess just lucky enough to get this job so here we come Nova Scotia...all the best Bec hope to catch up with you when we both get to NS.
To Bec,did you have to submit proof of funds for your application of Work Permit?It is one of the requirements but I could not find further info on how much is required.Thank you.
Arrianna - they've offered me $34 based on experience. $32 isn't too bad, especially for LTC. From what i've heard with LTC in australia is they are usually very poorly paid compared to the RN's working in acute care.
I haven't been asked for any proof of funds, but i was told that i should be prepared to show that i have sufficient funds when we go through customs. I thought you only needed to supply proof of funds if applying for perm residency? If i remember rightly, the CIC website states a figure around $10,000 depending on whether you are single or have dependants (obviously will be more with childrend). But that being said, there is also information saying this amount may be 'lessened' if you have a job offer. but doesn't say lessened by how much!
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Yep NS is definitely unionised and pay seems about right $29-34 is what NS RN's receive. Cost of living isn't too bad and from my 2 weekly pay I can manage to pay bills (gas/petrol, food, electric, oil, wood (buy that twice a year 6 cord at a time for hubby to cut down ready for winter fuel), feed 2 adults and 4 dogs as well as treats like going out for a meal and buying other treats like DVD's etc.
If you buy a house you can usually add your country tax to your mortgage, we don't so that has to be paid once a year usually Jun/Jul. Then I also have home and car insurance which because we got both at the same time we pay that at the same time once a year. Electric bill comes every 2 months. TV, telephone, cell phones etc come monthly so a lot will depend on what you get/need. Yes my husband works and we use his money to buy any big stuff we need or treat ourselves to as well as save for a rainy day :)
I work LTC and I find it not too bad at all, (definitely better than my experience in the UK) although I know not all LTC companies are the same the company I work for isn't too bad and do try to listen to staff and any issues they have.
To Bec, Thanks.The job offer is in main Halifax,5 minutes to where we got an apartment.I am hoping the rate will be better once I complete the provisionary period of 720 hours as they gave me the #6 of the RN salary scale.I am on top of the salary scale rate here in Australia.Cost of living as we've experienced for the past six months before I left Nova scotia in June was almost the same.Rent is definitely cheaper almost half from what I pay in Melbourne.We are renting a 2 BR apartment in Halifax for $720 including heat and water (same 2 BR house in Melb.for 1550)
Just a bit nervous about coming to work at an LTC as I have never work in one before,most of our patients are elderly anyway as we do mostly elective orthopedic surgery.This is where I get my confidence.
To Silverdragon, dont you find the workload too much from where you work? My prospective workplace has level 1&2 care .Whats the nurse patient ratio like?Thanks.
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I am working in a care facility which during the day is 1RN and 1LNP and nights is 1RN Each house has 3 CCA's. We have just over 30 clients and I believe we are a level 2 facility. A lot will vary depending on where you are, employer and how many clients are there. My employer has opened a lot of smaller facilities. I actually find the workload less than I had in the UK.
If top RN is $34 then really $32 isn't too bad, not sure how much experience you have but I have over 20 years although not LTC and I was told my rate would be £32 and I haven't been told that will increase once my probation period is up
Unionized pay rates for full time staff usually increase once a year until the final step is reached. For part-timers, the pay increase comes after working the equivalent hours of a full time year (for some reason the number 2022 hours comes to mind), so if you are a part timer it depends on how big you .FTE is and how many extra shifts you pick up.
But I have to say - finally getting that offer and signing the contract has made it all worth it!
dvsbec
55 Posts
Hi Arrianna - I got a position at the main hospital in Truro. The hourly rate is slightly less than what I get now, and I think the penalty rates are definitely not as good as what we get here in Australia either.
But, all said and done - my reasons for wanting to work and live in Canada have never been about the money. Its about experiencing a new culture and developing my professional practice. Which I guess probably sounds a bit conceited? Not that I would be insane enough to take a job for a massive paycut! I still need to live after all :)
I've filed for my WP - had a reply in less than 2 weeks to go get my medical. The one and only doctor that is able to do the medicals has a 2 week wait, so more waiting, and then hopefully not long after that is done to get a final answer. The LMO took 2 weeks also.
How much is the hourly rate for the LTC job? Would it still allow you enough to live off? Because if its for a full time permanent position and you were looking for sponsorship for perm residency, it would allow you to get all that. And then once you are living in Canada with PR, you are free to continue looking for a *better* job. Just a thought....