Perioperative Nursing in Toronto vs Vancouver areas?

[Devilkat84]

Does anyone here have any experience and/or opinions on perioperative nursing in Vancouver vs Toronto areas? I currently have 8 years of experience as an RN (2 years critical care ICU, 6 years perioperative) with certification for periop. Hospital differences/opportunities? Pay differences? Quality of life? Any helpful input at all?

[dayandnight]

In terms of pay, specialty nurses do not get paid that much in BC. they get a 50 dollar extra pay with each paycheck and that is about it. Vancouver is short of OR nurses but the problem is it is very hard to afford houses there right now. It all depends on your financial situation to be honest. Also there is a good chance you will have to take the peri-operative course again in BC. All specialty nurses are required to take education through BCIT. You might want to talk to a recruiter or someone at the hospitals in BC

[Triddin]

I think only those who are new to the specialty in bc have to go through the specialty program at BCIT

[vanlink]

You won't need to get re-certified by BCIT. Prior related work experience is accepted for most OR positions here in Vancouver! You will probably have to get oriented to the site you work at (which is paid in-house training basically).

As for living in Vancouver, affordable housing is nearly impossible to find, food is more expensive, and taxes are higher. You will pretty much be living paycheck to paycheck even on a nurse's salary.