Hi everybody! My name is Robert. I have been practicing as a RPN in Mississauga, ON for just over 4 years now. I am currently working towards my degree, and will be done in less than 2 years (YAY!). I'm sure this question has surfaced before, however I am new to this and wanted to get people's perspective.
My partner just accepted a job opportunity in Montreal. I've read that in order to practice in Quebec there are many 'hoops' you have to hurdle in order to gain licencing there. I am by no means fluent in French, I'm actually part French, my mom was born in Quebec; she used to speak, but lost the language when she was young because she didn't use it growing up.
My only other option is to work in Ottawa. There is a town called Cornwall that is not too far from Montreal. Does anybody know if you HAVE to be fluent in French to work in places like Cornwall or other places in Ottawa? I am so discouraged that I have no other options at this point. It would mean a lot to get your advice!
Hey everyone! Really appreciate the responses! So far, I have a tutor! Im going to be working with him once a week, pick up a workbook and learn as much as I can! I have to say that my agenda is quite full now, but as nurses we become so good at multi tasking! So far nights at work are turning into me glancing onto my iphone and downloading apps that test your french!
What's good is that the BASIC that I do know are coming back, but it is definatly going to take SOME TIME! Going for a trip to Montreal in a couple weeks, gonna test my skills there hahahhahah...I''m pretty sure I will get a couple 'cut-eyes', but who the heck cares!
I think you are focusing too much on French and not enough on finding a job. Your best chances are with an English speaking hospital in Montreal such as Montreal General or Jewish Hospital. There are also agencies that can find work for you in nursing homes. Work with the OIIQ to get the necessary permit, which does NOT include French. You have 4 years from the time you get your license transferred as temporary to pass the French exam. Temporary means that you have to renew each year and have taken some French course in good faith to show you are making an effort to learn.
thanks for taking the time to post this ... seems like you really know a lot about Ottawa and its' hospitals? I'm an RN and I've been trying to find work in Ottawa. Do you work there?
p.s. not used to this site so if you respond to my reply how will I get it? would it go to my email or would I have to search all the posts to find it?
I can't really speak to Cornwall but I live in Ottawa. There are lots of opportunities for English nurses here but bilingualism is definitely an asset. The Montfort is primarily a French hospital. The Ottawa Hospital (the largest hospital with something like 3800 nurses) is bilingual and rarely hires anglophones. CHEO (the children's hospital) provides bilingual services but not all their staff is bilingual, though I understand most postings are for bilingual staff. The Queensway Carleton (a smaller community hospital) is primarily English. Public health is bilingual. I work in Mental Health at the Royal. We are all psych. Our working language is English but we have some designated bilingual programs where 50% of the staff must be bilingual. That said, the other 50% are English-speaking. Most of our outpatient and community positions are bilingual.
As far as I know, there is language training offered at all the local hospitals if you do decide to pursue that.
Ottawa is generally more francophone in the east end and more anglophone as you go west and south. In terms of the commute, lots of people live outside the city and commute 45 min to an hour. If you are to the east of the city (between Montreal and Ottawa) be aware that if you work in the west end (where more of the English hospitals are) you will need to add the time to drive across the city to get to work. Could add another 30 - 45 minutes to the commute depending on traffic and time of day.
Good luck!
thanks for taking the time to post this ... seems like you really know a lot about Ottawa and its' hospitals? I'm an RN and I've been trying to find work in Ottawa. Do you work there?
p.s. not used to this site so if you respond to my reply how will I get it? would it go to my email or would I have to search all the posts to find it?
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
thanks for taking the time to post this ... seems like you really know a lot about Ottawa and its' hospitals? I'm an RN and I've been trying to find work in Ottawa. Do you work there?
p.s. not used to this site so if you respond to my reply how will I get it? would it go to my email or would I have to search all the posts to find it?
thanks
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Hi everybody! My name is Robert. I have been practicing as a RPN in Mississauga, ON for just over 4 years now. I am currently working towards my degree, and will be done in less than 2 years (YAY!). I'm sure this question has surfaced before, however I am new to this and wanted to get people's perspective.
My partner just accepted a job opportunity in Montreal. I've read that in order to practice in Quebec there are many 'hoops' you have to hurdle in order to gain licencing there. I am by no means fluent in French, I'm actually part French, my mom was born in Quebec; she used to speak, but lost the language when she was young because she didn't use it growing up.
My only other option is to work in Ottawa. There is a town called Cornwall that is not too far from Montreal. Does anybody know if you HAVE to be fluent in French to work in places like Cornwall or other places in Ottawa? I am so discouraged that I have no other options at this point. It would mean a lot to get your advice!
Robert
Hi @sashat3! i am in the same situation as you currently. I was wondering if you decided to work in ottawa, cornwall or were you able to get your licence in quebec. I am thinking of commuting as an option the days I am off but I do not know if it is a real possibility. any advice is greatly appreciated!
Sashat3
16 Posts
Hey everyone! Really appreciate the responses! So far, I have a tutor! Im going to be working with him once a week, pick up a workbook and learn as much as I can! I have to say that my agenda is quite full now, but as nurses we become so good at multi tasking! So far nights at work are turning into me glancing onto my iphone and downloading apps that test your french!
What's good is that the BASIC that I do know are coming back, but it is definatly going to take SOME TIME! Going for a trip to Montreal in a couple weeks, gonna test my skills there hahahhahah...I''m pretty sure I will get a couple 'cut-eyes', but who the heck cares!
R