ON new grad relocating to BC - advice?

Published

Hello,

I'm a new grad in ON, currently working on a busy psych floor (and just for reference because I see a lot of questions on here about technical skills - on our floor we do venipuncture, IVs, the odd blood transfusion, lots of dressing changes/suture removals).

My partner wants to relocate to BC - yes, a big province! - so I was wondering what the job market is there right now, specifically on Vancouver Island? Victoria always had a reputation for having a geriatric population so I am wondering if that is still true. I'm one of those strange nurses that loves geriatric psychiatry, so my dream job would be in that field. I also really like palliative care but I don't have experience in it outside of nursing school.

Any advice/tips/warnings greatly appreciated :) (i.e. psychiatric facilities that have a bad reputation in terms of protecting their staff.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

The job market is terrible in most parts of BC and has been for years. I've worked with many nurses who were educated there and left due to lack of viable options. Casual lines are sometimes available, few full time positions.

Do not move without an offer, or make sure you have 6 months of living expenses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, Emergency.

A bit difficult to find full time job in Vancouver right now. Most casuals in my previous unit were hired after preceptorship. I agree, make sure you have enough living expenses while looking for a job here. I'm sure there are jobs out there it's just hard to get pass through HR. I remember when I spoke to the nurse manager she couldn't even find my name on their system after applying numerous jobs online!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A Psych unit that does wound care AND transfusions???

My hospital's psych unit won't take patients with IV lines, Foley's, anything more than a dry dsg.

It's another world up there

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A Psych unit that does wound care AND transfusions???

My hospital's psych unit won't take patients with IV lines, Foley's, anything more than a dry dsg.

It's another world up there

From the above posts it seems that the market in vancouver is scarce. But how about positions for Rpn's? I have some friends there and would love to work there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
From the above posts it seems that the market in vancouver is scarce. But how about positions for Rpn's? I have some friends there and would love to work there.

RPN in the western provinces are Registered Psychiatric Nurses. Totally different market from LPNs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
RPN in the western provinces are Registered Psychiatric Nurses. Totally different market from LPNs.

So ontario Rpn's are Lpn's in Vancouver? So can Rpn's from Ont, practice as Lpn's in Vancouver if they have passed the exam?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
So ontario Rpn's are Lpn's in Vancouver? So can Rpn's from Ont, practice as Lpn's in Vancouver if they have passed the exam?

CPNRE is a NATIONAL registration exam.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion