Pondering job offer decision

[Lylas]

Hi,

I graduated in June of this year as an RPN in Toronto, and had been looking for a job since June. One of the jobs I applied to was one in a long term care facility in Ottawa, and so far, they've been the only one I've heard back from and went through the process of an interview with. They called recently with an offer for a casual/part time position which I accepted on the spot.

Now I find myself debating this decision if it was a wise choice or not. I think that moving there would be great as it is a different enviornment and I can start to practise my nursing skills and gain experience. however I'm worried about the money I'll make and whether it'd be enough to cover my expenses of living there as well as start paying off the osap loan.

Is it common and practical for nurses to move to another province, territory (or perhaps even country) for a part-time or casual position? (Edit: well maybe I can't compare that with my situation since I won't even be moving to another province, just around 4 1/2 hours away). If you have done so, did you find that you needed to support yourself with another job on the side?

Any perspectives or advice is welcome, thanks

[loriangel14, RN]

If you are paying your living expenses living in Toronto I don't think you will have any trouble getting by in Ottawa. It may even be a bit cheaper. Taking the job and moving is really your decsion and not one I could comment on but if you are single and able to move easily to another place I would say go for it. It will help you to get your foot in the door and some experience under your belt. I know jobs are pretty scarce right now and if you have a job offer taking it was a good idea. On an unrelated note, Ottawa is an awesome city. It has tons of stuff to do and see and is really just a beautiful place.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

[MissMcCoy]

Just make sure you budget...

If people working at McDonalds can make it work you bet your @$$ you can! :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Hi! I am doing exactly that. I accepted a part time permanent RN position in Alberta, I am leaving Ontario next week. I ended up getting an offer in TO also, but I actually want a new experience. I am also paying loans, and I actually called 0SAP to ask for repayment assistance (to which they responded yes). These days, it is next to impossible to secure full time anywhere. Just budget your money, and know that you are building a career in the process. Often, you will have the opportunity to pick up shifts. And maybe the part time will become full time for you. Good luck :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

With repayment assistance, you fill out an application with 0SAP again. If they approve it, you don't have to make payments for 6 months and 0SAP pays the interest during this period. Since the economy is so bad, many people are asking for this. I didn't want to be stressed about relocating, waiting to get paid, and having to pay the government. Considering that it is basically the politicians cutting health care funding, they can wait for their money, IMO.