Pre-Nurse with intentions to work RURAL areas

[canadianwesty]

Greetings,

I am interested in a career in nursing. I likely will continue to get a MSN at some point later in my career (if that helps answer this question at all).

I am applying shortly to the nursing programs (4 year), and am wondering with my intentions to work in rural areas of Canada (this is the ONLY place I want to live after graduation if possible), I am wondering if I should apply to schools who are in more rural areas to increase my chances of being able to work in a rural position after grad?

I wouldn't mind working in a more urban area to gain experience first, but I am unsure if that would really help me score a job in a rural area.

When I mean rural area, I mean somewhere I can buy 100's of acres for low 100's of thousands of dollars. Northern BC appeals to me, and will likely be where I settle, so I hope to find a job there after grad.

Some schools I notice offer First Nations and Rural Nursing courses as part of their program. These same schools also offer Rural Nursing Certificates, which you can obtain once you are an RN.

So my question is - is it better to go to a more rural school (e.g. UNBC or NWT/Yukon school) right off the bat? Or should I go to any school (e.g. UBCO, UVIC, etc.) and just look for a rural job afterwards. I am also thinking that maybe in rural areas, I am unsure the quality and abundance of the practicum components. But, if they are available and abundant, than I would imagine the experience gained would be much more relevant.

What do you guys think!?!

[canadianwesty]

The BCIT program looks very clinical based and by courses alone - seems like this program would adequately prepare nurses for real world work. I am looking at the possibility of applying to this program as well.

Hmm..

[dayandnight]

It will be much helpful to go to school in the north or the island if you want a job in that area straight out of school.

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

If you are not picky about where you live now, apply to a school close to an area you think you would like to work - placements are the best way to get hired, and also the best way for you to see if you want to get hired. You will then also have the opportunity to develoe a social network in the area while you are in school, and decide if you would even want to live in that area.

The other option is to do your consolidation/pre-grad placement in an outpost area or rural.

[sunship88]

To be honest I don't think it will matter where you go to school...there is a much higher demand for nurses in small, northern communities compared to cities and you won't have a problem getting a job after graduation in N. BC if you are somewhat flexible on location. I went to nursing school in a large city and some of my classmates chose to do their final preceptorship in a rural setting; I would recommend this if you are able in order to get a feel for what it will be like!

[canadianwesty]

Thank you for your replies! I have done some considering and more research.

I applied to UNBC's program in collaboration with NWCC in Terrace, BC. I have sent transcripts and am waiting to hear from them.

Fingers are crossed :) From what I hear, it is a beautiful area, and having already lived 4 years in Vancouver - I think a similar climate would be tolerable. Land is not cheap (nor abundant) but I figure it will get me out there and I can see more of what's up there once I'm there.

I am going up there with the intention to network and settle locally.