Ionno31

I stopped getting email notifications after my last reply, didn't even realize I had gotten more responses! Thanks everyone for your advice. I've come to my senses and decided to make the best use of my degree. Again, it's not like I don't enjoy nursing so I might as well do it for a couple of years first. To ruralgirl08: We don't have PAs in BC yet, but I imagine it won't be long till we start using them. I've been tracking the PA pilot project in ON and keeping a very close eye to the development. It's definitely something I would try if PAs become more prevalent in Canada!

To Janfrn: YOU'RE NOT HELPING! You were supposed to tell me how much better RNs have it! I'm kidding of course, but now I seriously don't know what to do haha. I think in BC the payscale is 3 or 4 bucks difference between RN and RT? Even as an AA (Anesthesia Assistant), the hourly rate remains the same. I'm getting all this information from health authority websites so I'm assuming they're accurate. It's a battle between the brain and the heart, really.

Hi guys. Just looking for some advice. I'm about to graduate BSN (June '12) and while I enjoy what I do, I find myself becoming interested in the field of respiratory therapy. I work in an ED as a student nurse, and have come in contact with many RTs who just love their jobs and generally seem happier about their careers. I know I'm supposed to do what my heart tells me, but I just can't decide. I enjoy nursing enough to keep doing it, and the money's good, but I do prefer the medical model over nursing. However if I decide to pursue respiratory therapy, that would mean 2 more years of school for a job that pays less and offers limited career advancement. Also, RN to RT feels a bit backwards as most people go from RT to RN. So I guess my question is: if you were to advice a family friend who's in my situation, based on your experience and logistics (Canada/BC specific would be great), what do you think I should do? Any comment is appreciated!

Hi Sarah, I saw your message to me and I wanted to reply, but I don't have permission to use PM on this site yet. So I guess I'll just reply here. The Fraser Health hiring fair that I attended was pretty standard. You don't need to bring your resume or cover letter or whatever (unless they changed the policy), just dress professionally and be ready to answer some very basic questions that might apply to your unit. If you've already been matched to an employer, which I assume you have since you got the invitation, you're 90% hired (unless you absolutely bombed your interview). If anything the hiring fair is just a formality for them to give you some documents and for you to get to know the manager. Just go and have fun. If you have more questions just PM me your email, I'd be more than happy to share my experience.

I can assure you that UBC grads don't get that much more respect than SFU/UVic grads. Only UBC students say stuff like that, and that's precisely why I chose NOT to go there. All nursing programs in Canada are tightly regulated, so there's really no difference between one school and another as far as the curriculum goes. I personally would prefer BCIT/Kwantlen over UBC, but I also have a pathological hatred towards the latter lol. It depends on your feeling, really.

Thank you so much Vanillanut! It's nice to talk to someone who's been through it all and knows the system. I've officially put ER as my first priority on the application. I hope I learn lots in the summer!

Wow thanks guys. Very informative. I just started on my application for Fraser Health so I hope it all pans out. Now I just have something I hope people can advise me on...I'll be done my 2nd year study by May, and we've only done rotations in med/surg, do you think I will be considered for an ESN position in the ER? I want to work there as soon as I graduate but I'm not sure if my skills, as of now, are sufficient enough to work in such a fast paced environment. Anyway, thanks again for all your help!

Really? Nobody?

I have a few questions about the ESN and new grad program offered by Fraser Health/Coastal Health/PHSA for people who've participated. If anyone could enlighten me it'd be greatly appreciated! 1/ The ESN program: is there a maximum or minimum time you have to work for the hospital? I'm thinking of applying for the summer (2 months) but I'm not sure if they would hire someone for such short period of time. 2/ The ESN program: do you get to choose which specialty or is it strictly med/surg? 3/ The New Grad program: again, do you get to choose a specialty? And if anyone can just briefly explain how the program works it'd be great. That's it for now. Thanks in advance!

Haha...I just realized I said plaque instead of plague. My apology.

I actually don't know why people hate Surrey like the plaque. I grew up in Surrey and I've never experienced any problem. It all depends on where in Surrey you live, but that's like any other city, isn't it? There are bad neighborhoods and there are good ones. Don't scratch out Surrey just because people tell you to. If I were you I'd visit the cities/towns and talk to the locals to get a better idea.