loren45

I am graduating soon from a LPN program here in BC and moving to Ottawa to become an RPN. I was just wondering if any of you newly graduated RPNs are getting lots of casual hours at the care homes or the hospitals in Ottawa? How many hours on average, that is... (I hear that new workers receive equitable hours depending on the facility.) And how long generally have you found it takes to get a PT or FT job? Thanks for your input!

Thank you once again for taking the time to answer my many questions. You are a great nurse!

I would like to work at the Ottawa Hospital once I arrive from BC. If I eventually get hired on as a casual, do they give hours to RPNs based on seniority or merit? How many hours would I expect initially as a beginning worker? Would I work at just one of its locations or all three as a casual? And if it is seniority based, would I keep my seniority as I move from unit to unit or even from one of the hospital's locations to another location? And finally, is there a union website for RPNs working at the Ottawa Hospital that would give more info. about pay scales, pensions, and etc. Lots of questions I know, but any help would be greatly appreciated. I am finishing up my exams here in BC and need to start thinking about my new career in Ottawa!

Your information is as always, superb. Thank you again so much for helping me!

I forgot to ask how one gets a hospital job as a new graduate. That is, do you start as a casual at the hospital first and then apply later for the jobs requiring one year experience, or do the hospitals consider beginning RPNs for these openings? Any suggestions/comments would be helpful...

Thank you so much for all the information. It was quite excellent, and very helpful. I will look at the websites you mentioned as well... Cheers!

Hello all, I will be relocating to Ottawa from BC in the near future. I am finishing up my courses here as an LPN and then taking the national exam. Of course, I need to be assessed in Ontario to be granted licensure there. I was just wondering what the job market is like in Ottawa? That is, are jobs available and what are the average salaries for care homes and hospitals. And can anyone recommend healthcare facilities that would be good places to work? Thanks!