shari5408

I think Edmonton is a good bet for "blending in". Don't know about Calgary as I've never lived there. Alberta as a whole is very conservative -- too conservative for me, anyway -- but judging by the people I've met during my eight years here, it's more the government that's so conservative. The people I know are pretty open and accepting.

FYI, there are still LOTS of LPN jobs to be had in Alberta, and the LPN's work almost to full scope of practise here, and in my experience are usually well respected by the RN's they work with. When I started this thread, wondering about jobs in BC, my move to BC was a "maybe". Now it's reality, and I'm thrilled to be moving back home to beautiful Vancouver Island. However, I've just resigned from an LPN job I love, knowing that I may never find that in BC. Let's just hope that things keep changing there! From what I've heard, BC has opened up more college spaces for training LPNs in recent years, but why they want to pump out LPNs when there are no jobs is beyond me. Maybe it's the beginning of change.... I hope so! Shari

Hi there. I made sure I was familiar with the mission/vision statements of the hospital where I was applying, and then I was able to speak confidently at an interview about why I could see myself being a "good fit" for that particular place. Also, several people advised me, and I think they were right, to acknowledge how very much I had to learn still, but display an excitement and enthusiasm about learning it. Hope that's of some help. Good luck to you! :)

Hi there. I just finished my LPN program in Canada -- it was four semesters. And just FYI, it included 700 clinical hours.

I'm just beginning to review -- I'll be writing the exam in May. Someone recommended Mosby's "Comprehensive Review of Practical Nursing for the NCLEX-PN". I bought it through Amazon. It looks good -- very extensive, lots of practice questions, and also a CD comes with it if you prefer studying on the computer. Good luck to you. :)

Thanks for the feedback everyone. There are many things I don't like about Alberta (no offence to those who love it here!), but one thing it has going for it is JOBS. Grads here have no trouble finding casual, and then most get a permanent position within a reasonable amount of time. So I can stay here and work, or I can head to the coast, be broke and unemployed, but walk on the beach every day. Hmmmm.... I'll let you know which way it goes. :) Anyway, maybe in time things will improve in BC for LPNs. I hope so! Thanks again for your comments. Take care. ~Shari

Hi everyone. I'm in Alberta and have found there are plenty of LPN jobs here -- most grads don't have much trouble finding work. Does anyone know the situation in BC for LPNs? Looking at the job boards, there doesn't seem to be nearly the demand for LPNs there. Thanks for any insight you can share.