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it makes me wonder what the hell is in it for AHS ( or any provincial health governing agency) that they continue to try to recruit international nurses?? Are they in bed with the Immigration department?? Do they receive some kind of " kick back" ?? No offense to any international nurses...but should we not take care of our own nurses that have paid insane amounts in tuition and taxes here in Canada to be employed?? I realize this is a loaded subject...and I am all for IENs coming here for various reasons...but when they come here and these phantom positions evaporate like a fart in the breeze....what is the point???

NO ONE!!! I don't even like working with them...they are tired, intolerant and no long show compassion or tenderness!!

Just FYI....despite the posted " job opportunities" posted on the AHS website....bear in mind many ( if not most) are non-existent. For whatever reason, the majority of those position ( many of which I have applied for) come back as " position cancelled". It's really tough out here at the moment. We have no contract in place and certainly NO job security. This " restructuring" is at a critical level and I see no improvements on the horizon. I'm sorry to be a complete pessimist on this topic....but the smoke screen that AHS is casting is smothering us all to death!!!

Heartfelt Congratulations to you!!! I won't reiterate what everyone else has said about AHS ( although, I will add one sentiment...Good riddance to bad rubbish!!) I was with AHS before the became this conglomerate entity...in my city it was the Calgary Health Region. Last year, I took a 12 month Humanitarian LOA to go overseas (Libya) and work with the International Red Cross/ Red Crescent Society. When I returned, not only had my unit been closed, but so had several others in my hospital. They had already laid off almost 235 nurses and due to alleged budget cuts ( with the exception of the " super board" who conveniently allotted themselves extortionate bonuses, etc....then later discovered a 160 000 000 windfall of cash surplus....) but I digress....then the hammer fell! I was notified that I had been terminated due to " abandonment of position" !! WT....???!!!! I immediately contacted my union rep and began the grievance process...( and located my "approved" LOA request that was submitted 9 months prior to my departure!) At the end of the day....it was a waste of my time and energy!! AHS values us as musch as something they stepped in on the sidewalk. I am now working in the private sector for a lovely family that allows me carte blanche with my care plans, values my 21 years of expertise....and has restored my inspiration and love for this profession!! I think you made a wise choice for yourself....enjoy it!! I wish you all the best...keep in touch and let us know how you're doing! Oh! and Happy Holidays to you!

The profession of nursing is in a terrible state currently. There is always a " need" for nurses, however the political and bureaucratic interference seems to take precedence over care needs. I live in the province of Alberta...and our governing health agent has made such cut-backs that we are approaching critical levels. The nurse/pt rational is a disgrace, wait times for essential care is deplorable and the general stress on care givers is at an all time high. Meanwhile, the PR geniuses continue to paint the picture to the public, that nurses are in demand and being hired at ridiculous rates....NOT TRUE! FTE and PTE rotations are being limited to an almost non-existent state...yet, they continue to claim that they are in need of more full time nurses. There are several positions posted on the AHS ( Alberta Health Services) web site....and I apply for everything! Then later, I receive an email notification that the position has been cancelled...??! What this accomplishes? I don't know. I took a 12 month LOA from my position to go overseas as a nurse with the International Red Cross...only to return home to my unit being closed, over 300 lay-offs, budget cuts and no opportunities on the immediate horizon. I am currently working in the private sector for a lovely family....and I am very fortunate to have found this position. In my opinion, I would not make the move or go through the expense of VISA applications, etc at this time. There are too many smoke screens here and we are all smothering to death!! However, I wish you well!

Nothing regarding your school, classmates, clinicals or facility should ever be posted for public viewing...ever!! That is " Professionalism 101". So, yes! The entire FB post was inappropriate. Also, take it from someone who has been in nursing for over 21 years...It's one thing to be expeditious and cautious about your own work...but really, it is NOT your place to be checking and double checking your co-students' work ( ethically or otherwise). Sometimes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions...as you are quickly learning. Do YOUR best....do YOUR job....and if your group is being put in check for errors, yet you know they are not YOUR errors, then zip the lip and just take it in stride. I wish you all the best...but nursing can be a mine field sometimes...if you appear as though you are seeking superiority!

I've been a nurse for 22 years....and I love it today as I did when I first graduated. Yes, there are days when I would rather pull my eye lashes out, one by one....yes, there are days when the thanklessness gets to me...and yes there are days when I'd rather be doing anything other than caring for that " one" pt. But honestly, those days are few and far between...and EVERYTHING else that being a nurse represents, reminds of why I do what I do...day in and night out!! Every job, in every profession will give you a hard time...will make your question your capacities and abilities and definitely your patience and confidence....unless there is some new industry the 'Care Bears' have sanctioned....that's just life, my dear young friend!! Hang in there!! You'll do fine!!

You beat me to the punch Fiona!!! I was going to post this article as well!! In my mind...I'm glad the board was dismissed! It won't solve the current cut-back issues...but honestly, How can they justify these kinds of bonuses when there are nursing lay-offs, unit closures, seniors health and community programs being dissolved!! It's a disgrace and totally repugnant!!! I came back from Libya two weeks ago...hoping to step back into my position ( I took a humanitarian LOA) and was basically told " Too bad!! So sad!! The unit is closing on June 28th" - Brilliant!! Now waiting to hear about the bumping game!!!

CP...Sending you my sincerest condolences for your loss...I wish for you and your family strength and peace as you share memories of your Dad...and offer my thoughts and prayers to you and yours during this difficult time. Take care, xox

No need to be rude. It is NOT inconsiderate to tell her story as it happened....paragraphs or not. If you find it too " time consuming" to read a fellow AN's post for advice...then move along...nothing wrong with that.

I'm also a born and bred Albertan...and it is extremely unpredictable and unstable right now. Even people that have been given offers have arrived to find that the rotation they were offered has now been " re-structured" away. As joanna73 ( and other posters) have stated...working in some of the more rural areas does increase your options, however, we have MANY urban nurses that have found themselves out of their positions and are willing to go where they can find work....so the claws are out!!!! I don't want to sound discouraging...but that is the state of nursing in Alberta right now.

You know...I've just spend the last 2 hours ( or so) happily reading about Canadian nursing issues, etc...( as I am currently abroad temporarily) It occurs to me that this OP is opening several different threads with the hope ( possibly) of getting new readers and " better" advice. There is nothing in these 4 or 5 threads that makes sense to me....to many different stories!! You were failed, you dropped, 2 teachers failed you, your teacher was your ex-boyfriends sister in law....etc...???? Just what is going on here???? If you are asking for help and advice....start by being honest.

Now I recognize your name!!!....You've started 4 different threads asking virtually the same thing. Are you not getting the answers that you want?? I'm not sure what the issue is.... Please go to the other threads and read them. We, as seasoned professionals have tried to offer you advice....but your inconsistencies and scrambled messages make it difficult.

I have to agree with the general trend here. OP...you're young, yes...but I can see by the posts you make that you are very self reflective and aware. Good for you!! I wish I had been that smart at your age!!! You've had some fabulous, front line nurse give you food for thought here...so I won't repeat what's already been written..with one exception... STRIKE " JOB SECURITY" OFF YOUR LIST OF PROs!!!! It's a tragic mess out there and position availability is next to nil at the moment. I would hate to see you invest a debt load of Uni costs for something you really feel is not your forte' ! Keep us posted on your path of discovery though!! and KUDOS to you for thinking this through so well!!

Well this just keeps getting more and more convoluted. Yes SaoirseRN, I agree that it can/does happen from time to time. However, with this poster, the MANY threads she has written have had several different scenarios...so perhaps that's why we all question if there's something missing or untrue here. das729....please go back and read all the different threads and explanations. There is a disconnect here somewhere. On another note, why are you discussing you personal life troubles with your CI??? If she has been SO unfair and unreasonable with you...why would you disclose these things??? And further to that...clinical is NOT the place for personal sharing! I'd be annoyed, too, if a student called me everyday! And one part of your post says that others were favored for being " outgoing...etc"...then the next sentence you state that the class of 12 " weren't open at all".....??? It's these kinds of inconsistencies that make it difficult to truly know what the story is...and to be able to offer our help and guidance. Maybe taking a year off isn't such a bad idea....gather yourself and try again in a position of strength and confidence. Best of luck to you.