"I've applied everywhere in the province"..really?

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I've been reading all of the threads and posts relating to not being able to find a job in Ontario, despite experience and the willingness to "relocate". I have to admit I'm not feeling particularly sympathetic because I'm not sure I believe people when they say they've applied "everywhere". Does the definition of everywhere only include every important place in the GTA and surrounding GTA areas? Or does it also include rural areas?

I've been on the Health Force Ontario site several times just to get a feel of what is out there, even if I already know I'm doing a return of service to my town. There are a lot of postings for full-time permanent RNs across the province and that isn't even getting into the part-time permanent of full-time temporary.

I don't want this to come across as a rant, but I'm truly confused. If people want experience, what is preventing them from leaving the GTA and moving to a rural community? Rural areas are dying for nurses and there's government money to go to an underserviced community. Is it because they have husbands/wives/children that they can't pack up and move? It is because they don't actually want to work until they get what they want at Sick Kids or UHN or wherever? Is it because rural life is unappealing and they just don't want to leave the big cities?

I'd love to get some insight from those struggling to find jobs and what "tried everything" means.

Thanks!

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I think you've pretty much said it through "Is it because they have husbands/wives/children that they can't pack up and move?" and "Is it because rural life is unappealing and they just don't want to leave the big cities?"... Also, for the fact that even if there are incentives from the government, it's not enough. Giving incentives and bonuses don't really change much in regards to the work environment. The government is only giving you, the nurse, a bonus to DEAL with the work environment (usually work in a short staffed and a higher nurse-patient ratio environment... and possibly with less resources).

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against rural nursing; however, as a new grad--NO WAY! As much as I'm desperate for an RN position, I know my limits. Patient and MY safety first and foremost. Besides, I've applied to Health Canada's rural nursing position...do you know what they emailed me back saying? They do not have positions for New Grads.

I have a relative that lives in a town east of the GTA and she told me I can use her address because she knows that employers around that area prefer to hire those who live within the community. Can you blame them? No. Is it fair? Maybe not.

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Hospitals participating in HFO NGGI only have less than 100 positions available split between 2-5 units. My next question to you is, how many new RN/PNs graduate in that whole year? Not all of them graduate on the same time either. I have actually gotten emails from hospitals saying they don't accept new grads unless it's HFO... take it or leave it. I've also applied to East of this province nearing Quebec... and guess what? They require you to do the interview in french. If you know how to speak french, good for you.

P.S. Don't think you're the only one who discovered a great opportunity. Chances are someone else has already. Lastly, tell me how many of those positions you found on HFO require experience and a bunch of certificates as opposed to those "entry-level, zero experience RN/PN" positions--because if you have found a bunch, send them over here.

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Thanks for answering. When I suggested rural, I didn't necessarily mean nursing outposts or James Bay area, just communities like Sudbury, North Bay, etc.

I also don't think I'm alone in discovering an opportunity - the nurses I work with told me about the free tuition with return of service. I'm lucky enough to live in an underserviced area with several workplaces (hospital, health unit, long term care) and some nurses who work in our area are from Toronto and I just wondered why more people didn't come here to work first and then go back once they have experience.

Here's some of what I've found - hopefully they can be of use to you or others.

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=321&csid1=5083&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=337&csid1=13828&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=352&csid1=13766&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=428&csid1=1737&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=428&csid1=1737&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

https://www.hfojobs.ca/Community/IndividualNursePostings.aspx?navid=207&fid1=113&csid1=13776&csid2=0&xNid=0&layid=196&lang=1

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Specializes in geriatrics.

There are always jobs in rural areas. Sometimes, as unappealing as it may seem, if you want to gain experience, you have to move. I did just that. Think about it for a second. You can spend 6 to 8 months looking for a job in the GTA, which does nothing to enhance your actual nursing experience. Or move somewhere for a year or two and work, then move back.

When I graduated in 2010, it was the same. Not enough jobs in the GTA. It isn't any better now. I know people who moved to rural towns in ON because there wasn't much choice. I moved to AB. I have loans, so they needed to be paid.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Also, HFO is not all it seems. Don't be fooled by the positions you see there. Probably hundreds are applying for 1 or 2 positions. I knew many people who accepted HFO, at the end....no job due to lack of funding.

ON continues to be one of the worst Provinces for new grads. AB has more opportunities, although you will likely be hired for part time or casual to start.

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Well whatever works for you, then go for it.

There are many factors out there that contributes to the high unemployment or underemployment of nurses. Not all "solutions" are possible for everyone.

I'm just telling you MY own personal experience and the many road blocks I've encountered throughout this whole process. I'm just kinda offended at the fact that you make it sound easy to get a job, like you just send your resume anywhere and you'll get a job with a flick of a finger. It just came out very condescending.

If you're thinking about going into nursing because you think it's recession proof, you are sadly mistaken. Nursing is a complicated and political profession.

I'm not sure if Humber covers political issues and trends in nursing but through sociopolitical lenses you learn that nursing is neither black or white. Giving incentive to nurses do not always work well nor solve the "shortage" issue. In fact, it's more of a cover up of the real issue at hand--unsafe and/or undesirable working environments. Essentially, the government is "rewarding" nurses to work in these environments, instead of changing the environments itself. Why do you think there's incentives for these nursing positions in rural? Why is there "shortages" in rural areas? There are many factors that play into this issue and it's just not because people do not want to move "up north."

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You're right. Many rural areas are understaffed for various reasons. I'm going through this now, which is not fun. However, I've learned A LOT because my practice is largely autonomous. I will never regret having moved away. That's just me. I know I would have felt worse staying in TO. I actually had a nice offer at SMH, but I wanted to leave. After 13 years of living downtown, I'd had enough.

I wish things were easier for nurses. I remember back in 2006, there were all kinds of jobs.

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You're right. Many rural areas are understaffed for various reasons. I'm going through this now, which is not fun. However, I've learned A LOT because my practice is largely autonomous. I will never regret having moved away. That's just me. I know I would have felt worse staying in TO. I actually had a nice offer at SMH, but I wanted to leave. After 13 years of living downtown, I'd had enough.

I wish things were easier for nurses. I remember back in 2006, there were all kinds of jobs.

I'm sorry Joanna, the last message was not for you, it was a reply to the OP lol. But yes, I'm sure you have learned TONS! :D Again, I applaud rural nurses for what they do. It is definitely a challenging area of practice.

I mainly want to stay in ON because of illness within the family.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Yes 27, lol...I knew it wasn't for me ;) I was just commenting. I know how hard it is. Before I left TO, I saw how few postings there were. I hoped things would have improved a year later. Maybe you could try an agency. My friend, who was a new grad got regular assignments through CareCore, I think it was. She said it wasn't too bad. I hope you find something soon.

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Yes 27, lol...I knew it wasn't for me ;) I was just commenting. I know how hard it is. Before I left TO, I saw how few postings there were. I hoped things would have improved a year later. Maybe you could try an agency. My friend, who was a new grad got regular assignments through CareCore, I think it was. She said it wasn't too bad. I hope you find something soon.

I've applied to Carecor, Comcare, Saint Elizabeth, CCAC, We Care, SRT, Nurse Next Door, ParaMed, Spectrum etc. lol.

Most rehab centres, all hospitals and now almost all nursing homes within GTA... and I'm still applying outside of GTA and re-applying to some positions, if the website allows me.

In regards to "rural" areas, I've applied to a few positions in Sudbury and 1-2 from North Bay surrounding area... I had more luck with getting a call from from near GTA hospitals, and rehabs.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Jeeze. Well I'm sure you'll have something out of all that eventually. Bother some of your nursing instructors for leads?

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