RN's replaced with RPN"S

[Ellab]

Hi,

I am a recently graduated RN, i passed my exam on Feb 2011 and i am looking for a job ever since. I am applying to each and every hospital in and out of Toronto. no one has called me yet. moreover, reviewing the positions it seems that no one will ever hire a new grad since all the positions require at least 2-3, sometimes more years of experience in the same field, 300 different certificates, and other qualification that obviously a new grad does not have.

In addition to that, i have heard a rumor about RN"s being replaced by RPN's , and that in a few years hospitals will no longer hire RN's, and that the later will be placed in administration positions only.

So i have 2 questions which i will be happy to get an answer for:

1. how can a new grad find a job, and where?

2. Is that rumor mentioned above true? can someone confirm this?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

As people mentioned, it doesn't matter how it was, or should be for nurses and new grads. The job market is what it is. You have to be willing to make the best of things, and possibly make some sacrifices until the economy improves. This make easily take another 3 or 4 years. While I can understand that some people may desire a certain specialty, we all went into nursing to be NURSES. Makes sense, right? My point is, be happy with your accomplishments, and find somewhere to practice nursing, until you can move into the area you want. It will happen eventually, but probably not fresh out of school. Certainly not for IENs. We have plenty of Canadian nurses unemployed or underemployed.

Toronto and all the major hospitals surrounding the area are on hiring freezes. I was at a conference today in AB, and I met another nurse from the Toronto area who left. There are jobs, but you have to be willing to either accept casual in the cities or relocate to the rural areas. That's the reality for new grads in the cities. Furthermore, while many people look down on LTC, well...the bonuses are...you will always be able to find work with seniors, you can potentially move into psych, palliative care, community health...and, it's very rewarding.

Just things to consider. There have been far too many new grads disillusioned about nursing. I guess you have to think about why you decided on nursing in the first place, during times like this. If it's really something you enjoy, it shouldn't matter where you work.

[Dela RN]

I have a couple of friends who are new grads who moved to Ontario after having been trained in a different province. After several months of job searching, they were all able to find employment in hospitals in the GTA. It's hard but possible...

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I wanted to leave, and I got lucky with an offer before I even wrote my RN exam. I don't regret it. I'm content with my work, and the pay is better in AB. I was just sick of TO and the few places I wanted to work (like Public Health, for example) weren't hiring. I also didn't want the HF0 new grad initiative. Many of those new grads weren't hired after, due to budget cuts.

[Ellab]

unfortunately, I can't move. I am not a big fan of Toronto either... but I don't have a choice. well i'm gonna hope for the best... what else can I do...

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

You will find something, just maybe not as soon as you hoped. GL

[lesliel]

Like I said, this is very unfortunate. But I honestly applied everywhere! in and out side of Toronto, hospitals, rehabs, clinics, and nothing. I've been sending resumes every day for more than 2 months now, and it seems to be pointless. they all want acute care experience and 1000 other stuff, but where am i gonna get that experience if no one is hiring me?

Hey Ellab!

I'm a new graduate that has been working for a couple of months now in the GTA. When you say "1000 other stuff" are you referring to the qualifications wanting different certificates and such?? I came across this a lot as well when I was on my seemingly unending job hunt. I suggest you apply to these anyway because sometimes they hire you and give you some time to take the course while training or in the earlier stages of your employment (i'm assuming you were referring to different certificates). This was the case for many of my colleagues. Also, you might consider looking into these certificates or courses on your own. Many different colleges in the GTA offer these courses over the span of a few classes, though they tend to be expensive, but they're a good investment for your future practice! They also pad your resume and make you that much more attractive to an employer. I know that looking for a job can be discouraging and stressful but, keep at it! It's a tough competition out there for jobs, especially in the GTA so be diligent with looking and you'll find a job eventually! It may not be what you hoped for exactly but, in this job market, employment is employment! Good luck:yeah:

-lesliel

[Ellab]

Thank you lesliel for trying to encourage me:)

I actually wanted to sign up for these courses( coronary care, patient assessment etc..) but they only begin in September...

if you know colleges which offer these courses, please tell me, I have called to some, but maybe you know more colleges.

and one more question; how did you apply for positions? buy e-mail like they ask you to, or maybe by fax or personally?

what's the best way to do it?

[ButtonNose]

have you checked out the HFO website? it's strictly for new nursing graduates and medical students.

https://www.hfojobs.ca/

[Ellab]

I know, but I don't qualify... it's only for Canadian graduates and I am not