Unemployed and feel like whining?!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2014

I wish I had something more encouraging to tell you. Unfortunately, AHS shows no signs of improving and internal applicants are also having a very hard time. Few jobs and too many applicants all around.

Keep applying to everything, because eventually someone will call. Don't wait on AHS though. Start applying to private companies if you haven't been already. Smaller towns are usually hiring, even if it's just casual to start. Expand your range and be willing to commute if necessary. Good luck :)

Fiona59 · Mar 7, 2014

I had the same experience when we moved to BC for his job. Took me 8 months to get a casual line.

Paramedics are employed by AHS. I used to know some young men who had done all the course work in the paramedic programme but were held up because they couldn't find places to do their final preceptorship. Another young man our family knows gave up on becoming a paramedic and is currently working as an LPN.

M3BWN · Mar 7, 2014

Thank you Joanna and Fiona, this is kind of what I was thinking. I also kind of wish that AHS didn't post their postings for everyone to see... In BC the health authority would only post for public viewing any postings that weren't taken by someone internally. It gives those of us without a clue a false sense of hope! loll

I have been applying for everything within an hour or so of driving time, not sure if I should go any further than that, or if they'd even hire me being so far away?? I have also been applying to private companies as well. I am prepared to work casually, thats how I started when I first graduated...

I have another question. Have you ever heard of someone being hired casually after more than a month has lapsed since the interview, I can see online that the postings haven't been filled yet?

I was a little worried about paramedics being the same way. So if I decide to go for a career change it should be far away from the medical field! I think I will wait it out for a while yet, hopefully I will get something before next winter. And well, if we ever relocate again I will be sure to make sure we can both secure work before doing so!!!

itsmejuli · Mar 8, 2014

Do you have your Alberta license? Some companies won't hire without it.

Do you have nursing experience?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2014

Part of the problem is that you're an external applicant. In order to be considered for AHS postings, internal applicants have first pick which is now true of most Provinces.

Even then, managers are receiving 40, 50, 70 applications from the internal pool for one- two positions on a unit. Homecare is usually hiring casual at least. You could try a few agencies.

I am also looking for work, and I've been fortunate to have some calls back within a month's time. However, I've also got charge experience and specialty certifications, so that helps. The calls are not from AHS either. I haven't bothered applying with AHS, with the exception of two positions which I did not get called for.

This is a rough time for everyone and many of the postings that you're seeing either have candidates already lined up, or AHS is waiting out the hiring while they continue to look at scheduling needs.

I really hope more people take our warnings seriously here. For the last two years, people are asking if it's true, is it that hard to find work in AB? Yes it is, unless you have contacts, experience and/ or a specialty. Even then, finding a job is not easy.

M3BWN · Mar 8, 2014

I have Long Term care experience, and my license with CLPNA. But I don't have any extra certifications, and I am an external applicant with AHS. I am applying with other companies as well, but have yet to have any call backs from them. I have been on three interviews with AHS for casual postings, but I didn't ask what the competition was like until the last time. When she said she had over 50 applicants for the posting I was quite shocked! Wish I had asked at the first interview too - at least I know there is nothing 'wrong' with me.... Just some fierce competition!! lol

I've actually started the LPN-RN bridge through Athabasca, but was really hoping to get some acute care experience while working through the program. And I am a little worried about it in terms of finding work afterwards... and even keeping my license active if I don't find work. I imagine I will be able to find something, somewhere, between now and three years time.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2014

It's not you, it's the competition. Some postings probably have 100 applicants or more, because virtually everyone is in the same situation. Just keep applying. Sometimes people call months later.

dauntless.dudette · Mar 8, 2014

Hello! I would gladly whine with you! We're on the same boat!

I am an IEN with a requirement of 225 non-orientation hours as a Grad nurse to apply for my RN, passing the CRNE is the least of my problems.

I have been applying online for a month and felt like nothing was happening. Recently going facility to facility dropping resumes. Some give me the cold shoulder and tell me to apply online only while others honestly say they have a long list of already registered Nurses applying for the positions so I am out of luck.

Since you are an LPN, I feel you would have a better chance applying at long-term care since majority of their workforce are LPNs. I would suggest semi-private companies such as Chartwell and Revera among others. I have been employed at both of them and they were assisted living and worked as a HCA. LPNs come and go and so there might be a chance for you.

All the best to us both! Remember to network, network, network. I am considering relocating since I don't have a family yet just to be in the AHS system and gain a couple years experience before I come back. Grand Cache, here I come!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2014

Unless you already have an inside contact, are in the system, OR you're applying to a rural area where they're desperate, hiring managers are not going to see you.

I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. They are far too busy. We were told in 2012 when AHS was switching to e people that even the internal applicants had to apply online.

Bailyrose · Mar 10, 2014

A story I am familiar with, except I'm in BC, I'd much rather be in AB that's for sure. I've given up on finding a LPN job here in BC and have started the process of becoming licensed in AB...again. I'm hoping to find a casual position in Edmonton by this summer. I've never had a difficult time finding a job in 17 years, this is new to me. The lack of work in both BC and AB is very dismal and disappointing, it's actually downright depressing.

Bailyrose · Mar 10, 2014

Dauntless, are you in Grande Cache?