Sooo.... we moved out to Alberta for my husband's career. I really didn't think it would be this hard to find a job as an LPN. I do admit I was a little nervous when I heard of all the layoffs last year. But now it has been 4 months, I don't even know how many applications (130+ at least), and a few interviews. The last interview I went to I finally decided to ask how many people they'd be interviewing and all they could tell me was they had over 50 applicants.
Anyone else out here having a hard time? I imagine there must be, as that was for a casual position. I've been applying for everything on AHS - and everything else I can find.
Relocation isn't an option for us... I think it may just be a matter of waiting it out and hoping that things pick up soon? I was debating doing the IV therapy course, but I have read on here there was no real point as it is included in orientation? Plus I couldn't decide between the courses at MacEwan Vs the course at Norquest.....
I have also been trying to think of different career paths, but I don't think I am ready to give up yet. I do enjoy nursing.... but was thinking of starting the pathway towards a paramedic.... but then I wonder if they have the same working fluctuations?
Ah well, anyone want to whine with me? Or have any advice? lol
The job shortage is global, it's not lmited to AB or BC. I've been researching markets for the last year intensely, and it's all the same. People aren't readily getting jobs anywhere unless it's rural or remote.
I would caution against Edmonton unless you have a firm offer. There are few jobs for the internal applicants in AB, let alone anyone who isn't in the system. I think you're going to find the same issues in AB, unfortunately.
I hope I can rely on a few insiders, I'll definitely resource them for sure, that and I've been licensed in AB before, I have experience and the places I've applied to are where I've previously been employed. I moved to BC because of my hubby, he'll move to AB because of me, so yes, I'll definitely want to be hired. I'll apply and like everyone else, hope for the best. I feel my chances are definitely better in Edmonton, but maybe just wishful thinking because my son and family live there. I'll be optimistic until I'm proven wrong, then maybe it's time for a career change
Don't lose all hope, just know it's not any better in Edmonton. Everyone wants to work in Edmonton or Calgary and the jobs just aren't there. If you're willing to travel outside of the city centre, you'll probably find something. Good luck!
I'm hoping it's going to be a case of "it's who you know". Probs far fetched but I will reach out to those I know. I won't lose hope...I have friends and family located in all parts of AB so I'll start in Edmonton and go north. Joanna73, where do you work?
I'm hoping it's going to be a case of "it's who you know". Probs far fetched but I will reach out to those I know. I won't lose hope...I have friends and family located in all parts of AB so I'll start in Edmonton and go north. Joanna73, where do you work?
I wouldn't count on that. "who you know" may no longer be in management positions with the restructuring. All applications have to go through HR and grievances have been filed with sudden "pop up" applicants who didn't make the cut by HR but somehow got interviewed.
AHS is committed to openness and the old girl network is taking a pounding.
Very true. That's why people come back here and post that they can't find a job after relocating. Even if they wanted to hire you at AHS or Covenant, they have to interview and hire a qualified internal applicant first. Managers have 50-100 internal applicants in the city for every position.
Many of the internal applicants are not getting called, so I would consider a private company as another option if you want to live in Edmonton.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
The proposed changes to the UNA collective agreement offered up by the AHS negotiating team wants to eliminate the internal-applicant-with-the-most-experience-and-seniority-goes-first clause completely. There's a school of thought that the reason behind it is to allow for the return of the old girls network and to allow the importation of "cheaper" labour.
OP, I feel your pain. A lot of my friends are right now jobless. Even the ones who graduated from money making degrees like engineering are having a hard time getting a job.
This is Alberta I'm talking about right now. The province where the media advertises as the only place with jobs. In reality, it's not for many fields.
I hope they don't get rid of the seniority rule.... that doesn't sound nice at all. For an employee to work for the same company for years and not have some sort of 'safety' in keeping their job is just not nice - there is already too much job insecurity in health care as it is
No, not yet. I did successfully pass the phone interview but turned the job offer down because at that time, the offer came too early in my job hunt that I decided to try locally in the city first. Big mistake! I'll give it another month and if I still don't get even a casual job, I'll call Grand Cache at once, don't know if they'll still have a position open for me. It is easier to relocate to Grand Cache from Edmonton (4 hour drive) than Calgary (8 hour drive).
joanna73, BSN, RN
4,767 Posts
The job shortage is global, it's not lmited to AB or BC. I've been researching markets for the last year intensely, and it's all the same. People aren't readily getting jobs anywhere unless it's rural or remote.
I would caution against Edmonton unless you have a firm offer. There are few jobs for the internal applicants in AB, let alone anyone who isn't in the system. I think you're going to find the same issues in AB, unfortunately.