Work in Van/Victoria Com/Public Health?

[joey1967]

Hi All,

I am a new RN only out of school practising for the last 7 mnths in Alberta as a "casual" employee (ie no permanent line on a job) and sustained a back injury two weeks ago. Right now I'm looking at going on WCB as my doctor will not allow me to go back to work. Unfortunately, Alberta has a "surplus" of nurses filling Community health jobs and am looking at moving back to BC where I orginally came from a few years ago - either Victoria or Vancouver. I would ideally like to get a job in community nursing or public health, especially if my back injury becomes chronic. I am in contact with BC Health Match, and they have been ok in helping me but I am wondering if I am dealing with the wrong person there, because things seem to be taking a long time in getting a response, etc., My contact still cannot confirm whether any moving allowances, etc., will be granted. Does anyone have any suggestions, etc, or another person to contact there in order to get this ball rolling a little faster???? Maybe the job situation is bad there as well? Alberta has many "casual" positions which translates into NO BENEFITS or GAURANTEED HOURS and lines open on the units with the worst reputations. The money is good here but the politics and permanent job shortage make things ugly. If you are considering moving here, I would suggest you get everything in writing and do not move here just to take a "casual" line.

[SukiRN]

Hi Joey, sorry to hear about your back injury, hope you have a speedy recovery. In reply to your question, I think you might want to try other sources to help you find work in BC...one suggestion might be to try the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority website, and/or the Fraserhealth website, they list nursing positions for all areas of nursing ( including community nursing). I think you should be able to google the links, I'm not sure what they are, but they are out there. Goodluck...and Welcome Back to BC!!!

SukiRN