Working in another province

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Hi, I am a nursing student currently doing my degree in Quebec.

I hope to work in BC in the future, because that is where I am from. But I am worried about getting a job after graduation, since not only did I not complete a program in BC (I heard that the hospitals have preference for BC graduates), I don't have any connection in BC either...

Does anyone have an experience like this and have any advice to give??

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I have a friend who did her schooling in Alberta and then it took her 6 months to find a job in BC as she had never worked or had any connections in BC. I'd say it will be tricky but not impossible. I'd probably get a job in Quebec while looking for a job in BC.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Just be aware that the job market in BC is very tough. I wouldn't move until you actually had a job out there. Good luck.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I had 2 friends who were from BC and completed their schooling in ON. They said it took 6 months to get a phone interview. Neither of them moved back and that was 6 years ago. Things have not improved.

I am from ON and moved to Alberta before the oil crash and the on/ off hiring freezes. There are few jobs here unless you have experience in a specialty area or you don't mind working rural areas.

Don't move without an offer unless you have 7 months of savings to live on.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Are you able to speak French well enough get a job in Quebec/ pass the OQLF exam (if necessary)? If so, I'd take the NCLEX when going for OIIQ licensure so you can switch provinces when something is available. I switched from QC to ON because I was unable to find work at the McGill affiliated Montreal hospitals.

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