Working in Northern BC?

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Short Version:

Does anyone have any experience living or working (as a nurse preferably, psychiatric even better) in Dawson Creek, BC (or northern BC)? If so, what can you tell me about it? I've been offered a position for full time regular psychiatric nurse, but that would warrant a move from Vancouver, BC to Dawson Creek BC (a 16 hour drive or $900 plane ride).

Long Version:

I am a psychiatric nurse working casual in Vancouver. The hours vary, I get anywhere between one and 12 shifts per month. I am having lots of difficulty finding work, even as casual in any lower mainland health authority at this point. I have been offered a regular full time position on a psychiatric unit in the Dawson Creek Hospital.

I have lived in the BC lower mainland my entire life. My family and friends are all here, I am used to living in large cities, having access to pretty much anything anytime, etc. However I became a nurse because I want to work as a nurse, which is happens a little sporatically some months.

Is there much overtime? Is Dawson Creek nice to live in? What kind of experience will I get working there? What are the winters like? Are groceries much more expensive? Would the full time work and experience be worth a move to Dawson Creek? Would the experience be beneficial when I want to move back to a big city? How long would it take to wait out the recession?

Any insight/advice/opinions are greatly appreciated!

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Hello shelly9,

Saw your post and its very interesting.. I never had a chance to work in northern bc but like you, i was once had this very exact dilemma. i was offered a full-time position in the north and i was very happy that my resume and application was appreciated very fast. But there are lots of doubts, lots of "what if" questions and i know that by heart, i am not ready to relocate in a small town/community or a rural area...

So i have decided to passed-up with the opportunity, and decided to stay in vancouver and hoping that other employers will call me soon, while doing my casual RN shifts. But....

"What if I like the place?"

"Did I just throw a huge amount of payday away?"

"Did I judge that town too early?"

"What if I could provide my loved ones a more comfortable life by working in this place and I turn it down?"

These questions are still in my head until now, lol! So my advise to you is to do your research about dawson creek. You can search the wiki, google or go to dawsoncreek dot ca and have a peak on what the town could possibly offer. You can also check some most recent videos of dawson creek at youtube dot com. If you have a facebook account, search the "Careers at Northern Health" page and you will be able to see some good photos of Northern BC there, and some info in the "wall section" of the page. If you are financially flexible, maybe you could sacrifice your "900$" to have a short trip there, to see the place yourself and the residents... and for sure you will be able to come up with the decision...

At the end of the day, i think you will decide based on what you value in life. Do you value the city lifestyle, party, malls, nightlife, etc etc? or you can live without these things and already happy with your loved ones around you?

Too bad that lower mainland was already overcrowded and tough when it comes to nursing competitions, but what can we do? it is what it is! lol! Hopefully I was able to give you an advice that make sense, lol! let me know what u think, peace!

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Specializes in OR.

Try it! You might like it!

Have worked in Prince George in psychiatry, and loved (many years ago)

I have never worked in Dawson Creek however have worked with nurses who

have worked there.. No negative feedback..

You will do well to gain the full time work experience there, and no matter what,

this will be an asset to you.

GO FOR IT:snowflake::snowflake::snowflake::snowflake::snowflake: & Let it Snow!!!

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Hi Shelly

I'm just curious if you made the move to Dawson Creek? I am also a RPN from Vancouver (born and raised) and am considering doing so...how has your experience been if you did make the move, and was it worth it?

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Doubt you'll get a response. The OP hasn't posted since 2011.

If you click on their name you can follow through to their posting history

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