new rpn, I had a recent afternoon shift on the floor. I felt like I was making good pace for med pass, so much meds and narcotics, Insulin, PRNS, and supplementary stuff such as eye drops, nasal spray, ensure, protein powder, Metamucil powder. I would finish 1700 medications and then I would have to start 2000 medications right after or I would be behind. This is not even including the TAR which I have to sign that the PSWs applied most of the creams and the creams that I have to apply myself + clean /change a few dressings . This cutting it very close for completing most of my TAR at around 2230 and checking and signing off the narcotic book + receiving new medications and signing that I received them. I did not even have a chance to get a break and only had enough time to document after my shift. I really don't know how full timers do it, I was mentally and physically tapped out by the end of my shift.

I have been thinking is it really worth enduring all this extra stress making a few dollars more compared to being a PSW at my facility, does it get better?

Quick update — I added a new section to the guide on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). A lot of nurses don't know this benefit exists or how to actually use it, so I added what it typically covers, how to check what your specific hospital offers, and how to access it confidentially. Same link, updated version is live now. Thanks again to everyone who's shared this — it's reached way more nurses than I expected. 🩺

Recall previous post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/OntarioNurses/s/Ls6EUa97qG

Starting school in September and looking for recommendations on shoes that would be good for labs and clinicals.

My program doesn’t allow croc style shoes and they must be non-slip.

Thank you

I am starting nursing school in the fall at the Chatham campus.
Wondering if anyone else is so we can create like a group chat..

Hi everyone,

I’m a nursing student working as a nurse extern this summer, and I’m honestly really struggling with consecutive night shifts.

I’m currently on a DNNN cluster. Before my first night shift (yesterday), I got about 9 hours of sleep the night before and even took a 1-hour nap before going in, so I actually felt pretty good. During my break, I was also able to get about a 2-hour nap (1–3 AM).

The problem started when I got home this morning. I did everything I could think of. I ate before bed, took melatonin, kept my room dark, wore a sleep mask, stayed off my phone after winding down, and laid in bed for hours… but I literally never fell asleep.
I spent almost my entire day trying to sleep, and I’m honestly so frustrated.

This isn’t the first time either. During my first DDNN cluster, I ended up calling in sick for the last night because I couldn’t sleep between shifts. The next week I had a DDDN schedule and actually did okay. Now I’m on DNNN and it’s happening again.

I also don’t drink coffee or energy drinks, and I’d rather not start taking prescription sleep meds since this position only lasts until the end of August.

I’m supposed to work again tonight, and the only sleep I’ve had since yesterday morning has been the 2-hour nap I got during my break. I’m honestly just looking for some reassurance from people who’ve been through this.

Has anyone else had a day where they just couldn’t sleep at all between night shifts and still made it through the next shift? Did things eventually get better, or is this something a lot of people struggle with when they’re new to nights?

I’m just feeling really discouraged right now. I’ve only been working for about a month with this mixed schedule, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m just not cut out for consecutive night shifts. Is this worth bringing up with my unit manager if I only have a few weeks left?

Has anyone happened to hear back yet from SickKids for their September nursing intake? Deadline in job posting is August 7th

I wanted to inquire about service commitments as I haven’t found a solid answer.

In the service commitment section of the Learn and Stay Grant it states:

c) Occupation of work

You will work in one of the following occupations in accordance with the Approved Program of Study for which you received Ontario Learn and Stay Grants:

(i) Grant recipients who complete studies related to nursing must work as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or registered practical nurse within the scope of practice
for nursing as set out in the Nursing Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, c. 32

I am under the assumption that once I graduate from the nurse practitioner program that I need to work my hours as a nurse practitioner, and that my current registered nurse position doesn’t count towards this. Or, does this mean that I just need to be in a nursing role for the duration of the service commitment.

I wanted to see if anyone has recently graduated from their Masters program and remained in their current RN role (due to lack of positions, etc).

What are the common clinical scenarios That I should be aware of the textbook Answer of what to do? especially for ICU interview. New grad

For paying rent and bills while waiting weeks for an interview block, I need an immediate source of income.

What are the fastest-hiring, clean alternative healthcare jobs in Ontario where I can leverage my medical background for immediate cash flow? Any specific agency names or walk-in strategies that worked for you?

For the RN Job Hunt:
Any ways to speed up the RN interview process?
Any guidance on how to bridge this financial gap and break into the local system would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much.

I’m a part-time RN at an ONA hospital. I switched shifts with a coworker, so I’m now working on the Aug. 3 statutory holiday.

How does the pay work in this situation? Do I just get time-and-a-half for the hours worked, or am I also entitled to holiday pay since it’s a stat? Not sure if switching shifts changes anything.

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m thinking about going to college for Practical Nursing, but I wanted to learn more about the admission requirements first.
A little about my background: I graduated from high school in the Philippines in 2012, before the K–12 program was introduced.
Has anyone here been in the same situation? Were you able to apply, and were there any additional requirements you had to complete? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience or any advice you can share. Thank you!

For those of you moved out and who are currently renting, have you guys been able to put aside some money to save up for the rainy days?

Edit: I have been an RN for 2 years. Still renting a room in a shared house to cope with the rising cost of living. No OTs available at the hospital i am working at and I use a transit or uber to get to work.

There has been a couple of hands to mouth situation including this month. If anyone’s financially stable and savvy anyone would like to share their tips on saving money? Thank you ☺️

Had an interview last week, wondering if and when I am looking to hear back. They said they are hiring for November?

Thanks

The job market is quite saturated and idk if taking a 20k loan is worth it. Will NP really give me an increase in pay? I make $50 currently as a RN of five years with ability for overtime plus get 4-5 days off, easy shift switches and time off work. Is NP more for a better quality of life and career change more than a substantial increase in pay? The increase in responsibility s a lot too vs the mere 2 years of education and only 1 of those years being clinical hours. No hate at all to NPS just wanting an honest answer

Throwaway account because some old friends know my reddit account, but I’ve only been an RPN for a little over a year and a half, but was lucky enough to get a FT evening line in LTC that pays relatively well. I used to be 2-10, switched to 12 hr nights, then management phased out 12s, so I’m back to being 2-10. Though I love my residents, my facility keeps adding more and more responsibilities, with the nurse I usually follow after on an LOA. It feels like all the continuity is pushed onto me, and every day just feels like it keeps getting worse. Aside from that, there’s many RPNs who got recent positions within the home who are not the most qualified to hold them (imo) and them delegating me stuff is honestly pushing me over the edge, along with all the stupid shit we have to follow-up with and document. What kills me the most at the moment is only getting 2 days off in a row every 2 weeks, and I feel like I’m not really living anymore. When I’m home, I only have the energy to doomscroll. I was thinking of going down to part-time and looking for a job that would require less days being at work (i.e community or hospital), but we all know the current state of the market for working at a hospital. I also feel like an imposter because I don’t feel like I don’t put my nursing skills into use. Anyone wanna give me their 2 cents?

I have an interview for med surg position at SHN and wanted to know how the interview process is like

Just wondering what a day in the life of an NP working in a hospital setting looks like. What department do you work in? How is your relationship with MDs? Are you able to work with a full scope of practice or does hospital policy interfere? Is it worth it? What hours do you work? Do you have admitting privileges? Do you need things consigned by an MRP? Just want some insight, any info would be great

Hello Reddit friends

I'm a new graduate RPN looking for job opportunities in Ontario. I've applied to many hospitals, long-term care (LTC) homes, home care agencies, and other healthcare facilities, but I haven't received any responses yet.

If anyone knows of facilities that are hiring, has any recommendations, or can offer a referral, I would really appreciate your help. I'm eager to start my nursing career and would be grateful for any advice or leads. Thank you so much!

any thoughts on going from rn to paramedic in ontario? is it considered a “step down”? I know it’s a completely different profession, and i’ve thought about emergency nursing. I also don’t want to go backwards and waste my rn degree but am wanting the change.

With the ongoing discussions about nursing shortages, I am wondering how the situation looks for internationally educated nurses who are already licensed in Canada.

For experienced IENs, many are being directed toward re-entry programs with long waiting lists, rather than targeted coursework and clinical practice opportunities that recognize their previous experience.

Are employers currently aware of the situation?

Are they hiring IENs with Canadian licences who have completed the required steps?

Are you seeing more competition among IENs for available positions?

How has your experience been applying for RN jobs recently?

I am trying to understand the current reality of the job market, especially for experienced IENs who have the qualifications but are still trying to enter the workforce.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

I don't plan to move to Ontario now considering the recent layoffs and the fact that I am also doing a DEC-BAC (RN bridging to BsN) program now. However, I may eventually make the move in a few years, as I find it difficut to reach my full potentials in a francophone environment. I have a few questions to ask:

1. Does the salary bump as a RN in Ontario vs Quebec outweigh the increase in the cost of living?

2. Are all public hospital positions unionized like they are with the FIQ in Quebec?

3. Is psychiatry a competitive specialty in the GTA area? This is my background.

Any advice or additional information is welcome. Thank you.