Registered Nurse Jobs in Canada

Registered Nurse Jobs Overview

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and perform a critical role in society. They provide care, comfort, and support to patients suffering from chronic, acute physical, and mental health conditions. A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has a nursing license and has been through rigorous training. Those working in registered nurse jobs work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals and play a significant part in coordinating and planning a patient's care. If you are compassionate, enjoy working with others, and excel in a fast-paced environment, a job in nursing could be the perfect match for you.

Demand for registered nurses in Canada is increasing steadily, which means it's a great time to begin your job search. With plenty of prospects for professional development, a career in nursing can offer you a fulfilling and well-paid opportunity in the healthcare sector. With experience and training, you could move into specialized roles such as oncology, pediatrics, surgery, or critical care. You could also work in healthcare administration or health policy. With further education, you can become a Nurse Practitioner or researcher.

In this role, you'll usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team with other healthcare professionals, such as therapists, doctors, and nursing staff. Typical nursing job duties may include:

• assessing patients to identify interventions
• administering medications and treatments
• operating medical equipment
• supervising other nursing staff and team members
• counselling patients and families on health-related issues
• providing emotional support to patients and relatives
• maintaining patient records

As a full-time registered nurse, you'll work on average 36-40 hours per week. You'll generally work 8-12-hour shifts, usually on rotation, and you may have to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. You could be employed in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, schools, residential care facilities, private homes, or community agencies.

For additional roles related to healthcare jobs, you can also explore:

• physical therapy jobs
• dietician jobs
• physician assistant jobs

Education and Skills for Registered Nurse Jobs

To work as a registered nurse, you will have to complete the following:

• a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing – you may need high school subjects in biology and chemistry to apply. All Canadian provinces require a bachelor's degree except Quebec, where you can take a nursing diploma that takes two or three years to complete. When choosing a nursing degree, ensure the university has accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
• attain a provincial license – in the province you would like to practice in. All nurses in Ontario, for example, must register with the Council of Nurses of Ontario (CNO.). You'll need to pass a registration and jurisprudence exam to evaluate your competence and test your knowledge of relevant laws in nursing. You'll also have to be fluent in English or French and provide proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, or work authorization.
• pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) – administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN.) This exam tests the competency of nursing school graduates to ensure they are qualified to work in healthcare facilities.

As a registered nurse, you will need specific skills such as:

• critical thinking
• problem-solving
• stamina and ability to work well under pressure
• teamwork
• compassion and dependability
• patience
• strong communication

You may also want to explore our registered nurse job description to learn more about what is required in this role.

Update Your Registered Nurse Resume

Make sure your resume is up to date before you start looking for registered nurse jobs. It's critical to keep track of any new courses you've taken or skills you've attained, as this will help you stand out from the competition. Monster has some excellent healthcare resume tips to help you craft a stand-out resume.

It's good to highlight previous accomplishments and any soft or transferable abilities that would capture a potential employer's attention. Consider real-world scenarios and experiences in which you made a difference in someone's life or took the initiative in a difficult situation.

Remember to send a cover letter with your application, highlighting why you will be an excellent match for the position. For help with crafting a praiseworthy letter, check out our healthcare cover letter example to get you started.

Interviewing for Your Registered Nurse Job

During your interview, the hiring manager may ask questions about your work ethics, motivations, and soft skills. You may be asked why you want to become a registered nurse and what you can bring to the role. Prepare to answer some situational-based questions, as this can give employers a sense of how you work under pressure or deal with complex issues. Be ready with examples of your accomplishments, including prior work experiences, everyday work, or even volunteering.

Also, make sure to research the company to demonstrate your knowledge of their mission and values and jot down some questions of your own. Finally, we list some useful job interview tips to help you practice and prepare for your important day.

How Much Can You Earn from a Registered Nurse Job?

Working in registered nurse jobs, your salary will depend on your skillset, experience, specialization, and location. For example, in Ontario, you can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $27.92, whereas, in British Columbia, you can make a median hourly wage of $28.66. In Quebec, you can earn a median hourly wage of $28.38 compared to Newfoundland and Labrador, where you can earn on average $27.26 per hour. Use our salary calculator to determine what you can expect to earn in your desired province.

Begin Your Search for Registered Nurse Jobs

Are you ready to find a rewarding career in the nursing industry? Begin your search today by creating your free Monster profile. You will be able to apply for jobs, upload your resume, receive new customized job alerts, and access helpful articles. It is also an excellent way to help potential recruiters find you online.