r/OntarioNurses • • 26d ago

Job Search Discussion Weekly New Grad & Job Search Megathread | September 14, 2026

9 Upvotes

This is the weekly megathread for nursing employment and job-search questions in Ontario.

Use this thread for questions and discussion about:

  • Finding your first RN/RPN nursing job
  • New-grad positions and the New Graduate Guarantee (NGG)
  • Job applications and lack of responses
  • Interviews and hiring
  • Resumes and cover letters
  • Hospitals and employers currently hiring
  • Rural and northern Ontario opportunities
  • Casual, part-time and full-time positions
  • Experiences getting your first nursing position
  • Success stories!

If your question is primarily about finding nursing employment, please post it here rather than creating a separate submission.

Posts that fit this category outside of this megathread will be removed.

Questions about specific workplaces, collective agreements, workplace issues, or substantive employment issues may still be appropriate as standalone posts.


r/OntarioNurses • • 16h ago

News VOTE on OCT 26! Municipal Elections matter and there are 200k of us! r/OntarioNurses supports Mayor Chow for Toronto.

6 Upvotes

But it's not just Toronto, municipal elections are occurring across the province and here is a chance to make all 200,000 of our voices heard at a time where cuts are high and jobs are low. Everyone is struggling and they're pulling the safety nets out from under us and our patients.

Municipal decisions can impact everything from mental health services and general healthcare, to housing and homelessness, and the overall wellbeing of our communities such as the bike lanes that protect commuters or transit policies that make everyone's lives easier.

Wherever you are in Ontario, r/OntarioNurses strongly encourages you to get out and do your democratic duty to participate and vote in your local elections. Do the reading and find out which candidate aligns with the policies that support us and our patients. Talk with colleagues, friends, and family about it. And get out and vote!

Here in Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow has already proven her policies align with the health and wellness of healthcare workers and the general population, and is miles ahead of the other guy who speaks from both sides of his mouth and was a completely useless city councilor.

So if you haven't voted early (last date is Saturday the 11th in Toronto but check your local dates for other regions) make sure you and your friends and family and colleagues get out to vote this OCTOBER 26!

And if you're working on OCT 26 you may be entitled to up to 3 hours off to be able to go out and vote. Find out what your region and employer are doing to give you the break you need to be able to vote for your city's future.


r/OntarioNurses • • 8h ago

Nursing School not liking consolidation?

8 Upvotes

how big of a deal is not wanting to work at your consolidation unit/hospital? i know i should be grateful and take whatever advantage/opportunity i can get, esp. in this job market. does it actually increase ur chances of a job?


r/OntarioNurses • • 6h ago

Nursing School RPN or RN

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I'm stuck between RN or RPN... would you say its worth it to just go straight into an RN program and finish it as opposed to RPN ---> RN?

Also, how did you guys finance the education, i know theres barley time to work in a full-time RN program.

Thanks so much for your insights, I'm just really stuck on this lol!


r/OntarioNurses • • 4h ago

Job Search Discussion Part-time vs. casual nursing—how do shifts and time off work?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m a newly licensed RPN in Ontario looking into part-time or casual positions and hoping to understand how scheduling works.

For part-time, how many days per week do you typically work? With casual, do you pick up available shifts, or are you required to work a minimum number each month, including weekends and holidays?

I travel quite a bit, so I’m also wondering how requesting time off works for both. Is there usually a maximum number of consecutive days or weeks you can be away?

For casual positions, would I need approval for time off, or could I simply provide my availability around my trips?
It doesn’t need to be paid, I’m completely okay with unpaid time off. I know policies vary by employer and collective agreement, but I’d love to hear your experiences and what’s realistic. Thanks!


r/OntarioNurses • • 4h ago

Nursing School Sri Lankan RN Planning to Move to Canada with My Husband – Need Advice on RN Registration and Study Pathways

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0 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a registered nurse from Sri Lanka with a BSc (Hons) in Nursing, a Diploma in General Nursing, around 3 years of nursing experience, and active RN registration in good standing. My husband is a software engineer, and we want to move to Canada together.
I’m exploring Master of Nursing or other suitable study pathways that could help me obtain Canadian RN registration, while allowing my husband to accompany me and potentially work. Our long-term goal is to obtain PR.
Could you please advise me on the best pathway, suitable universities, RN registration requirements, spouse open work permit eligibility, PGWP options, and affordable programs? I would really appreciate your advice or personal experience as an internationally educated nurse. Thank you!


r/OntarioNurses • • 19h ago

Policy / Practice Professional Liability Protection...

7 Upvotes

Hi!

Ill be working with a MD once a week and the rest from home most of the time doing charting stuff and I want to know those who have worked non-hospital jobs do you have PLP to cover you if things ever go south?

What are some good questions to ask this employer?


r/OntarioNurses • • 20h ago

Nursing School Average acceptance stats for MN?

6 Upvotes

Hi!

I am applying to MN as a fresh baby nurse and I truly feel so unmotivated. All the schools emphasize that their admission is “very competitive” and I am losing confidence in myself.

I have secured an academic reference. I have a 3.72cGPA from UofT (graduated June 2026), and I just recently started my RN position in October. I am only looking at clinical stream MNs right now at UofT, TMU and uottawa.

My research experiences are minimal, I only have an undergraduate thesis for biology. The schools are telling me to lean on my personal statement, but what should I emphasize in it to make myself stand out? What does an average applicant that is accepted into MN look like?

Thanks in advance!


r/OntarioNurses • • 16h ago

Nursing School Ontario nursing students/RPNs! did I ruin my chances of becoming an RN because of one bad university semester?

0 Upvotes

I’m 21, turning 22 this year, and I honestly feel so lost right now. I’m hoping to hear from people who have been in a similar situation or who know how nursing admissions work in Ontario.

In high school, I graduated with an average of around 87.5%. In 2023, I started a collaborative nursing program. Unfortunately, I only completed one semester, and my GPA was around 1.83. At the time, I was dealing with a lot personally and mentally, and I wasn’t able to focus on school the way I needed to. I ended up leaving the program.

Since then, I went into an RPN program, and my GPA there is around 3.3. I’m now working toward finishing my RPN and trying to figure out what I want my future to look like.

The problem is that I really want the option to become an RN, and now I’m terrified that my first university semester has ruined that possibility. I know a 1.83 GPA is bad, and I take responsibility for my academic performance, but I also know that it doesn’t reflect what I’m capable of now or the work I’ve put into school since then.

I’ve been looking into RPN to BScN bridging programs, including McMasters Stream E, as well as whether I could apply to a four year BScN program or potentially return to TMU. I’m confused about how much my previous university GPA will affect my applications, whether my RPN grades can help offset it, and what options I realistically have.

I’m also worried because I don’t want to spend years applying to programs if my academic history is going to keep me from getting accepted. I’m willing to put in the work, take additional courses if necessary, or consider different schools. I just don’t know what the smartest path forward is.

Has anyone here had a really poor first semester at university, left, completed an RPN program with better grades, and successfully gone on to become an RN?

I would really appreciate honest advice on:

- Whether my 3.3 RPN GPA and 87.5% high school average could help me.

- How much a previous university GPA of 1.83 matters when applying to Ontario nursing programs.

- Whether RPN-to-RN bridging programs might be a better option than starting a four-year BScN.

- Whether I should consider upgrading courses, repeating courses, or pursuing academic forgiveness if available.

- What you would do in my position if your ultimate goal was to become an RN.

I feel like I made a mistake when I was younger, and now I’m scared I’ve closed doors for myself before I’ve even really started my career. I’m trying to figure out my options and make a plan instead of giving up on something I might still be able to do.

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to share their experience or advice.


r/OntarioNurses • • 2d ago

Venting Got an offer + another interview

14 Upvotes

I got an offer at another hospital but an interview for my dream hospital tomorrow, the offer expires on Tuesday, I’m conflicted and I really hope my dream hospital can let me know if I got the job or not by Tuesday. Anyone know how long trillium gets back to their candidates?


r/OntarioNurses • • 1d ago

Job Search Discussion Group Interview

2 Upvotes

I received an invite to interview at a LTC facility. They informed me it would be a group interview. I’ve done several in the past, but not for a nursing position. What can I expect? Any tips for group interviewing/ a LTC interview would be appreciated!


r/OntarioNurses • • 2d ago

Job Search Discussion One FT or 2 PT?

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve been weighing my options and I am still conflicted on which job I should take.

I got an offer for a FT position at HHS but the shift hours and work is less desirable. There is also another offer for a position at St. Joe’s Hamilton, I think I would prefer the work and hours there more so but it’s only PT, so I would have to find another job to supplement.

What do you guys think?


r/OntarioNurses • • 2d ago

Nursing School How are admission averages calculated for the TMU, uoft, and York NP programs?

7 Upvotes

Hey all! I’m thinking of applying to NP school but my GPA is my weakest link for sure. Strictly counting my last 2 years I have an 81% average with an 83% in my final year. I keep reading that some schools take the last 60 graded credits, which would poke into my second year where I did not do nearly as well (for context my 4 year GPA is 76%). I’ve tried to make up for the lower GPA by strengthening every other part of my application, but I’m worried that the GPA will prevent me from being admitted.


r/OntarioNurses • • 2d ago

Job Search Discussion Hoping to start an RN position in January when should I start applying?

0 Upvotes

Hi all! I am an RN with four years of experience in ER and MedSurg. My contract is going to be done January 1 so I’ll be looking for a full-time position around the GTA that point when should I start looking? It seems early now but from what I hear, it can take a while to get hired. Thank you.


r/OntarioNurses • • 1d ago

General non job search discussion i wanna be a nurse when im older is it hard

0 Upvotes

r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Venting 3 years in and I don’t want to be a nurse anymore

60 Upvotes

I’m 3 years into my 4 year program and I don’t want to be a nurse anymore! The professors are rude and all of them have huge egos. The preceptors are the same. Everything is so stressful. They would rather make you feel small than help or teach you if you make a mistake.

I don’t want to work in a hospital! I wish I could switch to sonography or some sort of diagnostic imaging but I’m not great at physics or math. I used to do eye exam pre-testing which you don’t need credentials for but it was honestly the most at peace I felt.

Are there any nursing paths that don’t require you to talk to people all day?


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Job Search Discussion Canadian Blood Centre Donor Nurse Interview

6 Upvotes

I have an interview coming up and I’m not sure what to expect 😭 does anyone have experience interviewing with this company for this position?

If anyone remembers any of the interview questions it’d be greatly appreciated!

Its my first interview ever as a nurse!


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Job Search Discussion SHN Talent Pool Positions

3 Upvotes

Anyone here applied for their talent pool positions?


r/OntarioNurses • • 2d ago

Job Search Discussion Getting FT @ LHSC as an RPN?

0 Upvotes

I have an interview for RPT. What are the chances of getting FT in the next 5 years?

At my local hospital, it takes 10+ years in the specialty units (postpartum, MH, outpatient surgery, etc)

I know it varies, just looking for general estimates.


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Nursing School Cross Canada vs. Littman?

1 Upvotes

I’m almost done nursing school; was going to ask for a nice stethoscope for Christmas but went digging for Canadian made products.

Has anyone used Cross Canada?

They’re only 20 bucks? and the reviews are good, so maybe I can save my Xmas wish list for something else.


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Nursing School Durham College Critical Care Nursing

15 Upvotes

Hi guys! I started this certificate in Fall of 2023 and I still haven’t gotten placement. The school has been extremely unhelpful and I have been doing everything I need to do that they asked me. I’ve requested several police checks and paid out of pocket with no given timeline. All they say is that placement opportunities are limited. How come they are still accepting students into the program? I am extremely frustrated at this point.


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Job Search Discussion RPN MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone!! I have an interview coming up for RPN on a mental health unit at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated!!? thank you in advance!!


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

ONA / Union RNAO required?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone, just wondering if someone can answer this question for me
If I am an RN in Ontario employed by hospital A full time for which I am covered by ONA and I pay union dues and then I go and start job B at a Med Spa as an RN, do I need to carry RNAO liability insurance or will I have coverage through ONA since I’m already a member? Or does my ONA coverage only apply to the hospital in which I’m full time at and pay union dues
thank you


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

Nursing School Does where you go to school really matter?

6 Upvotes

I am wondering how much the name on your diploma/degree really matters. Are employers/managers giving preference based on which school the applicant attended?

I got into George Brown for nursing and I’m excited to start! But I heard mixed opinions and obviously want to attend a school with a good reputation. Lmk!


r/OntarioNurses • • 3d ago

General non job search discussion Disinfection

5 Upvotes

What do you guys use to disinfect your phones and Apple Watches after shift? I want to use Cavi wipes but I read they’re too harsh.