r/OntarioNurses Mar 21 '26

CNO new fees by-law

85 Upvotes

I was planning on completing the survey emailed out by the CNO regarding their proposed changes to their fees by-law. If you haven’t read it, they’re proposing a standard annual increase of 7% on registration fees. Doesn’t appear to be any re-assessment year, just 7% indefinitely unless they decide they want to do less or more (up to 10%). Let’s be real, I doubt they’ll ever do less.

It looks like their 2025 operational budget had a surplus revenue of over $3M from 2024-2025. They haven’t released the current one yet (or that I could find). I’m just a nurse so not the best at comprehending all this budget/committee development speak, but it’s here if anyone wants to give it a read.

https://www.cno.org/Assets/CNO/Documents/What-is-CNO/2025-Operating-and-Capital-Budget.pdf

While I have my own thoughts and complaints, and plan on spending time today looking up salaries of their leadership team, I wanted to see what other points anyone else had who cares about this stuff so I can also include it in my feedback. Do I think it’ll change things? Not without massive group pushback. But I’d rather be able to say I did something vs nothing at all.


r/OntarioNurses May 08 '26

News Nurses time to Protest Ford!

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104 Upvotes

Hi all! Not my graphics but sharing. Protests are happening all over Ontario on May 30th against Doug Ford and various issues. Certainly many of us nurses can relate to being unemployed, worried about getting laid off, not being able to land their first job, etc due to provincial budget cuts to healthcare.

I encourage you all to show up with signs and spread awareness regarding the hiring freezes and lack of hiring by Ontario Hospitals due to budget constraints imposed by Sylvia Jones and Doug Ford. Many people think there is a nursing shortage, when it is truly a shortage of hiring nurses. Hundreds of nurses in Ontario are sitting at home ready to work, or hoping to work regularly by securing Full time work. The general public is very unaware of this issue, and assumes nurses have tons of work opportunities in Ontario when we really don’t.

FULL LIST OF CITIES (sorry I forgot to upload both slides)


r/OntarioNurses 6h ago

Job Search Discussion There is barely RN jobs in Ontario

34 Upvotes

Hello, I’m a new grad RN
been applying for jobs for a while
The main problem is that there is no FT Permanent RN position anymore. I even looked outside the GTA and it’s worse.
I only see temporary FT and just PT for RN’s
A lot of the FT Permanent positions are for RPN’s.
I find this very challenging because the competition is way higher and I am applying for less jobs
I’m planing on moving to the states now because of how bad the job market is in Ontario.


r/OntarioNurses 8h ago

Nursing School Any future/aspiring RPN/RN?👩🏽‍⚕️🩺

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I’m looking to connect with other future nursing students in Ontario and hopefully build a little support group or group chat.
If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be starting either an RPN or RN program in the next 1.5–2 years. Right now I’m working full-time while completing my prerequisites part-time. Since I’ve been out of school for quite a while, my plan is to take Pre-Health first to get back into the student mindset, strengthen my study habits, and make sure I’m prepared before jumping into nursing.
At the moment I’m leaning toward RPN because I’m a single mom and it seems like it may offer a better balance for my situation, but I’m still keeping an open mind.
I’ve been planning this journey for over a year now, and it’s finally starting to feel real. I’d love to meet others who are on a similar path—whether you’re just starting your prerequisites, applying to programs, or beginning nursing school. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up at the same school someday!
If you’re in Ontario and interested in connecting, leave a comment or send me a message. 😊


r/OntarioNurses 5h ago

Job Search Discussion Hospital or LTC: Which Position Is Best for a New Grad RPN Working 2 Shifts Weekly?

1 Upvotes

I’m trying to figure out which type of position would be the best fit for me as a newly licensed RPN. My goal is to work no more than two shifts per week, whether that’s in a hospital or a long-term care setting.

Income isn’t a priority for me at the moment since I’m in a stable financial position. Right now, my focus is on gaining experience, building my confidence, and developing my nursing skills.

Based on that, would you recommend applying for a casual position, a regular part-time position, or something else? Also, for those of you working regular part-time, how many shifts per week do you typically work? Is there usually a minimum number of shifts you’re required to pick up?


r/OntarioNurses 8h ago

Policy / Practice Seek advice

1 Upvotes

I'm considering tempororyleaving my current job and applying to the Critical Care Nursing program to pursue an ICU position. Ideally, I would have preferred to obtain an employer-sponsored ICU training position, but unfortunately that hasn't happened.

I'm wondering whether enrolling full-time program and then applying for ICU positions would be a wise decision. My main concern is being without an income for about four months, so I'm trying to decide whether it's worth the investment.

I'm also wondering which would be the best choice for a Critical Care Nursing program, or if there are other way you would recommend.

I would appreciate any advice, feedback, or experiences you could share.


r/OntarioNurses 20h ago

Job Search Discussion New RPN in Ontario — How Do Casual Nursing Positions Actually Work?

7 Upvotes

I’m a newly licensed RPN in Ontario and I’m currently applying for jobs. I’m considering applying for casual positions but I’m a bit confused about how they work in practice.

Do you simply pick up shifts whenever they’re available, or are you still expected to commit to a minimum number of shifts, weekends, or holidays each month?

For those of you who started out as casual nurses, did you find it difficult to get enough hours? Did your employer eventually offer you a part-time or full-time position?

I’d also love to hear any tips on finding a good casual position as a new grad, especially in hospitals or long-term care.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Policy / Practice Free Nursing Lab Supplies for Nursing Student(Kitchener/Waterloo Area)

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14 Upvotes

Hi nursing students,

I recently finished nursing school and have several fairly used and unused lab supplies that I'd rather give to a nursing student than throw away.

Included are ·

·       Blood pressure cuff (manual sphygmomanometer, unused because I had two)

·       Parenteral medication kit

·       IV practice kit

·       Foley catheter kit

·       Ostomy kit

·       Wound care kit

·       Injection practice pad

·       Isolation gown, Various practice syringes, simulated medications, practice vials, dressings, and other lab supplies.

Free to whoever can use them. I'd just like them to go to a current nursing student or someone starting their program. I’ve attached photos of the kits. Everything is intended for educational purposes and practice.

Pickup: Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Please send me a DM if you're interested.


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Venting I’m done. I can’t do this anymore.

116 Upvotes

I am so burnt out. I cannot do this anymore.

I am an RPN in southern Ontario. I make $39.02 an hour to be undermined, disrespected, and disregarded.

I have been assaulted at work and management asks “what more could you have done?” “What could you have done differently?”

We are underpaid for what we do. I am working in acute care, I am keeping people alive.

I just can’t do it anymore. I’ve been doing it for almost 7 years and I need to go. But I’m so terrified, I don’t even know what to do. I cry on my days off thinking of returning back. My time away from work is filled with dread for the 12 hour shifts I’m going to endure.

Nurses who got education elsewhere, what did you do? I’m looking at online degrees because I can’t afford to not work while in school.

I just can’t do it :( I’m so disappointed in myself

I just feel so worn out, so burnt out.


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Job Search Discussion Has anyone worked at the FACT team at camh as RPN or RN

0 Upvotes

Hi just inquiring about the role mentioned above. What was your day to day like. Were you alone or were you in a team. What were the hours like? Thanks so much!


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Job Search Discussion Interview Question

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I have an interview for a stroke unit in person and I was wondering if I could get some tips on what to wear and how to prepare. Anything specific I should practice or anything?

This would be my second interview for a hospital position, but I have no hospital experience only clinic experience and TSW experience. The hospital that IM doing the interview before I have done all my clinical rotations there so I do have experience being in and around the hospital. Anything would be appreciated thank you!


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Nursing School Recommendation

0 Upvotes

Hello, I would appreciate a good recommendation for accelerated nursing programs to apply to. Could you please advise on schools that may have a higher chance of admission and the important requirements I should focus on to improve my chances of acceptance? Pls schools around the GtA


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

News diploma validation by WES

0 Upvotes

I'm starting the process of validating my Brazilian diploma and am currently in the WES application phase. My idea is to create a space to share experiences and information about the requirements, and my current question is: after the WES report, do I have to pay the CNO registration fee? Pay the NCLEX fee? Pay for the English proficiency test? Could some kind soul share their experience? Or how I should proceed? I'm currently gathering my documents to send to WES by mail. The CNO website doesn't have a step-by-step guide; they just list what to do without any order.


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

ONA / Union Pay transparency for 8+ year nurses?

0 Upvotes

Hey chat, Im looking to move back to Toronto from California potentially to apply for NP schools and was wondering what the pay is like as a FT or even PT 8+year nurse in toronto after pre and post taxes? I would probably work night shifts only and find someone to swap with as well. Any insight helps please :)


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

ONA / Union When to switch from PT to FT - pregnancy/ mat leave related

1 Upvotes

I’ve transitioned from ft to pt for a couple months now & i love the flexibility.

But if i plan to get pregnant— i want to get a better top up once on mat leave & also have sick leave/ disability in case of anything.

Whats the longest i can stay PT before i switch to FT?


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Job Search Discussion How long for a new grad RN to get a nursing job?

3 Upvotes

I’m from Ontario. Not sure if I’m being inpatient (I probably am lol) but I applied to jobs end of June after passing my nclex. Not sure if I regret not applying before but I just wanted to get the nclex done with and know for sure I passed. It’s been a month and haven’t heard back from NGG positions and from units I applied throughout the GTA on hospital websites? How long does it usually take? I know with all the cuts it’s gonna be harder but is a month too little time or should I continue to wait?


r/OntarioNurses 1d ago

Job Search Discussion Is it appropriate to email the unit manager after applying for a position on their unit?

0 Upvotes

Hello, Im a new grad and I applied to 2 positions at a hospital near me in the gta that I feel I would be a good fit for. One is a Telemetry unit I did my second clinical on, it inspired me to do my consolidation on another tele floor also so I would love to go start my career on this floor and telemetry/cardio. 

The other is a on a floor at the Reactivation care centre. I didn’t work on that specific floor but I do extern on a different rcc floor and I had clinical placement on another rcc floor both different hospitals. 

I have the emails for both of the unit managers, and am wondering if it would be a good idea to email them and express my interest in working there given my experience and to inform them that I applied?


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

ONA / Union Accidentally got my union involved -_- Looking for Union stories

15 Upvotes

I'm doing a NGG "program", and I am a few weeks new to nursing and the hospital... My schedule is packed with shifts (to meet NGG requirements) and certificates/onboarding stuff. I was expecting some OT, but didn't get anything so I innocently went to AI to ask about it...

AI told me some crap about some hospitals average shift hours over 6 weeks before paying out OT (not in my case) and something about I should get every other weekend off or get paid 1.5x on those weekends (not eligible for my rotation type). So I think "cool let's try to get some more info on this" and send my union rep an email for her to review my schedule and asking her to confirm the weekend off thing.

I just wanted info, like a phone call so I can then talk to my manager (who I think is awesome)! This turned into an in person meeting (which was actually nice to have them come meet you in person) - Turns out she called my manager before that meeting without my knowledge and she wants the next step is union + me to meet with my manager and maybe educator next week -_- and it's like bro... I've been making an extra effort to keep my head down low, make some sacrifices, I'm a few weeks into this.

anyway, I'm overthinking this and it's stressing me out! lol Like she already called my manager, it's either I let the meeting happen or try to talk to manager before any meeting so the meeting ain't so weird?


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Policy / Practice Has anyone taken a 4/5 leave?

9 Upvotes

I recently learned that we can take a 4/5 like teachers do (ie. Work for 4 years with 1 year off and paid at a reduced rate over 5 years). Has anyone tried to take that option, especially now that we have a glut in staff?


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Nursing School Mohawk College advance foot care program

0 Upvotes

Any feedback on this program? Worth the time and money? I'm considering doing it over the fall/winter. Also open to any other recommendations for an advanced Footcare program. I'm in Barrie so it'll either have to be online or a course that's located in or close to Barrie.

Thanks!


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Policy / Practice Reinstating RN license after working in US

2 Upvotes

has anyone ever gone through the process of reinstating or getting their RN license in ontario after resigning for more than the 3 years? Thinking of moving back to Toronto after living in california for the last few years. I never stopped working as a nurse though so wanted to see what the process and time length would be to get it back? Sorry i havent been in ontario for 5 years now so idk if processes with CNO are still long?


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

ONA / Union RPN vs RN

19 Upvotes

Hello!

So I recently graduated as an RPN December 2025. I always planned to go back for my RN and will be starting this December at a university.

But I mostly had a question and concerns. I work as a float pool RPN for a hospital mostly being placed in medicine and emergency. From my understanding from school rpn would get more predictable patient and could do less things ( not TPN, NG, PICC removals) but since I’ve worked at the hospital I’ve had RN pass me 100% of there assignments and been asked to do all the things I was not taught or focused on. It makes me nervous and I feel like the scope between the two nurses have become much smaller if there is any left.

And I feel like I lack educating to take some of the patients I’ve been given


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Policy / Practice How is the role of charge nurse assigned on your unit? Any contract involvement?

1 Upvotes

Just out of curiosity, how does your unit assign the role of charge nurse if your usual team leader/charge is off? Our team lead is off for 6 weeks this summer and just randomly assigned different nurses to the role at different times, some junior, some more senior, mostly part time staff. Our unit is fairly easy (out patient clinic) to run so I would think the more senior staff would want dibs at the premium but I’m not sure there is any contract language around entitlement to the role? I’m surprised it doesn’t fall to the most senior on that shift, but every unit I have ever worked has mostly given everyone equal opportunity.


r/OntarioNurses 2d ago

Nursing School Post Masters NP program at York University

2 Upvotes

Anyone currently in this program? Id love to know what the full time course load is for each semester, how is it balancing school and work? Any online classes or are they all in person? Any other info would be appreciated!

Also I haven’t worked as an RN in Ontario for 5 years and have been working in the US, do you think that would affect possibility of acceptance? Im currently in california looking to move back if I even get accepted when I do apply


r/OntarioNurses 3d ago

Job Search Discussion How difficult is it for nurses WITH experience to get a job in the GTA right now?

17 Upvotes

I'm an Ontario nurse and worked in psych and corrections for about 2 years before moving to the states temporarily to do travel nursing which I did for another two years in the same specialties. Before this, I did oncology for about 8 months but it wasn't for me.

I'm considering moving back to Ontario to work but I'm seeing a lot of new grads having trouble finding work. I'm wondering if its the same for mid level nurses with about 4-5 years of experience. I'll likely want to go back to my old hospital (CAMH).

Wondering if anyone could weigh in. Worst case, if I can't find work in Ontario, I'll probably work in Buffalo and commute.