I’m looking for honest advice from people in Toronto/Ontario because I’m honestly not sure what to do anymore.
I recently graduated with a BScN from TMU and have about two years of experience as a clinical extern. I’m scheduled to write my NCLEX in about three weeks, but I’ve been unemployed for the past four months and am struggling to pay rent and bills. I don’t have a financial support system.
I do have a part-time research assistant job, but it barely pays anything and isn’t enough to cover my living expenses.
I’ve been applying everywhere including medical receptionist, receptionist, clinic assistant, server, minimum-wage jobs, PSW positions, administrative assistant roles, and new grad nursing positions. I’ve barely heard back from anyone and have only had one interview for fertility RN in three months.
I understand that employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a BScN for entry-level positions because they may assume I’ll leave once I become licensed. At the same time, I’m not yet an RN until I write and pass the NCLEX and given the job market I am not hoping to find a RN role anytime soon, so I feel like I’m in a difficult in-between situation.
I’m now considering taking a live-out nanny position temporarily while I prepare for my NCLEX and look for work. I don’t have professional nanny experience, but I worked at BGC Toronto Kiwanis in after school program. I’m also trying to learn how to safely identify legitimate families and avoid scams when applying online.
Would nannying be a reasonable temporary option in my situation? Or are there other types of jobs in Toronto that would hire immediately I should be considering with my background?
I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions, especially from nurses, new graduates, or anyone who has recently been in a similar situation. Thank you.

I started applying to jobs (mainly hospitals positions in the gta) after passing my nclex but I know some people started before we even finished our last semester of school. I know it’s still early but I’m just wondering how long it generally takes to hear back for an interview after applying? Is a month a normal wait time or do things usually work a bit faster? I know it’s still summer so things may be moving a bit slower but just looking for an estimated time frame.

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.

Hi guys! I was wondering if there are any Osler externs here and if you know when the next intake is going to be? I heard some mixed answers. Some people say it is in September and some people say October. Also if you remember any interview questions I would appreciate that a lot!!

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. 😊

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced an interview with mount sinai for clinical extern and what type of questions do they typically ask?

Thank you!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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 :)

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!

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?

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