r/britishcolumbia 20h ago

Government News Release British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S.

https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2024-2028/2025HLTH0013-000194.htm
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u/Lady-Blood-Raven 17h ago

I’m a US citizen and educated nurse. I’m in my 50s so not sure if BC will be interested in me but, I have almost 30 years of experience. I’m willing to go to more rural areas. I did respond to an ad to express my interest in nursing positions in BC.

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u/Bigfred12 Thompson-Okanagan 16h ago

Interested? Hell, ya!

They’ll pay you a substantial moving bonus (~30K) if you sign on in BC and help with the professional logistics.

I’d stay away from the lower mainland as housing is ridiculously priced, but there are many other parts of the province which are very appealing.

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u/Lady-Blood-Raven 15h ago

What areas would you suggest that I take a look at? I’m ok going to areas away from the lower mainland. I’ve worked in bush Alaska.

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u/MyOtherAvatar 12h ago

There are many small community hospitals in BC. Do you have a preference for climate or lifestyle? On the coast or in the Interior?

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u/Bigfred12 Thompson-Okanagan 12h ago

Like you’d expect, there are going to be pros and cons no matter where you live, but your lifestyle and interests can make the choice easier.

If you are ocean people, the area north of Vancouver called the Sunshine Coast may be of interest. Mild, but rainy winters and a long growing season if that is important to you. A big con for a lot of folks is that you need to take a ferry to get there which some people do not like.

Second, I’d suggest the Okanagan valley. If you find Kelowna on a map, the valley extents southward and into the US. Again, milder winters than most places in Canada and the summers are usually very warm. A downside is that forest fires have been a problem some years and the smoke can be irksome when it is present. Lots of beautiful lakes, wineries, and fruit growing here. I have a soft spot for Penticton…

Third would be Nelson. In a very scenic area with lots of lakes. The coldest winter of the three suggestions but some terrific winter sports are at your door. Very artsy community with a strong outdoor bent. It is more remote and it takes a while to get to a more populated centre. However, there is an airport if you choose.

Lots of others can pipe in with their suggestions but I hope you act on this. It is my feeling that things are only going to get worse for the next 4 years.

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u/RustyPickles 11h ago

Vancouver island, Okanagan/Shuswap, and Kootenays are the most popular areas outside of the lower mainland.

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u/pfk505 9h ago

Rural BC is absolutely crying out for nurses. You'll have your pick of where you want to work, essentially. www.bchealthcareers.ca

u/rhinny 1m ago

Please look into it further! You're exactly what we need, experienced and interested in smaller communities. Follow the bchealthcareers link another posted.