Hi Guys,

First post but has been a long time lurker. Wife and I are both nurses and been working in the NHS for more than 8 years. We have 2 school age children and they are both enjoying school (as what kids normally do). But we do feel that there is something missing. Perhaps it is about the weather. We travelled fairly well around the world and loved the outdoor life. We do have very secured jobs but for the the last 2 or 3 years we become a bit depressed and less interested and wanting for a change.

We look at America first, passed all the requirements and exams and got an employer but has been confronted with retrogression. It could be long wait maybe 3-5 years. We have decided we don't want to put ourselves at a standstill. We then consider moving to Australia or Canada but in the end choose Canada as we still dream of going to America.

Anyway, by doing our own researched Vancouver BC seems to have mild temperature all year and lovely scenery and outdoor life hence we've decided to apply with CRNBC last year. All our documents has finally been assessed
and we are now both are eligible to write the CRNE exams. Breakthrough came through a few days ago when I was interviewed by Fraser health for a job opening in Burnaby Hospital. I was very delighted as I was hired and offered a job. My wife is hoping to be interviewed in the next few days. I can now a feel a sense of excitement and felt rejuvenated.

I'll try to be patient with looking thru Canadian threads if I have question in mind as I'm sure there are a few which I won't be able to find.

First, has anyone had experience with Fraser health? Has anyone currently working with Burnaby Hospital? Finally, how long was the process from getting the job offer to landing in Vancouver? I would appreciate all replies guys. Thanks.

Hi there
A friend of mine went through Fraser Health as a Obstetric Nurse, not sure where she is working though. But it all seemed quite quick and efficient. She and her family have been in Vancouver for 2 yrs now and dont come on the forum any more. It all appears quite easy through the BC healthmatch system and then PNP etc. I know they found, as others have that the PR comes quite quickly after the offer of a TWP and they paid for the TWP but didn't need it. Have you been out on a trip there, I would suggest you do and check up on the hospitals etc.
I am a Midwife and it is very very complicated for me, much easier as a nurse they do it all for you!

Loads of luck Madwife

Hi DesertFox,

Can't assist with Fraser Health specifically but my wife works for Vancouver Coastal Health as a Physio, having made the leap in 2007. Feel free to PM if you have any general questions about 'the system' over here (although I think there are a few nurses on this forum who'd be better placed to assist)!

Cheers, Iain

Thanks Iain and madwife. I hope someone who went thru with Fraser Health can share their experience. Do you guys know what is the typical accomodation rental in Burnaby area? Ideally 2 bedroom flat? Is it more expensive compared to let's say UK in general?

cheers

Have a look through Craigs List for some ideas on rental costs.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/se...=max&bedrooms=

I guess it depends where in the UK you're looking to compare prices to but for me it looks very much cheaper than the UK when you consider its proximity to a world class city (in my eyes )

Not sure about Burnaby itself I'm afraid. Depending on how much travel you want to do, access to that side of town is reasonably good. I'd perhaps be looking south (New Westminster) or west (Commercial/Nanaimo) for a rental within striking distance of the hospital, lots of options there. Transit links are decent with the hospital and BCIT there.

Although it'd maybe make sense to get something pretty close to work to start with whilst you find your feet and get to know the surrounding areas. I'm sure there's lots of choice.

I work in Burnaby (i'm a police officer). Not a whole lot around the area where the hospital is. There are a number of apartments and houses within walking distance though but not much else. It's an average area with few problems. I should imagine a 2 bed apartment would be around 1100 or so and a smaller house around 1300-1400. Metrotown is where all the cinemas, restaurants, shopping malls are but would be more expensive - not too far from the hospital.

Burnaby is very central and BGH (Burnaby General Hospital) is close to the highway and Canada Way and is within walking distance of the Burnaby/Vancouver border, so it's easy to get to from downtown (and no bridges)

Feel free to hit me up for any more info about Burnaby or Vancouver.

Thanks Iain and dboy. Dboy I've got a question for you since you said you're a police officer. If you don't mind, what is the crime rate in Burnaby area? and what area should you recommend that has got a safe neighbourhood and which areas to avoid?

cheers

Crime is pretty low overall in Burnaby. The south east area which borders new westminster is the worse area. There are a lot of low end rental units and a street cultrure of drugs.The south west is the Metro town area and is densely populated. Predictable youth problems around the skytrain stations and mall.

The best area of Burnaby is the north end of the city. The Vancouver Heights, Willingdon Heights and Capitol Hill areas are great and have a real nice feeling. I would live there in a new york minute - but its pricey compared to elsewhere in Burnaby. Lots of great restaurants etc along Hastings street. Huge Italian influence.

There's no reason why you could n't live in Vancouver. I commute from downtown to Burnaby everyday and its not bad. 15 mins going - 35 mins the other way.

Cheers

http://www.burnabyheights.com/

Hi, welcome to BE
Any help regarding CRNE or CRNBC req'd there are lots of us nurses here. Good luck
Terese

Thanks dboy. I'll keep in mind those tips and recommendation and wil do mind own research as well.

Hi terese. I've already completed my CRNBC registration and I'm eligible to write the exam. I have also luckily received my offer of employment from fraser health after a sucessful interview.

Are you also a nurse and working in Vancouver by any chance?

Hi desert fox,

ive very recently been employed by fraser health, had very good experience with them, excellent communication etc etc, were hoping to emmigrate this june- ive got a job in oncology at the new abbotsford hospital.

CRNBC has been hit and miss mainly due to incorrect completion of forms about my transcripts!!!! so my status is still not assessed- frustrating, but recruitment at fraser health have been excellent. they gave me a rundown of what happens next so your welcome to pm me if ya like and i would be happy to go through it.

good luck to you both.

kae

P.S- i'm going through the PNP process with them. in response to your question

how long was the process from getting the job offer to landing in Vancouver?

a friend of mine did it all in 5 months!!!