Employment Opportunies for New Grad Nurses in BC
A big thank you to all the nursing students and new grad nurses who joined us for our “Employment Opportunities for New Grad Nurses and Nursing Students in BC” webinar on February 11, 2026!
The event was a phenomenal sucess, welcoming over 400 students from across Canada and representatives from all the BC Health Authorities that hire new grad nurses.
The Health Match BC team and the BC Health Authorities truly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with you to share their insights and highlight what makes their organizations such great places to begin your nursing career.
Missed the webinar?
Health Match BC
Supports for Canadian New Grad Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)
Imagine the possibilities…
British Columbia (BC) offers abundant opportunities for new grad RNs and RPNs across the province.
Whether you are drawn to dynamic urban centres, peaceful rural communities, or something in between, we have full-time, part-time, and casual positions that match your career aspirations.
Our employee-sponsored specialty training opportunities and robust New Grad Programs provide mentorship and a supportive work environment to help you build your knowledge, develop your critical decision-making skills, and consolidate your clinical expertise, enabling you to transition confidently into full practice and establish your career.
BC also offers some of the highest nursing salaries in Canada, along with comprehensive benefits, and four weeks’ vacation after one year.
Part time
Full time
Start your journey in BC and see where your nursing career can take you!
BC New Grad Nurse Transition to Practice Program
What You Can Expect as a New Grad RN or RPN:
- A guaranteed 6-month consolidation period at a minimum of 0.7 FTE to support consistent practice and skill development.
- A stable and predictable work schedule to help you adjust to your new role and responsibilities with confidence.
- Full benefits and employment status for the duration of the first 6 months.
Eligibility
Requirements
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Be a new graduate from a Canadian RN or RPN program.
- Begin employment with a BC public health employer within 18 months of completing a Canadian RN or RPN education program.
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Have not worked more than 225 hours in your new professional nursing designation.
What Provincial Supports are Available to New Grad Nurses Through Health Match BC?
At Health Match BC we prioritize connectivity, collaboration, and communication to ensure that we fully understand the needs of both the candidates and employers throughout the recruitment process. For you, our candidates, this means:
Providing Insight on British Columbia
If you are unsure about where you want to live and practice in BC, we offer guidance to help you select the communities that align with your personal preferences and professional aspirations.
Licensing Information
We will provide you with information to help you understand the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration process and obtain your registration.
Matching Skills to Opportunities
We will align your skills and interests with job vacancies in the regions and facilities you have chosen.
Supporting Your Job Search Efforts
We have information and webinars available to help you write your resume and prepare for interviews, and our consultants are available to answer your questions.
Networking on Your Behalf
We proactively connect you with prospective employers, often before positions are publicly advertised.
Provide Networking Opportunities
We will facilitate connections with potential employers through webinars and other events.
Advocating for Your Success
We will advocate for you and your application, make referrals on your behalf and follow up with prospective employers until you find the right opportunity.
Keeping you Informed
Throughout the recruitment process, we will provide regular updates and insights to keep you informed at every step.
At Health Match BC, we understand that each candidate’s journey is unique, which is why our approach is tailored to your individual needs. We are here to answer your questions, facilitate key connections, and provide ongoing support as you navigate the path to finding the right role in the right location.
Register with us to create your profile, allowing us to better understand your qualifications, preferences, and career goals. We recognize that as a recent graduate, starting your job search can feel overwhelming, but Health Match BC is here to support you every step of the way. With a wide range of opportunities available across the province, we look forward to discussing how we can help you find right fit for your career.
Fraser Health
Better Health, Best in Healthcare.
At Fraser Health, we’re with you every step of the way—helping you build confidence and competence as you begin your journey as a new nurse.
This program provides a strong foundation and a warm welcome that supports you in establishing your new career.
“The New Graduate Program bridges the gap between being a student and a nurse.”
Mark, Emergency Nurse, Peace Arch Hospital
Empowering newly graduated nurses with confidence and care.
Your opportunity to gain paid supported transition to practice.
- Kickstart your career with:
- Supernumerary hours: 100 hours for RN/RPN, 88 hours for LPN
- Eight (8) education hours
- Develop a competency-based learning plan to support your nursing career goals
- Receive mentorship and support from an experienced nurse
- Advance your nursing skills with hands-on assessments you couldn’t complete as a student
- Build on what you know with engaging educational workshops and more!
Find rewarding careers at Fraser Health.
Contact Names:
- Jordan McGovern – Recruiter, Fraser Health
- Jocelle Mendoza – Recruiter, Fraser Health
- Jordan Goertz – Nurse Educator, Learning Strategy & Innovation
Contact Information:
First Nations Health Authority
Find purpose beyond your profession
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the first and only provincial health organization of its kind in Canada, with a mission to transform the way health care is delivered to First Nations and Indigenous people in BC. We are governed by and serve BC First Nations individuals and communities. Our talented teams practice cultural safety and humility and foster lateral kindness in their working relationships. Our holistic approach to wellness, based on First Nations teachings, is incorporated into all aspects of work culture. Where else will you get to create a personal wellness plan as part of your performance goals? If you are looking for more than a job, come join the FNHA family and find purpose beyond your profession.
Contact Information:
Interior Health
Compassion. Quality. Safety. Integrity.
For 25 years, Interior Health has provided for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the B.C. Interior, delivering services to over 899,000 people spread across 215,000 square kilometers of traditional territory.
Our region, with its stunning and varied landscape, offers a unique dynamic. Vibrant communities provide plenty of space, peaceful commutes, and a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking personal tranquility. For outdoor enthusiasts, our diverse seasons, varied terrain, and forward-thinking city planning create endless opportunities for year-round activities.
By working together with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, health organizations, communities and leaders, Interior Health delivers services and solutions that make a positive difference in the lives of everyone in the region. We inspire hope and trust so we can all enjoy a healthier tomorrow.
Recruiters:
- Tanya Embleton
- Anmol Brar
Contact Information:
Northern Health
The northern way of caring.
Northern Health leads the way in promoting health and providing health services for 300,000 people over an area of 600,000 square kilometers in northern British Columbia, including 55 Indigenous communities. Our vision is to build a strong primary healthcare system and create a dynamic work environment instilled with our values: empathy, respect, collaboration, and innovation.
Northern Health has always prided itself as an organization that encourages career development at all levels. Whether through continued education courses and opportunities offered by our local university and college partnerships, in-house training and management programs, or through coaching and team mentoring – there is always room to grow with us at Northern Health.
The Northern Health region offers a combination of community, outdoors, and pace of life that can’t be found anywhere else. Come experience the North!
New Graduate Nurse Guide – Northern Health
Recruiter: Dean Kutin
Contact Information:
Providence Health Care
At Providence Health Care, we deliver quality care that matters to the people we serve. We are a health and wellness resource for families, patients and residents from all parts of British Columbia. PHC is a non-profit organization, providing services in partnership with the Vancouver Coastal Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority, with over 8,000 people working across 17 sites throughout Metro Vancouver. Driven by compassion and social justice, we are at the forefront of exceptional care and innovation.
Presenters:
- Valerie Wong
- Monica Rosa
- Helen Pang
Contact Information:
Provincial Health Services Authority
Improving specialized health services for BC.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province.
PHSA’s New Graduate Nursing program hires recently graduated Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) (graduates within the past 18 months) across a range of speciality clinical areas and locations in British Columbia, offering roles in pediatrics, oncology, women’s health, mental health and more with varied care environments and patient populations. The 18-month program supports a smooth transition from student to professional with guaranteed hours (minimum 0.7 FTE up to full-time for the first six months), comprehensive speciality training, online and in-person workshops, mentorship from experienced nurses, and a supportive community network to foster growth and leadership.
Advisors:
- Rosie Fourie, Advisor, Talent Acquisition
- Kelly Hull, Advisor, Talent Acquisition
- Sylvia Orton, Advisor, Talent Acquisition
Contact Information:
Vancouver Coastal Health
Come for the job. Stay for the team.
Join a team connected by collaboration, support and most importantly, the goal of providing quality patient care. At Vancouver Coastal Health, we value career growth with employer-supported training, encourage a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and strive to create a supportive team environment. The 1.25 million people living in the communities we serve are our inspiration to continue to provide safe, quality care and stay at the forefront of health care through research and innovation. Advance your career with continuous learning and a supportive team, all while making an impact in your community. With comprehensive health care benefits and diverse work location options, now is the time to join our team.
Advisors:
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Jasmine Gandham
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Michelle Harmon
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Summer Alexander-Bryant
Contact Information:
Island Health
Excellent healthcare, for everyone, everywhere, everytime.
Island Health is located on the west coast of British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island. At Island Health our vision is, “Excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, every time”. Island Health employs more than 31,000 employees. We are the largest employer on Vancouver Island and provide health services to more than 935,000 residents of Vancouver Island and adjacent coastal communities in both urban and remote settings. Island Health strives to create work environments that support and attract workers with passion, professionalism, and dedication that will help them provide the highest quality of patient care.
We offer New Graduate Nurses Opportunities in the following areas:
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Acute care
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Specialty (emergency, post partum, etc.)
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Long Term Care
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Community Health Services
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Public Health
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Mental Health and Substance Use
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Restorative Health/Rehabilitation
We are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, offering programs and services on the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples. As an organization, we are committed to cultural safety and humility and we demonstrate this through our actions to address Indigenous specific racism, systemic racism and the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
Recruiters:
- Paula Dias da Costa Duque
- Emily Mirabelli
- Tegan Morrow.
Contact Information:
Registration
For licensing and registration information for New Grad Nurses, click below:
Salary & Benefits
Nurses in BC are among the highest paid in Canada, but it is difficult to give you an exact salary figure as earnings vary based on several factors, including experience, position type, and work setting.
For all public health authorities except the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the collective agreement with the Nurses Bargaining Association is currently under negotiation, so we are referencing the 2024 wage schedule which outlines a 10-step wage scale for RNs and RPNs. Effective April 1, 2024, new grad RNs and RPNs start at level 3, step 1, at $41.42 an hour. For every 1,950 hours worked, your salary increases by 1 step, up to a maximum of $55.91 per hour.
For the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) RNs and RPNs also have a 10-step wage scale and effective August 20, 2024, nurses (NU/NR-CHN-3) start at step 1 ($47.00 per hour) and increase annually to a maximum of $56.70 per hour at step 10.
These rates do not include any applicable wage premiums or allowances, which would be paid in addition to these rates.
Premiums and Allowances
Evening Premium
$1.40/hr
Night Premium
$5.00/hr
Weekend Premium
$3.50/hr
Super Shift Premium (nights on weekends)
$1.85/hr
Regular Premium
$2.15/hr
OR/PAR/ER/ICU/CCU Premium
$2.00/hr
On-Call Premium
$7.00/hr
These premiums apply for all public health authorities, except FNHA
For more information on salary and benefits contact Health Match BC.
BC also has a comprehensive benefit plan that includes medical, extended medical, prescriptions, vision care, dental, pension, sick leave and vacation leave that starts at 20 days after 1 year and goes to a maximum of 45 days with 29 years of service. Please note FNHA benefits may differ, so please contact FNHA to learn more about their benefit plan.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Recent graduates may be eligible to have their BC student loans forgiven by working in a publicly funded facility in an under-served community in BC or working with children in occupations where there is an identified shortage in BC. Additionally, the Government of Canada also offers Canada Student Loan forgiveness to nurses who work in under-served rural or remote communities.
For more information on student loan forgiveness programs contact Health Match BC.
What Previous Attendees Have Said
Great event for anyone who is a student in their 3rd or 4th year of nursing school and interested in BC. Thank you, Health Match BC!
The health authority presentations helped me understand what each employer in BC has to offer.
The breakout rooms were great. I really enjoyed connecting with all the employers!
About Health Match BC
Health Match BC is a free recruitment service for health professionals funded by the Government of British Columbia. For more than 25 years, we have been working with BC’s publicly funded health employers to support recruitment at more than 200 facilities across the province. We utilize the NursingJobsBC.ca platform to connect nursing professionals with employment opportunities in BC.
Registering with Health Match BC is the first step toward exploring a rewarding career in BC. By creating a profile, you will gain access to comprehensive information on nursing opportunities across BC, along with personalized expert guidance on registration and job search support. You will also learn about the wide range of supports available to you throughout your recruitment journey. Health Match BC provides tailored resources and one-on-one support, connecting you with the tools and networks you need to successfully build your nursing career in BC.
