Employment
Opportunities
for New Grad Nurses in BC
A big thank you to all the nursing students and new graduate nurses who attended our “Employment Opportunities for New Grad Nurses and Nursing Students in BC” webinar on Feb 5th, 2025!
With over 200 students who registered from across Canada, and all of BC’s Health Authorities in attendance, the event was a phenomenal success.
The Health Match BC team, and the BC Health Authorities, enjoyed the opportunity to engage with all of you and talk about what makes their organizations great places to begin your nursing career.
Missed the webinar?
Supports for Canadian New Graduate RNs and RPNs
Imagine the possibilities…
British Columbia (BC) offers abundant opportunities for newly graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (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 Graduate 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, to confidently transition 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.
Start your journey in BC, and see where your nursing career can take you!
Start your journey in BC and see where your nursing career can take you!
BC New Grad Nurse Transition to Practice Program
Starting in 2023, through a collaboration with the BC health authorities and input from new graduates, it was agreed to offer all RN, RPN, and LPN new graduates employed by a health authority:
- A regular schedule for the first 6 months of their employment.
- Guaranteed consolidation period for a minimum of 6-months.
- Opportunity to access practice supports, mentorship, and to continue education.
Graduates are eligible for these programs within the first 18 months following their graduation from a Canadian nursing education program.
What Provincial Supports are Available to New Graduate 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 feedback and insights to keep you updated every step of the way.
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.
Licensing/Registration
For licensing and registration information for New Graduate Nurses click below:
- RNs – B.C. graduates
- RPNs – BC graduates
- LPNs – B.C. graduates
Salary/Benefits
For all public health authorities, with the exception of FNHA, RNs and RPNs have a 10-step wage scale, and effective April 1, 2024, new graduates start at level 3, step 1 or $41.42 an hour. For every 1,950 hours worked, your salary increases 1 step to a maximum of $55.91 an hour.
For FNHA, RNs and RPNs have a 10-step wage scale, and effective August 20, 2024, nurses (NU/NR-CHN-3) start at step 1 or $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 on top of 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.
Significant wage gains and premium improvements make BC home to some of the highest paid nurses in Canada.
For more information on salary and benefits contact us.
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.
New Graduate Bursaries
To support the growth of new nurses in B.C., the Province has introduced a new bursary to alleviate the costs of associated with licensing exams for new graduate nurses.
Eligible new graduate nurses will receive a $500 bursary to cover these expenses.
This funding will be available on an ongoing basis and will be retroactively applied to expenses incurred since January 1, 2023.
Ask your employer about the bursary to learn more.
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 us.
BC Health Authorities
About Health Match BC
Health Match BC is a free recruitment service for health professionals funded by the Government of British Columbia. We have been working with the BC’s publicly funded health employers for over twenty-five years to support recruitment at over 200 facilities across the province. We are part of the BC Health Careers Network and 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 nursing career in BC. By creating a profile, you will unlock access to comprehensive information about nursing opportunities in BC, along with expert guidance on the registration and job search. You will also gain insight into the various supports available to assist you throughout your job search. Health Match BC provides personalized resources and tailored support, connecting you with the tools and networks necessary to successfully navigate your career journey in BC.
