Education & training

Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to specialize can join a long history of education at Providence Health Care. Specialties include:

• Emergency, Maternity (Neonatal/Perinatal)
• Operating Room (OR)
• High Acuity
• Critical Care (ICU/CCU/Cath Lab/CSICU/PAR)
• Hemodialysis (Nephrology)

Current training and education opportunities:

• Registered Nurse Education - Neonatal Program
• Registered Nurse Education - Perinatal Program
• Registered Nurse Education - Critical Care Program
• Registered Nurse Training - Emergency
• Registered Nurse Training - Critical Care, Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)
• Registered Nurse Training - Critical Care, ICU/CSICU/Cardiac Surgery and HAU
• Registered Nurse Training - Nephrology/Hemodialysis
• Registered Nurse Training - Chronic Pain Program

Most courses are offered through BCIT’s Specialty Nursing Program.
Explore Specialty Nursing Programs 

Providence Health Care’s Employed Student Nurse (ESN/ESPN) program provides an opportunity for RN and RPN students to continue their professional development and become part of a committed interdisciplinary team. This paid employment experience allows students to consolidate the knowledge and skills learned in school and continue to build confidence in a clinical setting.

Program Support

• ESNs/ESPNs act under the supervision of a practicing Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, or Registered Psychiatric Nurse
• ESNs/ESPNs receive support from our New Grad/ESN Educators
• Many PHC units have Clinical Mentors available to provide in the moment practice support

Key Features of the Program

• Consolidate your nursing education with hands on experience in a supportive learning environment 
• Work in a quaternary academic research institute alongside an experienced interdisciplinary team
• Earn a wage while working as a supernumerary nurse 
• Accumulate seniority hours that can be applied toward your first job with PHC

What does ESN/ESPN Orientation Look Like? 

• Half-Day New Employee Orientation: Gain insights into being a PHC employee
• 4-Day General Nurse Orientation: Acquire essential nursing skills and knowledge
• 2 hour ESN/ESPN Orientation
• Unit-Specific Nurse Orientation: Specialized nursing proficiency development.

How to Apply

--> Apply for the ESN/ESPN Program. 

The NG Nurse Program is operated through the office of Professional Practice. This program provides support aligned to the needs of newly graduated nurses during the first 18 months following graduation. NG educator(s) offer in-person support, orientation, seminars, consultation, and workshops to support the transition from being students to autonomous nursing practice.

Program Support:

Program support is made up of different components such as orientation, education, consultation, seminars and in-person practice support. The transition from a student nurse to full scope, professional nurse is a steep learning curve that can feel overwhelming and long. New Grad nurse support also comes from the Clinical Program’s Patient Care Manager, Nurse Educator(s), Nursing Colleagues, Clinical Nurse Leaders, and the Interdisciplinary team.

NG educator's have a rotating schedule, working days, evenings, and weekends to offer support to NG nurses while at work. When the nurse is at work, the NG Educator(s) try to connect in-person or by phone to debrief, encourage, advise, validate and coach. NG nurse support also comes from the Clinical Program’s Patient Care Manager, Nurse Educator(s), Nursing Colleagues, Clinical Nurse Leaders, and the Interdisciplinary Team.

Program Education:

Workshops
The program provides a series of clinical education workshops. These workshops are engaging, interactive, and relevant to graduates learning needs. NG nurses enroll themselves into workshops and seminars on Learning Hub.

3 Month and 8 Month Seminar
Seminars bring new graduates together to share and learn from each other’s experiences at 3 month and 8 month mark of the program.

One to One Support
Individual support can be arranged with the NG Educator(s) for debriefing situations, discussing learning needs, and providing extra support and education.

What Does NG Orientation Look Like?

• Half-Day New Employee Orientation: Gain insights into being a PHC employee
• 4-Day General Orientation: Acquire essential nursing skills and knowledge
• 1-Day NG Nurse Orientation: Begin your nursing journey and explore career opportunities
• Unit-Specific Nurse Orientation: Specialized nursing proficiency development.

How to Apply:

All PHC NG nurses (RN, RPN, LPN) hired into full-time or part-time (minimum 0.70 FTE) positions for a minimum of 6 months are automatically enrolled into the NG Program. Once hired, your Patient Care Manager schedules you to attend the New Grad Orientation where you will meet the NG educator and learn about the program. NG nurses can access the program’s resources for 18 months after hire.

Apply for our New Grad RN/RPN Program here
Apply for our New Grad LPN Program here

Paid Training Opportunity Join our Health Care Access Program (HCAP), an entry-level opportunity for those interested in a career as a Health Care Assistants.

We cover 100% of your wages, tuition, and books during the accelerated 9 to 12-month training program. After completion, you'll be eligible to register as a Care Aide and work at Providence Health Care, committing to at least one year of service.

As a Health Care Support Worker you will perform a variety of non-direct and/or non-clinical healthcare support to clients, residents, families, and/or visitors in long term care, assisted living, and home settings, in accordance with the established care plan and safety requirements. 

Program Stages:

1. Stage 1: Basic training and onboarding. As a Health Care Support Worker, you'll receive paid training and embark on your journey towards the Health Care Access Program.
2. Stage 2. Complete basic training and onboarding. All newly hired health care support workers must complete a provincially standardized training and onboarding program. This is provided by your employer. You will be paid for your time and any course fees will be covered.
3. Stage 3: Become a Health Care Assistant. After basic training and a probationary period, enroll in a structured education program while working.

What We Offer:

• Weekly pay of $903.00 during full-time classes or $24.80 as a Health Care Support Worker.
• Comprehensive onboarding and orientation.
• Professional growth within an innovative and supportive team addressing future health needs.

Qualifications 

• Grade 10, including successful completion of English 10 or equivalency.
• Transcripts showing 3 years consecutive, or 7 years non-consecutive study within a country with English language systems/institutions (where English is a primary, official language and the language used for education) – OR – Standardized English language.
• Candidates must submit a formal application, demonstrating legal entitlement to work in Canada and meeting academic requirements.

For More Information

Contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@providencehealth.bc.ca