Exploring Job Opportunities in Rural NL One Road Trip at a Time

Recently, a small group of internationally trained nurses employed at health-care facilities in the St. John’s area, as well as their families, embarked on a road trip to the beautiful community of Placentia as part of an initiative to show them what rural communities can offer in terms of lifestyle and job opportunities.   

Many internationally trained nurses start their career with NL Health Services in major urban centres such as St. John’s or Corner Brook. 

“We’re doing everything we can to fill positions in all areas of the province,” says Rod Hayward, program manager with the Long-Term Care Program, Eastern-Rural Zone. “That includes exploring job opportunities in rural Newfoundland and Labrador through road trips to various communities. This allows candidates to get a small taste of rural life in hopes they choose to settle there and become part of the fabric of the community.” 

The trip to Placentia included a tour of the Placentia Health Care Centre and the Lion’s Manor Nursing Home. Participants even met with the mayor, principals of the high school and elementary school, as well as NL Health Services managers, physicians and staff.   

“I really enjoyed the trip to Placentia,’ says Chunyan Du, originally from China and currently working as a licensed practical nurse at Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. “It is a beautiful place with fantastic ocean views. Even though it’s a small town compared to St. John’s, the community is really mature. You can find almost everything; grocery stores, restaurants, gas station, banks and more.” 

Participants Kavita Pardeshi and Chunyan Du enjoying their day in Placentia. 

But what really made an impression were the people Chunyan met and the health-care facilities she visited. 

“I was really impressed by the people there. They are so hospitable and supportive. And I really liked the working environment at Lions Manor Nursing Home, which is spacious, tidy, quiet and comfortable.” She adds, “the residents seem like they are enjoying their life, and I could see the focus staff had on taking care of them.” 

Lion’s Manor Nursing Home, Placentia, NL 

Tours of other rural communities are being planned. To date, over 200 internationally trained nurses have been hired at NL Health Services.   

Anyone interested in learning more about interesting and rewarding work in all areas of the province should visit the NL Health Services careers website for opportunities in all zones of the province.  

Chunyen Du and 9-year-old daughter, Lindy Lin, enjoying a hike at Signal Hill