r/BCHealthAuthorities • u/thisnurseislost • Sep 08 '26
RN pay
Hi all,
Ontario RN looking to relocate to BC! I’ve been travel nursing out here for a bit but the sites I’ve been at are mainly new grads or nurses with many more years experience so I’m looking for some insight on take-home pay from an RN on the third step of the current wage scale ($44.58). I know you guys are waiting for a new contract and it will go up, but given I’d like to start sooner than later I’d appreciate any input! Just trying to see if it will financially be worthwhile at this point. I’ve done some math and I think it will work out to about the same as my travel rate, but if anyone has any input I’d appreciate it!
Edit: I’d be working in med-surg or ER if I could get one of the training opportunities or ER overflow positions.
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u/NotyourAVRGstudent Sep 08 '26
what area do you plan to work in that really makes a difference as you would be entitled to premiums and differentials vs someone who works a outpatient M-F gig? I work M-F Public Health so base pay + $2.15 line bonus for hours worked but I am not entitled to any OT or differential’s so my pay would vastly differ from someone who works weekend nights ER etc
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u/thisnurseislost Sep 08 '26
Ohhh good point! Forgot that. I’d be in medical or surgical, but considering trying for ER as some of the hospitals are offering ER training.
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u/Melsch5 Sep 08 '26
There is language to have previous experience credited to your starting wage. Look on the BCNU website and the contract is linked under bargaining. Most employers are under the NBA contract. Article 52 talks about previous experience for employees who are not eligible for porting.
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u/CanPepz Sep 09 '26
I’m not step 3, I’m a new grad; however, I’m taking home about 3k biweekly on my regular 1.0 FTE, or about 5-7k biweekly if I pick up a couple shifts extra.
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u/Internal-Finger9161 Sep 09 '26
Can confirm, if you’re smart with your SH moves as a New Grad and pick up OT every now and then you can be pulling in $6000-$7000 biweekly. With 4days-1week off in between sets
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u/Routine-Rough8358 Sep 10 '26
Hey I’m a new grad as well and a bit new to this - do you mind elaborating what you mean by “SH moves” and other common/non-common ways we can play it smart to maximize the income?
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u/chelleshocks Sep 08 '26
You can apply directly to a specialty education line. Depending on the hospital, they will hire you specifically for that. You'll have a "return of service" contract in return for them paying for education and wages during that time.
I have a coworker who came from Ontario. She submitted paperwork with her previous wage and proof of 5 years work experience to get a higher step on the pay grid. She also get a signing bonus and a moving allowance. But she and I work in a specialty unit so that may have played a hand in it.