Best Entry Level Nursing Jobs

February 28, 2023

There are several entry-level nursing jobs that can provide opportunities for career advancement. Here are some examples:

  1. Registered Nurse (RN): Becoming an RN is a common starting point for many nurses. RNs work in a variety of healthcare settings and are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care. RNs can specialize in various areas of nursing, such as pediatrics, oncology, critical care, or psychiatric nursing, which can provide opportunities for career advancement in those areas.
  2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): LPNs/LVNs work under the supervision of RNs and are responsible for providing basic patient care. LPNs/LVNs can gain experience in various healthcare settings and may eventually pursue further education to become an RN.
  3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic care for patients, such as assisting with daily activities like bathing and dressing. CNAs can gain experience working with patients and may eventually pursue further education to become an LPN/LVN or RN.
  4. Nurse Educator: Nurse educators work in academic settings, such as nursing schools or hospitals, and are responsible for teaching and training future nurses. Nurse educators typically have advanced degrees in nursing and can provide opportunities for career advancement in education or management roles.
  5. Nurse Researcher: Nurse researchers conduct research studies to advance nursing knowledge and improve patient care. Nurse researchers typically have advanced degrees in nursing or related fields and can provide opportunities for career advancement in research or academic settings.

It's important to note that career advancement in nursing often requires additional education and certifications, as well as experience in specialized areas of nursing. Therefore, it's important for nurses to continually pursue professional development opportunities to advance their careers.

The highest paying entry-level nursing jobs in Canada may vary based on the specific location, employer, and type of nursing specialty. However, here are some examples of entry-level nursing jobs in Canada that typically offer higher salaries:

  1. Registered Nurse (RN) - Critical Care: RNs who work in critical care settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments, often earn higher salaries due to the specialized skills and knowledge required for these roles.
  2. Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room: RNs who work in operating rooms typically earn higher salaries due to the specialized skills and knowledge required for these roles.
  3. Registered Nurse (RN) - Mental Health: RNs who work in mental health settings, such as psychiatric hospitals or clinics, may earn higher salaries due to the demand for mental health services.
  4. Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs are advanced practice nurses who can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. NPs typically require additional education and certification beyond an RN license, but can earn higher salaries as a result.
  5. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs are advanced practice nurses who specialize in a specific area of nursing, such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. CNSs typically require additional education and certification beyond an RN license, but can earn higher salaries as a result.

It's important to note that these are just examples and that salaries may vary based on location and employer. Additionally, entry-level nurses may need to gain experience and further education in specialized areas of nursing to increase their earning potential.

The entry-level nursing salary in British Columbia (BC) varies depending on the specific nursing role and employer. Here are some general salary ranges for common entry-level nursing positions in BC:

  1. Registered Nurse (RN): The starting hourly wage for an RN in BC is typically between $33 and $40 per hour, with an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000.
  2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): The starting hourly wage for an LPN in BC is typically between $28 and $31 per hour, with an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $60,000.
  3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): The starting hourly wage for a CNA in BC is typically between $22 and $24 per hour, with an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $50,000.

It's important to note that these salary ranges are approximate and may vary based on factors such as location, employer, and years of experience. Additionally, nurses may receive additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can increase the overall value of their compensation package.

The average new grad nurse salary in Canada is $81,179 per year or $41.63 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $74,276 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $85,303 per year.

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