Did you know that pharmacy and nursing students are able to be hired in their respective fields on a temporary basis, even if they haven’t fully completed their schooling? At RPI Consulting Group, we have tons of job opportunities available for experienced pharmacists and nurses, but we also regularly receive requests from pharmacies and clinics across Canada who are willing to hire students to lend an extra hand. In this blog, we’ll provide a brief overview of what this means.
Opportunities for students
Let’s start off by discussing exactly what this means for pharmacy and nursing students. Let’s say that you’re currently on your ‘last lap’ of your schooling and you’re interested in getting an idea of what it’s like to work in a pharmacy or nursing setting. In certain provinces throughout Canada, you can get some real-life work experience, and be paid for doing so (Note: the criteria for this varies from province to province, and some, including Ontario, don’t allow it at all.) In provinces where this is an option, you would essentially work alongside a registered pharmacist/nurse in good standing, who can give you some practical work experience and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work in such a setting. It’s important to note that you won’t make the same rate of pay as someone with several years’ worth of experience, but you will receive compensation, and as previously noted, you’ll have the unique opportunity to get some real-life experience ahead of graduating and, eventually, setting off on your career.
How does this work?
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a shortage of employees in certain sectors, many provincial governments – such as British Columbia – are allowing pharmacy and nursing students, among others, to receive a temporary license and provide assistance to pharmacies and clinics that are short-staffed. These students must be getting their education at a Canadian post-secondary institution, so this is not applicable to overseas students who are looking at moving to Canada.
The real challenge for these students is finding a pharmacy or clinic that is will to hire someone under these circumstances – and that’s where RPI comes in! As previously mentioned, we have many such opportunities available, and our team of Account Managers truly enjoys helping students get that valuable experience as they work towards their career. There’s also an opportunity for ‘crossover’ work – for example, a pharmacy student doesn’t necessarily need to work in a pharmacy, and instead could work as a COVID-19 tester and/or vaccinator (pending the necessary certification, of course).
Opportunities abound!
If you’re a pharmacy or nursing student who’s looking to gain some invaluable experience ahead of graduation, contact RPI today! We have many opportunities available, and our team is standing by waiting to help. Send us your resume and some information about you, and we’ll follow-up ASAP.
