Employment

The high demand for nurses and qualified health care providers in Canada is well documented - and the need for Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) is no exception.

Psychiatric Nurses have worked in British Columbia since the 1930s and today about 2,900 RPNs practice in the province. As Douglas College is BC's leading educator in psychiatric nursing, nearly all our graduates - 98 percent - find jobs in the field.

As other health care professionals and the public gain greater understanding about the role of mental health and its importance to a person's overall health and well-being, the value of an RPN has gained increased recognition.

Outstanding opportunities

Today, RPNs can select from a wide variety of career opportunities and settings:

  • Psychiatric Inpatient Units in General Hospitals
  • Emergency Departments
  • Forensic Programs
  • Child and Youth Programs
  • Older Adult Units
  • Palliative Care
  • Substance Use Programs
  • Intermediate and Long-term Care Facilities
  • Community Mental Health Programs
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Research

Want more information?

For current examples of available jobs, check out the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.
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