Life on Vancouver Island can feel a little different.
Across Vancouver Island, healthcare workers live and work within diverse communities and on the traditional territories of Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples.
Many of our employees build careers in communities where meaningful work exists alongside a lifestyle that leaves room to recharge, reconnect, and feel grounded outside of work. Shorter commutes, access to nature, strong community connection, and time spent outdoors are part of everyday life for many people here.
Located off the southwest coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is home to a wide range of communities, landscapes, and lifestyles — from coastal towns and rural communities to growing urban centres. Ocean views, forests, mountains, beaches, local arts and culture, and year-round outdoor recreation are woven into daily life across the Island.
With Canada’s mildest climate, many people spend time outside throughout the year — whether that means hiking, kayaking, cycling, gardening, golfing, or simply spending more time with family and friends close to home.
Whether you’re looking for a close-knit community, access to nature, or a more balanced pace outside of work, Vancouver Island offers space to build both a meaningful career and a meaningful life.
We welcome U.S.-trained nurses. It’s never been easier to make the move.
Many nurses relocating to Vancouver Island are looking for something more sustainable — meaningful work, supportive teams, shorter commutes, access to nature, and a lifestyle that leaves room to breathe outside of work.
If you hold a current U.S. nursing license and have recent practice experience, you may be eligible to join Island Health without repeating your training. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) now offers an expedited registration pathway for U.S.-licensed nurses.
Our recruitment team will connect you with the resources you need for a smooth transition, including information on registration, licensing translation, credential submission and workplace orientation. We’ll make sure you know where to go and what steps to take so you can get started quickly and confidently.
Starting your nursing career is a big step — and support matters. Island Health’s New Graduate Transition Program is designed to help you bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Whether you’ve just completed a nursing degree or another health care program, this transition initiative helps you build clinical confidence and apply your skills in practice.
What You Can Expect:
Across Vancouver Island, new grads can build experience in acute care, rural nursing, specialty areas, community health, and more while developing meaningful relationships with patients, coworkers, and communities.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to our new graduate nurse postings today and connect with a welcoming member of our recruitment team who will guide you through the process.
Island Health is committed to recruiting, retaining, and supporting Indigenous employees at all levels of our organization. We recognize the valuable perspectives, knowledge, and experiences that Indigenous people bring to healthcare and are working to create culturally safer workplaces where Indigenous employees can thrive.
Island Health serves 50 First Nations communities belonging to three cultural families grouped by language: Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw. In addition, six chartered Métis communities and six urban Friendship Centres are part of the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering a workforce that more closely reflects the diverse population we serve. Island Health’s vision for the future is rooted in respect, understanding, and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
If you identify as Indigenous, our Indigenous Employee Experience team is available to support you throughout the application process, answer questions about careers at Island Health, and help connect you with resources as you explore opportunities with our organization.
Island Health provides healthcare and support services to communities across Vancouver Island and surrounding regions. Our teams work across hospitals, long-term care, community health, mental health and substance use services, primary care, public health, rural and remote care, and more.
With more than 31,000 employees and medical staff, Island Health offers the opportunity to build a meaningful healthcare career within one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities — while living and working in communities connected to nature, culture, and one another.
British Columbia is implementing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios across the province — helping support safer patient care, more sustainable workloads, and stronger working environments for nurses.
These ratios are designed to help ensure nurses have the time and support needed to provide high-quality patient care while helping reduce workload pressures and burnout. British Columbia is the first province in Canada to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios across its healthcare system.
At Island Health, we recognize that supportive staffing models are an important part of creating healthier workplaces where nurses can build sustainable, long-term careers.
At Island Health, we are committed to creating workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and valued. We believe diverse perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our teams and help us provide better care to patients, residents and communities.
We are working to address racism, discrimination, and barriers that affect equity and belonging in our organization. Through this ongoing work, we strive to create safe and inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute, grow and succeed.
We support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for IBPOC employees, 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, and employees with disabilities. These groups help foster connection, community, and support throughout your career with Island Health.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require accommodations during the hiring process or would like to learn more about our equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, please contact our DEI team at [email protected].
Island Health offers competitive compensation, employer-paid health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave provisions, and access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program.
Employees also participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan designed to support long-term financial security and predictable retirement income.
Eligible candidates may qualify for relocation assistance, and employees have access to ongoing education, scholarship opportunities, specialty training, and career development programs designed to support long-term growth within the organization.
Our recruitment team is here to support you throughout your application journey.
Whether you have questions about current opportunities, licensing and relocation, job locations, specialty areas, or the application process itself, we’re happy to help connect you with the information and resources you need.
We understand that exploring a new role — or relocating to a new community — is a big decision. Our team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you learn more about nursing careers at Island Health and life on Vancouver Island.
Connect with our recruitment team to learn more about current opportunities.
I’ve worked as a remote Certified Practice Nurse for the past couple of years. Outside of work, I appreciate the quieter pace of life and being closely connected to nature. For me, that balance between meaningful work, community connection, and the lifestyle that comes with remote living is what makes rural healthcare so rewarding.
I’ve worked as a remote Certified Practice Nurse for the past couple of years. Outside of work, I appreciate the quieter pace of life and being closely connected to nature. For me, that balance between meaningful work, community connection, and the lifestyle that comes with remote living is what makes rural healthcare so rewarding.
I’ve worked as a remote Certified Practice Nurse for the past couple of years. Outside of work, I appreciate the quieter pace of life and being closely connected to nature. For me, that balance between meaningful work, community connection, and the lifestyle that comes with remote living is what makes rural healthcare so rewarding.
I’ve worked as a remote Certified Practice Nurse for the past couple of years. Outside of work, I appreciate the quieter pace of life and being closely connected to nature. For me, that balance between meaningful work, community connection, and the lifestyle that comes with remote living is what makes rural healthcare so rewarding.
I’ve worked as a remote Certified Practice Nurse for the past couple of years. Outside of work, I appreciate the quieter pace of life and being closely connected to nature. For me, that balance between meaningful work, community connection, and the lifestyle that comes with remote living is what makes rural healthcare so rewarding.
Our team always focuses on client-centred care and meets the client where they are in their journey. I love being part of a passionate team. When I’m not at work, I love hiking with my dog pack, going on camping adventures on the Island, watching The Office with my kiddo, and creating unique meals on an open fire.
Our team always focuses on client-centred care and meets the client where they are in their journey. I love being part of a passionate team. When I’m not at work, I love hiking with my dog pack, going on camping adventures on the Island, watching The Office with my kiddo, and creating unique meals on an open fire.
Our team always focuses on client-centred care and meets the client where they are in their journey. I love being part of a passionate team. When I’m not at work, I love hiking with my dog pack, going on camping adventures on the Island, watching The Office with my kiddo, and creating unique meals on an open fire.
Our team always focuses on client-centred care and meets the client where they are in their journey. I love being part of a passionate team. When I’m not at work, I love hiking with my dog pack, going on camping adventures on the Island, watching The Office with my kiddo, and creating unique meals on an open fire.
Our team always focuses on client-centred care and meets the client where they are in their journey. I love being part of a passionate team. When I’m not at work, I love hiking with my dog pack, going on camping adventures on the Island, watching The Office with my kiddo, and creating unique meals on an open fire.
I love working at Island Health because of the people I work with and the for ability to be the first contact for people — or a safe place to return for others. I would tell someone considering a career here that you’ll be able to be yourself in a safe and caring environment. It will enrich your life and help others in need.
I love working at Island Health because of the people I work with and the for ability to be the first contact for people — or a safe place to return for others. I would tell someone considering a career here that you’ll be able to be yourself in a safe and caring environment. It will enrich your life and help others in need.
I love working at Island Health because of the people I work with and the for ability to be the first contact for people — or a safe place to return for others. I would tell someone considering a career here that you’ll be able to be yourself in a safe and caring environment. It will enrich your life and help others in need.
I love working at Island Health because of the people I work with and the for ability to be the first contact for people — or a safe place to return for others. I would tell someone considering a career here that you’ll be able to be yourself in a safe and caring environment. It will enrich your life and help others in need.
I love working at Island Health because of the people I work with and the for ability to be the first contact for people — or a safe place to return for others. I would tell someone considering a career here that you’ll be able to be yourself in a safe and caring environment. It will enrich your life and help others in need.
If you are planning a move, the Cowichan Valley has everything you can imagine. It is a great place to grow your family and experience life. I love the Cowichan Valley and all it has to offer. The lakes, oceans, forests and outside opportunities have anchored me here. No better place on earth.
If you are planning a move, the Cowichan Valley has everything you can imagine. It is a great place to grow your family and experience life. I love the Cowichan Valley and all it has to offer. The lakes, oceans, forests and outside opportunities have anchored me here. No better place on earth.
If you are planning a move, the Cowichan Valley has everything you can imagine. It is a great place to grow your family and experience life. I love the Cowichan Valley and all it has to offer. The lakes, oceans, forests and outside opportunities have anchored me here. No better place on earth.
If you are planning a move, the Cowichan Valley has everything you can imagine. It is a great place to grow your family and experience life. I love the Cowichan Valley and all it has to offer. The lakes, oceans, forests and outside opportunities have anchored me here. No better place on earth.
If you are planning a move, the Cowichan Valley has everything you can imagine. It is a great place to grow your family and experience life. I love the Cowichan Valley and all it has to offer. The lakes, oceans, forests and outside opportunities have anchored me here. No better place on earth.
My favourite part about working here is the team I work with — and I don’t have a single traffic light to go through to get to work! I like to go hiking and bicycling; we have tons of awesome trails and mountains, beautiful lakes to boat, swim and enjoy time upon.
My favourite part about working here is the team I work with — and I don’t have a single traffic light to go through to get to work! I like to go hiking and bicycling; we have tons of awesome trails and mountains, beautiful lakes to boat, swim and enjoy time upon.
My favourite part about working here is the team I work with — and I don’t have a single traffic light to go through to get to work! I like to go hiking and bicycling; we have tons of awesome trails and mountains, beautiful lakes to boat, swim and enjoy time upon.
My favourite part about working here is the team I work with — and I don’t have a single traffic light to go through to get to work! I like to go hiking and bicycling; we have tons of awesome trails and mountains, beautiful lakes to boat, swim and enjoy time upon.
My favourite part about working here is the team I work with — and I don’t have a single traffic light to go through to get to work! I like to go hiking and bicycling; we have tons of awesome trails and mountains, beautiful lakes to boat, swim and enjoy time upon.
