Alberni/Clayoquot Region
A coastal healthcare career rooted in community.
Alberni/Clayoquot Region
From the forests and mountains surrounding Port Alberni to the Pacific coastline of Tofino, Ucluelet, and Bamfield, the Alberni/Clayoquot region offers opportunities to build a healthcare career connected to both community and nature.
These communities are located within the territories of several Nuu-chah-nulth Nations whose cultures, histories, and stewardship continue to shape life on the west coast today. Healthcare professionals working here become part of communities where relationships, respect, and connection to place remain deeply important.
This region is well suited for those seeking a west coast lifestyle, relationship-centred care, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with the people and communities they serve.
Communities
Port Alberni • Tofino • Ucluelet • Bamfield
Healthcare Facilities
West Coast General Hospital • Tofino General Hospital • Ucluelet Health Centre • Bamfield Health Centre
Best For
West coast living • Ocean access • Community connection • Work-life balance
North Vancouver Island
Where your work has visible impact.
North Vancouver Island
Stretching from the forests, mountains, and coastline of northern Vancouver Island to the island communities of Alert Bay and Sointula, the North Vancouver Island region offers opportunities to build a meaningful healthcare career in close-knit communities where your work makes a visible difference.
These communities are home to several Kwakwaka’wakw Nations whose cultures, histories, and stewardship continue to shape the region today. Healthcare professionals working here become part of communities where relationships matter, collaboration is essential, and care is often delivered close to home.
This region is well suited for those seeking broad-scope practice, strong teamwork, outdoor adventure, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the people and communities they serve.
Communities
Port Hardy • Port McNeill • Port Alice • Alert Bay • Sointula • Zeballos
Healthcare Facilities
Port Hardy Hospital • Port McNeill Hospital • Port Alice Health Centre • Cormorant Island Health Centre • Sointula Health Centre • Zeballos Health Centre
Best For
Broad scope • Team-based care • Outdoor lifestyle • Visible community impact
Southern Gulf Islands
Healthcare for those seeking a simpler way of life.
Southern Gulf Islands
Connected by ferry and surrounded by ocean, the Southern Gulf Islands offer a unique opportunity to build a healthcare career in communities where life moves at a different pace. Here, healthcare professionals often become deeply connected to the people they serve and the communities they call home.
These islands are located within the territories of several Coast Salish Nations whose cultures, histories, and stewardship continue to shape the region today. Healthcare professionals working here become part of communities that value connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of belonging.
This region is well suited for those seeking intentional living, meaningful community relationships, and a healthcare career grounded in balance, purpose, and connection to place.
Communities
Salt Spring • Pender • Galiano • Mayne • Saturna
Healthcare Facilities
Lady Minto Hospital • Pender Islands Health Centre • Galiano Health Care Centre • Mayne Island Health Centre • Saturna Health Centre
Best For
Intentional living • Community connection • Slower pace • Work-life balance
Vancouver Island West
Practice closer to community, culture and coast.
Vancouver Island West
The communities of Gold River, Tahsis, and Kyuquot offer opportunities to practice in some of Vancouver Island’s most remote and unique coastal settings. Healthcare professionals working here often build broad clinical experience, work closely with interdisciplinary teams, and develop strong relationships with the people and communities they serve.
These communities are located within the territories of several Nuu-chah-nulth Nations whose cultures, histories, and stewardship continue to shape life on the west coast today. Healthcare professionals working here become part of communities where connection, cultural humility, and relationship-centred care are essential to supporting health and wellbeing.
This region is well suited for those seeking autonomy, broad-scope practice, meaningful community relationships, and a lifestyle connected to the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Communities
Gold River • Tahsis • Kyuquot
Healthcare Facilities
Gold River Health Centre • Tahsis Health Centre • Kyuquot Health Centre
Best For
Autonomy • Broad scope • Community-centred care • Coastal living
In rural communities, healthcare can feel different. Patients are neighbours, coworkers become friends, and the relationships you build often extend beyond a single appointment or shift. Many healthcare professionals find that caring for people in smaller communities creates a stronger sense of connection, trust, and purpose in their work.
Life in rural and remote communities isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But for those seeking a slower pace, closer connection to nature, and a stronger sense of community, these places offer something increasingly difficult to find. Here, balance isn’t just something you talk about at work; it’s part of everyday life.
Rural practice offers opportunities to work differently. Healthcare professionals often contribute across a wider scope, collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, and play an important role in shaping care within their communities. The work is meaningful, the learning is continuous, and the impact is something you can see firsthand.
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.
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.
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.
Working in rural healthcare has expanded my knowledge in more ways than I knew existed. The diversity of the work keeps me interested, challenged and always learning. The kindness of neighbours and the gratitude for the care that is received here is something I am profoundly thankful for.
Working in rural healthcare has expanded my knowledge in more ways than I knew existed. The diversity of the work keeps me interested, challenged and always learning. The kindness of neighbours and the gratitude for the care that is received here is something I am profoundly thankful for.
Working in rural healthcare has expanded my knowledge in more ways than I knew existed. The diversity of the work keeps me interested, challenged and always learning. The kindness of neighbours and the gratitude for the care that is received here is something I am profoundly thankful for.
Working in rural healthcare has expanded my knowledge in more ways than I knew existed. The diversity of the work keeps me interested, challenged and always learning. The kindness of neighbours and the gratitude for the care that is received here is something I am profoundly thankful for.
Working in rural healthcare has expanded my knowledge in more ways than I knew existed. The diversity of the work keeps me interested, challenged and always learning. The kindness of neighbours and the gratitude for the care that is received here is something I am profoundly thankful for.
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.
I moved to North Vancouver Island for my love of the outdoors and my passion for sea kayaking. One of the things I enjoy most about working at Port McNeill Hospital is being part of the morning acute care team rounds, where team members have the opportunity to practice professional autonomy while collaborating on interventions.
I moved to North Vancouver Island for my love of the outdoors and my passion for sea kayaking. One of the things I enjoy most about working at Port McNeill Hospital is being part of the morning acute care team rounds, where team members have the opportunity to practice professional autonomy while collaborating on interventions.
I moved to North Vancouver Island for my love of the outdoors and my passion for sea kayaking. One of the things I enjoy most about working at Port McNeill Hospital is being part of the morning acute care team rounds, where team members have the opportunity to practice professional autonomy while collaborating on interventions.
I moved to North Vancouver Island for my love of the outdoors and my passion for sea kayaking. One of the things I enjoy most about working at Port McNeill Hospital is being part of the morning acute care team rounds, where team members have the opportunity to practice professional autonomy while collaborating on interventions.
I moved to North Vancouver Island for my love of the outdoors and my passion for sea kayaking. One of the things I enjoy most about working at Port McNeill Hospital is being part of the morning acute care team rounds, where team members have the opportunity to practice professional autonomy while collaborating on interventions.
For the first time in my career, I have found work-life balance. I attribute that to living in this community and being able to leave my shift and immediately meet up with friends to hike the trails and reconnect with nature. It’s a beautiful lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and a great place to raise our kids as well.
For the first time in my career, I have found work-life balance. I attribute that to living in this community and being able to leave my shift and immediately meet up with friends to hike the trails and reconnect with nature. It’s a beautiful lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and a great place to raise our kids as well.
For the first time in my career, I have found work-life balance. I attribute that to living in this community and being able to leave my shift and immediately meet up with friends to hike the trails and reconnect with nature. It’s a beautiful lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and a great place to raise our kids as well.
For the first time in my career, I have found work-life balance. I attribute that to living in this community and being able to leave my shift and immediately meet up with friends to hike the trails and reconnect with nature. It’s a beautiful lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and a great place to raise our kids as well.
For the first time in my career, I have found work-life balance. I attribute that to living in this community and being able to leave my shift and immediately meet up with friends to hike the trails and reconnect with nature. It’s a beautiful lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and a great place to raise our kids as well.
I am very lucky to work in a small hospital on Salt Spring Island. One joy that brings me to work every day is my residents. I can be very close with our residents and spend a lot of time with them. It’s a lovely atmosphere here.
I am very lucky to work in a small hospital on Salt Spring Island. One joy that brings me to work every day is my residents. I can be very close with our residents and spend a lot of time with them. It’s a lovely atmosphere here.
I am very lucky to work in a small hospital on Salt Spring Island. One joy that brings me to work every day is my residents. I can be very close with our residents and spend a lot of time with them. It’s a lovely atmosphere here.
I am very lucky to work in a small hospital on Salt Spring Island. One joy that brings me to work every day is my residents. I can be very close with our residents and spend a lot of time with them. It’s a lovely atmosphere here.
I am very lucky to work in a small hospital on Salt Spring Island. One joy that brings me to work every day is my residents. I can be very close with our residents and spend a lot of time with them. It’s a lovely atmosphere here.
