Working in northern Quebec is an experience that allows you to collaborate with the various professions within the health centers of the different villages along Hudson Bay. It’s like being the hero the community needs and showcasing your expertise by contributing to the development of healthcare in Quebec.
Practicing healthcare in northern Quebec brings much more on a personal level. It is a unique experience that allows you to take on challenges and push yourself further in your professional environment. Whether for a short stay or for several weeks, it is an experience worth living.
Discover the 5 reasons that will make you want to work in northern Quebec, according to Karl Lansloot, a full-time flight nurse since September 2022.
PS: Did you know that Airmedic gives you the opportunity to experience the Far North without having to leave your main job or sign a long-term contract? A single 14-day stay is possible, with no obligation.
1. Cultural and professional change of scenery: How working in northern Quebec will change you
You can’t truly grasp the reality of remote communities until you’ve set foot there. In the south, in large cities, we are used to always having orderlies, doctors, respiratory therapists, and biochemistry services (blood analysis) available at all times. In the north, however, resourcefulness is very important and even essential.
Since there are few different trades, working in northern Quebec brings a lot of diversity to the practice. We can provide prenatal care, vaccinations, initial assessments, air evacuations, polytrauma management, deliveries, and much more. This allows us to diversify our skill sets and maintain our expertise by practicing a wide variety of care.
2. Discovering the vastness of our beautiful Quebec territory
Our territory is so vast and beautiful. I sincerely wish for everyone to have the chance to discover the far reaches of Quebec. Did you know that north of the 50th parallel, there are no trees? Interestingly, last spring, I left Montreal where it was 28 degrees, heading to the Raglan Mine located in Kativik. Upon arrival, in a dense blizzard, it was -12 degrees. It is therefore possible to experience all four seasons in a single day! You definitely can’t be afraid of the cold!
3. Developing an exceptional team spirit with employees in remote regions
The sense of family and camaraderie is very strong in the northern departments, as these are the only people with whom we can have a conversation in our native language. We build unique relationships with our colleagues, allowing us to share great moments both at work and outside of working hours.
4. The significant financial benefits of working in northern Quebec
Isolation bonuses are very attractive financially. They add about 40% more to your base salary after taxes. The compensation is as follows:
- Daily salary of 11.43 hours x according to your hourly rate in Airmedic’s pay scales
- Project bonus of $175 per day
- Daily per diem of $70 per day (non-taxable)
- Highly competitive on-call bonus (if applicable)
In addition, your accommodation and travel expenses are 100% covered by Airmedic!
5. Broadening our perspective on living conditions and the reality of Canadian Indigenous communities
The reality of Inuit communities is very different from life in the south. You can’t grasp all the nuances until you’ve stayed in a community for a few days. For example, there are no aqueducts or running water. At times, you might go without water for up to 7 days! Don’t worry, there are alternative solutions. The most rewarding part of my job as a nurse in northern Quebec is the relationships we build. It is very easy to talk with the locals — they are open to others, to our culture, and to the knowledge we bring with us. I recommend going for more than one rotation to truly immerse yourself in the region and everything it has to offer.
Want to be part of the adventure?
To submit your application, please express your interest by email at [email protected], making sure to specify the job title in the subject line “Flight Nurse Far North”. We look forward to meeting you!
Airmedic is not a placement agency for healthcare professionals or any other type of workforce; therefore, it is not subject to the regulations or decrees governing such agencies.
The masculine form is used solely to simplify the text.
