Working in Long-Term Care

Looking for a career in long-term care? We hire certified health care professions that share our passion for providing exceptional resident-centered care. Help us make a difference in the lives of our residents.

Start your career at Niagara Region

The Supervised Practice Experience Program is for registered practical nurses, registered nurses and internationally educated nurses. It offers you the option to complete a supervised practice experience in Ontario to demonstrate your nursing knowledge, skills, judgement, evidence of practice and language proficiency.

This program is in response to a growing call to fast-track internationally educated nurses into Canadian health care. The program also supports the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of Niagara Region as nurses from other countries bring a wealth of experience and culture to our long-term care homes.

You will provide professional nursing care to our residents, and offer direction and support to the personal support workers in our homes. The internship is 37.5 hours per week under the supervision of a preceptor for 140 hours.

Education requirements

• For a registered practical nurse internship, you need a practical nurse program diploma with medication certificate
• For a registered nurse internship, you need a degree in nursing

Employment opportunities

Niagara Region has opportunities that allow you to make a difference in your community. Learn about some of the rewarding opportunities you'll find in our homes.

• Assistant cook

  Help the cook in prepare, cook and portion meals and snacks in compliance with therapeutic diet needs and restrictions. With the use of recipes and menus, perform general and specialized cooking and maintain high standards of quality production that meet the nutritional needs of the residents.

  Education requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Completion of an Institutional Cook (415D) or Cook (415A) certification program, Chef Training, Culinary Management, Food and Nutrition Management diploma, degree or certificate, or an equivalent combination of education and / or experience as permitted by the applicable legislation / act
  • If currently enrolled in an accepted program, completion within the timeframe prescribed by legislation / act
  • A current Safe Food Handling Certificate as required by legislation / act
• Cook

  Prepare, cook and portion resident meals and snacks in compliance with therapeutic diet needs and restrictions. With the use of recipes and menus, perform general and specialized cooking and maintain high standards of quality production that meet the nutritional needs of the residents.

  Education requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Completion of an Institutional Cook (415D) or Cook (415A) certification program, Chef Training, Culinary Management, Food and Nutrition Management diploma, degree or certificate, or an equivalent combination of education and / or experience as permitted by the applicable legislation / act
  • A current Safe Food Handling Certificate as required by legislation / act
  • Red Seal certification is an asset, but not required
• Food service worker

  Work with the cooks and assistant cooks to provide resident-focused food services in the homes. Tasks include preparation of snacks and meals for residents, supporting meal service, managing food and food supply inventory, and other related duties required for compliance and the efficient operation of the home.

  Education requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Completion of a food service worker program, a food and nutrition management diploma or degree, assistant cook, cook or institutional cook certification program
  • If currently enrolled in an accepted program, completion within the timeframe prescribed by the legislation / act
  • An equivalent combination of education and / or experience as permitted by the applicable legislation / act
  • A current Safe Food Handling Certificate as required by legislation / act
• Housekeeping aide

  Perform housekeeping procedures as directed by management to ensure a safe and clean environment for residents, staff and visitors of our long-term care homes.

  Education requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
• Laundry aide

  Ensure a sufficient supply of clean linens and personal items for residents and staff in our long-term care homes. Collect, label, unload, sort, wash, dry and fold linens, draperies, tablecloths and resident clothing.

  Education requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
• Nurse practitioner

  In this role, you will implement and maintain an effective program to reduce acute care admissions to the hospital from the long-term care homes. Contribute to the plan of care with an emphasis on wellness and disease prevention, and develop programs that reflect the community's needs.

  Education requirements

  • Degree in nursing
  • Completion of a nurse practitioner program from a recognized university
  • Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Nursing Graduate Guarantee Program

  The Nursing Graduate Guarantee program is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

  It provides new registered practical nurses and registered nurses who are within 12 months of registering with the College of Nurses of Ontario with a temporary full-time employment opportunity. This improves the transition into practice.

  This is also a great opportunity for internationally educated nurses who have completed their nursing education outside of Canada.

  Education requirements

  • For a registered practical nurse, you need a practical nurse program diploma with medication certificate
  • For a registered nurse, you need a degree in nursing
  • For an internationally educated nurse, you need to have completed your registered practical nursing education outside of Canada
• Personal support worker

  Help with the care of residents in our homes under the supervision of the registered nursing staff. You will support residents with their activities of daily living, and monitor and report any signs and symptoms of change in a resident to the registered staff.

  Education requirements

  • Accredited Personal Support Worker Certificate or minimum one year of successful completion of a recognized registered practical nurse or registered nurse program, if currently enrolled; or
  • Equivalent education as permitted by the applicable legislation / act; or
  • An international nursing degree or diploma
• Recreationist
  Plan, coordinate, implement, promote and evaluate a broad program of recreation activities for residents based on their abilities, strengths, needs, interests and former lifestyles.

  Education requirements

  • College diploma in recreation
  • Valid First Aid Certificate
• Rehabilitation worker

  Work with registered therapists to provide resident-focused rehabilitation services. Help with the Assistive Devices Program applications, and maintain mobility devices and adaptive aids. Implement prescribed treatment plans, and document and evaluate residents' therapy needs.

  Education requirements

  • College diploma from an approved occupational therapy assistant or physiotherapy assistant program
  • Consideration will be given to a completed university degree in kinesiology with an emphasis on therapeutic techniques and equipment
• Registered nurse

  Work with registered practical nurses and personal support workers to provide professional nursing care, and support and guidance to our residents and their families. Offer support and direction to the team, and work with other professionals and community health agencies to ensure they are providing high quality, resident-centered care.

  Education requirements

  • Certificate from an approved college or a diploma from an approved university in a recognized registered nursing program
  • Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario

  Monthly bonus eligibility

  You may be eligible for a special education ongoing monthly bonus if you have completed one or more of the following:

  • Gerontology Certificate
  • Dementia Care Certificate
  • Nursing Unit Administration Certificate
• Registered practical nurse

  Provide professional nursing care to our residents and offer direction and support to personal support workers in our homes. Work closely with our residents and their families to provide compassionate care.

  Education requirements

  • Licensed registered practical nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Resident and family support worker

  Provide support services for residents and their families in the long-term care homes. Complete psychosocial assessments, plan and implement appropriate service strategies and evaluate effectiveness.

  Education requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree in social work
  • Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services