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Relocate as a Healthcare Professional

Serving St. John's Growing Medical Community

Doctors, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals are in high demand across Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John's is home to Atlantic Canada's most comprehensive healthcare system and multiple teaching hospitals offering career advancement and exceptional quality of life.

Major Healthcare Institutions

Health Sciences Centre (HSC)

The province's primary tertiary care hospital. HSC provides specialized services including oncology, cardiac care, neurosurgery, trauma care, and emergency medicine. Affiliated with Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine. Major employer with thousands of healthcare professionals.

Specialties: Trauma, cardiology, oncology, neurology, intensive care, surgery, emergency medicine.

Janeway Children's Hospital

Eastern Canada's pediatric tertiary care centre serving all of Newfoundland and Labrador. Offers specialized pediatric services and employs pediatric specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Specialties: Pediatric oncology, intensive care, emergency, surgery, neurology, psychiatry.

St. Clare's Mercy Hospital

Secondary care facility offering medical, surgical, obstetric, and gynecological services. Strong maternity program employing obstetricians, midwives, and delivery nurses.

Specialties: Internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, emergency.

Waterford Hospital

Dedicated psychiatric and mental health facility serving the province. Growing demand for psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and mental health professionals.

Specialties: Psychiatry, psychology, psychiatric nursing, addictions, child/youth mental health.

Eastern Health Authority

Eastern Health is the regional health authority serving the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, including St. John's metro area. It's the largest employer in the province and actively recruits healthcare professionals from across Canada.

  • Operating multiple hospitals and community health centres
  • Competitive salary scales aligned with provincial standards
  • Comprehensive benefits packages including pension and health coverage
  • Relocation assistance programs available for critical positions
  • Professional development and continuing education support

Recruitment Opportunities

Physicians

St. John's has ongoing recruitment for family doctors, emergency physicians, and specialists. The physician shortage across NL creates opportunities for established doctors and newly trained MDs. Remote consultation capabilities are expanding, offering flexibility.

Nurses & Nursing Specialists

Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners are in high demand. Specialty areas include ICU, emergency, pediatrics, psychiatric, and community health. Sign-on bonuses available for critical positions.

Specialists

Cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists are actively recruited. Academic opportunities available through Memorial University Faculty of Medicine.

Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, and lab technicians needed. Growing private practice opportunities in addition to hospital roles.

Licensure & Credentials

Healthcare professionals relocating to NL from other Canadian provinces or internationally must comply with provincial registration requirements:

From Other Canadian Provinces

  • Physicians: Register with Medical Care Plan (MCP) and College of Physicians of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPNL)
  • Nurses: Register with Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Nurses (NLAN)
  • Allied Health: Registration requirements vary by profession; check with appropriate college

From International Credentials

  • Assessment through College of Physicians or regulatory body for your profession
  • Possible language assessment requirements
  • Bridging programs may be required
  • Timeline: 3-6 months typical for assessment

Useful Resources

  • College of Physicians of NL: cpnl.ca
  • NLAN: nlan.nl.ca
  • Canadian Medical Association: cma.ca
  • Eastern Health: easternhealth.ca

Housing Near Healthcare Facilities

Near Health Sciences Centre & Janeway

Both hospitals are located in St. John's central west end, near the University Avenue/Prince Philip Drive corridor. Popular nearby neighbourhoods:

  • Downtown St. John's: Walking distance, urban living, restaurants, cultural amenities. $320K–$500K home prices.
  • The Avenues: Historic, walkable residential area adjacent to hospitals. $350K–$600K.
  • Mount Pearl (southwest): Suburban, 10-minute commute, family-friendly. $300K–$450K.

St. Clare's Mercy Hospital

Located near downtown St. John's. Same neighbourhood options as above, with emphasis on Downtown and The Avenues for shortest commute.

Waterford Hospital

Located in east end St. John's. Good commute from Paradise, Mount Pearl, or downtown. Growing east end communities offer newer homes at competitive prices.

Memorial University Medical School

Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine is located in St. John's and offers opportunities for:

  • Clinical teaching positions for experienced physicians
  • Research collaborations
  • Residency program supervision
  • Postdoctoral fellowships

Affiliated physicians enjoy academic recognition and flexible scheduling to balance clinical practice with education and research.

Professional Community

St. John's has a vibrant healthcare professional community with:

  • Medical societies and specialty associations
  • Regular professional development conferences and seminars
  • Collaborative practice opportunities
  • Mentorship programs for newcomers
  • Active physician and nurse networks

Quality of Life for Healthcare Workers

Beyond professional opportunities, St. John's offers excellent lifestyle benefits:

  • Manageable cost of living: Median home $330K compared to $750K+ in Toronto
  • Work-life balance: Smaller city pace with excellent outdoor recreation
  • Community: Strong collegial relationships among healthcare providers
  • Education: Excellent schools and post-secondary institutions for families
  • Nature: Hiking, whale watching, kayaking, skiing all nearby

Ready to Advance Your Healthcare Career?

Turner Realty works with healthcare professionals relocating to St. John's. We understand your needs and can help you find housing near your workplace, connect with the community, and settle into this vibrant city.

Schedule Your Relocation Consultation