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Nursing
in Canada
We have
compiled a concise guide to the process with links to all our sources.
This should give you all you need to embark on your application process.
In order to work in Canada as a Registered Nurse, an overseas-trained
nurse needs to:
Canadian Nursing Boards
Overview
Canada has
had a publicly funded system of hospital and medical care since 1968.
The majority of nurses work within the publicly funded sector of health
care, a minority work in the private sector and a small number of nurses
are self-employed. Healthcare in Canada is a provincial jurisdictional
area, therefore to apply for work as a nurse in Canada, you must apply
directly to the individual employer.
The Canadian
Hospital Association publishes a large directory that lists and gives
addresses for hospitals, health centres, nursing homes, health
associations and health education programs. This directory may be
available through a public library or Canadian Consulate.
Canada is
experiencing a nursing shortage like many other countries in the world.
Nurses with skills and experience in specialty areas (e.g., emergency,
critical care and operating room) and those willing to work in smaller
communities or isolated communities are the most in demand.
Licensing Requirements
In order to
practise nursing in Canada, you must be licensed or registered in the
province or territory in which you will work. Canadian provinces and
territories, with the exception of Québec, require that you write the
Canadian Registered Nurses Examination as part of the registration or
licensure process. At present, this examination can only be written in
Canada on the recommendation of a provincial or territorial nurses
association.
The Canadian
Nurses Association publishes The Canadian RN Exam Prep Guide, which you
will find useful in preparing for the exam. Québec nurses have their own
exam.
For more
information:
www.cna-nurses.ca
Language Requirements
You require
language proficiency to become registered or licensed in Canada.
Bilingualism (French and English) is an asset. If you wish to practise
in Québec, you must have knowledge of French. In New Brunswick, Manitoba
and Ontario, candidates must be proficient in either French or English.
Employment and nursing education programs for unilingual French speaking
nurses are available in Québec and in certain areas in New Brunswick,
Manitoba and Ontario. In these provinces the Canadian RN exam may be
written in either French or English. In the other provinces and
territories of Canada proficiency in English is the requirement.
Visa Application
Contact your
nearest Canadian Consulate for information regarding immigration or
visas. It is very likely that an offer of employment will be required.
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