UK nurse moving to Canada
Dec 8th 2018, 10:04 pm
#61
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
As far as I know it would depend on the visa you are applying for. I qualified for Permanent Residency, so my points for my visa were made up of my education, years of experience, age etc. I'm not sure how other visas work.
Dec 10th 2018, 6:17 am
#62
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Posts: 33,553
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
HTH.
Jan 30th 2019, 5:01 pm
#63
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Joined: Nov 2018
Location: Lydiate
Posts: 24
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
its been a great thread and very informative.
Feb 9th 2019, 10:40 pm
#64
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Everyone’s journey through this is very different but all share a frustratingly protracted and expensive process. My timeline is pretty quick compared to most I’ve seen.
Applied NNAS April 2016
Received NNAS Report and Applid CRNNS October 2016
Authorisation to Test and Eligibility for Registration December 2016
NCLEX passed April 2017
I was fortunate, I was able to,prove with my work experience that I had sufficient experience of all patient groups not to have to do a bridging course or competency’s test. One of the reasons I applied to CRNNS first was because of advice I received about their process and their comparatively speedy turnaround. Once you have a full license in one province, getting it endorsed to any other is relatively straight forward and quick.
I’m not moving to BC, instead I’m going to be in YT for a couple of years (not my first choice but I needed a work visa first so couldn’t be picky). We will apply for PR soon and then be able to work anywhere but be aware that if you’re employer will be sponsoring your application, sometimes they don’t do what they say because things change. I had this experience in NS and Ontario. If you’re committed to BC and this particular employer, they will have a much easier time employing you if you are already eligible to work because you have your PR visa.
We are taking our very elderly dog to YT in December, we’ve done a lot of research and we’re actually pretty confident with him flying. If you’re committed to going by boat, I would probably book now for next year particularly if there is an option to change the dates with a reasonable fee if you’re job is a defining factor on when you can make the move.
Be prepared to have very adjustable timescales though, I thought that with efficiency on my part I could be in Canada in 9-12 months, in reality it will have been 18 months. You’re relying on organisations like NNAS to work efficiently and that isn’t always the case. If organisations don’t meet their published timescales, be on their back pretty quickly, call them and get a person to “complain to”. This was the only reason my NNAS application got sorted so quickly and my CRNNS application was not touched in the timescales they advertised but within 2 days of me pestering, it was done and I was eligible for registration. Obviously I was always nice and professional in my contact but it does seem to make a difference if you are relentlessly engaged with these organisations.
Applied NNAS April 2016
Received NNAS Report and Applid CRNNS October 2016
Authorisation to Test and Eligibility for Registration December 2016
NCLEX passed April 2017
I was fortunate, I was able to,prove with my work experience that I had sufficient experience of all patient groups not to have to do a bridging course or competency’s test. One of the reasons I applied to CRNNS first was because of advice I received about their process and their comparatively speedy turnaround. Once you have a full license in one province, getting it endorsed to any other is relatively straight forward and quick.
I’m not moving to BC, instead I’m going to be in YT for a couple of years (not my first choice but I needed a work visa first so couldn’t be picky). We will apply for PR soon and then be able to work anywhere but be aware that if you’re employer will be sponsoring your application, sometimes they don’t do what they say because things change. I had this experience in NS and Ontario. If you’re committed to BC and this particular employer, they will have a much easier time employing you if you are already eligible to work because you have your PR visa.
We are taking our very elderly dog to YT in December, we’ve done a lot of research and we’re actually pretty confident with him flying. If you’re committed to going by boat, I would probably book now for next year particularly if there is an option to change the dates with a reasonable fee if you’re job is a defining factor on when you can make the move.
Be prepared to have very adjustable timescales though, I thought that with efficiency on my part I could be in Canada in 9-12 months, in reality it will have been 18 months. You’re relying on organisations like NNAS to work efficiently and that isn’t always the case. If organisations don’t meet their published timescales, be on their back pretty quickly, call them and get a person to “complain to”. This was the only reason my NNAS application got sorted so quickly and my CRNNS application was not touched in the timescales they advertised but within 2 days of me pestering, it was done and I was eligible for registration. Obviously I was always nice and professional in my contact but it does seem to make a difference if you are relentlessly engaged with these organisations.
Mar 17th 2019, 1:43 pm
#65
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
I am just about to embark on this process, already I feel overwhelmed! For those of you who have been through this process can you tell me the starting point? Is it just the application to the NNAS first? Also what has been the total cost of all the checks? And are any of you paediatric nurses? As for the transcripts for nursing how do I obtain them, I qualified 20 years ago so just wondering how that works? Already wondering if this is all worth it. Any advise greatly received thank you.
Mar 19th 2019, 4:37 am
#66
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 74
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Hi,
My experience of making the transition from UK Nurse to RN was before NNAS came into being (2013-14). I was an RGN trained nurse with a SCPHN Qualification.
CARNA reviewed my transcripts and told me to either do an OSCE (flying to Vancouver for 5 days of assesssment) or doing a Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses in Calgary.
I was accepted for a place on the Bridging Program which at the time cost maybe $3000 for a 10 month course. We came over with a Study Permit and my husband had a Spousal Open Work Permit.......here we are 4 years later....
I started off in Casual,positions here, it's hard to get a temporary or permanent job initially, you have to bide your time and keep applying for jobs. Once you get your foot in the door and get some experience you can find that doors open for you.
I worked as a Health Visitor in the UK so going back to acute care was a steep learning curve but I think I am paid well for what I do and I continue to learn and develop my skills. I did have a casual job in a Well Child Clinic in Calgary but it was vaccinations with a bit of health promotion and information giving, not comparable with the home visiting I did in the UK - and those types of roles dont really exist here, only post partum (no midwifery service here as a standard, but I am sure there will be in the future).
Even for Canadian trained nurses it takes time and effort to get hired, so it's about adjusting your expectations. I have a friend living in Ontario who doesn't get any benefits with her employer because she isn't in a full time position (no pension or health insurance coverage). She has worked in Endoscopy part time for 15 years. Bonkers!
The Bridging Program here does have a wait list but once you complete it successfully you are eligible to apply for a Graduate Nurse Permit and then you can sit the NCLEX. Students get placements on acute units at hospitals across Calgary (6 weeks) and you have an Instructor with you at all times - which was rather nice.
I used the UWorld app to prepare for the NCLEX and passed first time.....it was a bugger of an exam tho'......!
You do do have to get hired by an employer to complete the 225 hours as a Grad Nurse. I got a casual position on a general Medical Unit and then once I had got the hours and passed the NCLEX, I got my full RN licence. A lot of my fellow students moved to different parts of Alberta to get their Grad hours as it wasn't that easy to get hired in Calgary (Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Peace River were just some of the areas further north that people went to).
Its not for the faint hearted but it is possible.
Laois
My experience of making the transition from UK Nurse to RN was before NNAS came into being (2013-14). I was an RGN trained nurse with a SCPHN Qualification.
CARNA reviewed my transcripts and told me to either do an OSCE (flying to Vancouver for 5 days of assesssment) or doing a Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses in Calgary.
I was accepted for a place on the Bridging Program which at the time cost maybe $3000 for a 10 month course. We came over with a Study Permit and my husband had a Spousal Open Work Permit.......here we are 4 years later....
I started off in Casual,positions here, it's hard to get a temporary or permanent job initially, you have to bide your time and keep applying for jobs. Once you get your foot in the door and get some experience you can find that doors open for you.
I worked as a Health Visitor in the UK so going back to acute care was a steep learning curve but I think I am paid well for what I do and I continue to learn and develop my skills. I did have a casual job in a Well Child Clinic in Calgary but it was vaccinations with a bit of health promotion and information giving, not comparable with the home visiting I did in the UK - and those types of roles dont really exist here, only post partum (no midwifery service here as a standard, but I am sure there will be in the future).
Even for Canadian trained nurses it takes time and effort to get hired, so it's about adjusting your expectations. I have a friend living in Ontario who doesn't get any benefits with her employer because she isn't in a full time position (no pension or health insurance coverage). She has worked in Endoscopy part time for 15 years. Bonkers!
The Bridging Program here does have a wait list but once you complete it successfully you are eligible to apply for a Graduate Nurse Permit and then you can sit the NCLEX. Students get placements on acute units at hospitals across Calgary (6 weeks) and you have an Instructor with you at all times - which was rather nice.
I used the UWorld app to prepare for the NCLEX and passed first time.....it was a bugger of an exam tho'......!
You do do have to get hired by an employer to complete the 225 hours as a Grad Nurse. I got a casual position on a general Medical Unit and then once I had got the hours and passed the NCLEX, I got my full RN licence. A lot of my fellow students moved to different parts of Alberta to get their Grad hours as it wasn't that easy to get hired in Calgary (Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Peace River were just some of the areas further north that people went to).
Its not for the faint hearted but it is possible.
Laois
Jun 17th 2019, 10:21 am
#67
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
I am an RMN and my NNAS report resulted in 'not comparable'. I applied to CRPNBC. I am required to complete a bridging program designed specifically for internationally trained nurses. There are 3 modules that I need to complete, although I noticed that the full bridging course is 8 modules so I imagine I'm lucky. The course is similar to studying with the Open University so this suits me ad I completed my nurse training via the OU.
hi
I am New to the thread and after reading all of it I want to ask, if I get non comparable results, can I do the modules online?
Jun 17th 2019, 10:29 am
#68
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Everyone’s journey through this is very different but all share a frustratingly protracted and expensive process. My timeline is pretty quick compared to most I’ve seen.
Applied NNAS April 2016
Received NNAS Report and Applid CRNNS October 2016
Authorisation to Test and Eligibility for Registration December 2016
NCLEX passed April 2017
I was fortunate, I was able to,prove with my work experience that I had sufficient experience of all patient groups not to have to do a bridging course or competency’s test. One of the reasons I applied to CRNNS first was because of advice I received about their process and their comparatively speedy turnaround. Once you have a full license in one province, getting it endorsed to any other is relatively straight forward and quick.
I’m not moving to BC, instead I’m going to be in YT for a couple of years (not my first choice but I needed a work visa first so couldn’t be picky). We will apply for PR soon and then be able to work anywhere but be aware that if you’re employer will be sponsoring your application, sometimes they don’t do what they say because things change. I had this experience in NS and Ontario. If you’re committed to BC and this particular employer, they will have a much easier time employing you if you are already eligible to work because you have your PR visa.
We are taking our very elderly dog to YT in December, we’ve done a lot of research and we’re actually pretty confident with him flying. If you’re committed to going by boat, I would probably book now for next year particularly if there is an option to change the dates with a reasonable fee if you’re job is a defining factor on when you can make the move.
Be prepared to have very adjustable timescales though, I thought that with efficiency on my part I could be in Canada in 9-12 months, in reality it will have been 18 months. You’re relying on organisations like NNAS to work efficiently and that isn’t always the case. If organisations don’t meet their published timescales, be on their back pretty quickly, call them and get a person to “complain to”. This was the only reason my NNAS application got sorted so quickly and my CRNNS application was not touched in the timescales they advertised but within 2 days of me pestering, it was done and I was eligible for registration. Obviously I was always nice and professional in my contact but it does seem to make a difference if you are relentlessly engaged with these organisations.
Applied NNAS April 2016
Received NNAS Report and Applid CRNNS October 2016
Authorisation to Test and Eligibility for Registration December 2016
NCLEX passed April 2017
I was fortunate, I was able to,prove with my work experience that I had sufficient experience of all patient groups not to have to do a bridging course or competency’s test. One of the reasons I applied to CRNNS first was because of advice I received about their process and their comparatively speedy turnaround. Once you have a full license in one province, getting it endorsed to any other is relatively straight forward and quick.
I’m not moving to BC, instead I’m going to be in YT for a couple of years (not my first choice but I needed a work visa first so couldn’t be picky). We will apply for PR soon and then be able to work anywhere but be aware that if you’re employer will be sponsoring your application, sometimes they don’t do what they say because things change. I had this experience in NS and Ontario. If you’re committed to BC and this particular employer, they will have a much easier time employing you if you are already eligible to work because you have your PR visa.
We are taking our very elderly dog to YT in December, we’ve done a lot of research and we’re actually pretty confident with him flying. If you’re committed to going by boat, I would probably book now for next year particularly if there is an option to change the dates with a reasonable fee if you’re job is a defining factor on when you can make the move.
Be prepared to have very adjustable timescales though, I thought that with efficiency on my part I could be in Canada in 9-12 months, in reality it will have been 18 months. You’re relying on organisations like NNAS to work efficiently and that isn’t always the case. If organisations don’t meet their published timescales, be on their back pretty quickly, call them and get a person to “complain to”. This was the only reason my NNAS application got sorted so quickly and my CRNNS application was not touched in the timescales they advertised but within 2 days of me pestering, it was done and I was eligible for registration. Obviously I was always nice and professional in my contact but it does seem to make a difference if you are relentlessly engaged with these organisations.
what are my chances
thanks
Kiran
Jun 17th 2019, 11:13 am
#69
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 22
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Unfortunately I am still waiting on CNO to deliver their conclusions on how I get registered here. I did my first application to NNAS in August 2017 and aside from small correspondence to confirm a reference, I've heard nothing. I've called them more times than I could count and get given the same answer each time "cannot provide a timeframe"
I'm now working 40hrs a week in a bookings office at just above mininum wage, so I can qualify for a mortgage. I'm beyond frustrated with CNO though and as I now work Monday to Friday, I cannot call them as they are open when I'm at work and my hold time is so long, there's not enough time in ny lunch break.
Jul 1st 2019, 7:37 am
#70
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Hi,
Thanks for getting in on the thread, the more info the better.
I have decided to scrap british columbia altogether, I agree with what some of the other commenters have said about them just trying to make money, nearly £500 just to be told I have to be competency assessed, even though they already knew I would have to be.
I have done a new NNAS for Ontario and added NS on just as an extra.
I am adult trained intially on the advanced diploma and then completed my degree and 2 years of my masters in NICU.
I just hope Ontario take into account work experience and time served etc...
I managed to speak to CNO and they said each application is assessed individually rather than looking to see what CRNBC have said first so fingers crossed, they also said on the phone that although they obviosuly couldnt say for sure, it didn't sound like I would need to be comptency assessed.
Nicole.
Thanks for getting in on the thread, the more info the better.
I have decided to scrap british columbia altogether, I agree with what some of the other commenters have said about them just trying to make money, nearly £500 just to be told I have to be competency assessed, even though they already knew I would have to be.
I have done a new NNAS for Ontario and added NS on just as an extra.
I am adult trained intially on the advanced diploma and then completed my degree and 2 years of my masters in NICU.
I just hope Ontario take into account work experience and time served etc...
I managed to speak to CNO and they said each application is assessed individually rather than looking to see what CRNBC have said first so fingers crossed, they also said on the phone that although they obviosuly couldnt say for sure, it didn't sound like I would need to be comptency assessed.
Nicole.
How did it go with CNO?
Im an New Zealand educated nurse, I just got the NNAS report saying comparable and my option for regulatory body is BCCNP. I haven't applied yet to CRNBC as I came across your post and got me thinking if I should change the Province. Any info will be highly appreciated.
Thank you
Roxana
Oct 30th 2019, 11:13 pm
#71
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for all the previous messages all very helpful! Just wondering if there are any Paediatric trained nurses who have completed this process? I am an RNC so wondering when I apply for the NNAS do I apply for the RN?
Thanks!
Thanks for all the previous messages all very helpful! Just wondering if there are any Paediatric trained nurses who have completed this process? I am an RNC so wondering when I apply for the NNAS do I apply for the RN?
Thanks!
Oct 31st 2019, 5:37 am
#72
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2004
Location: Amherst Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,935
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Canada nurses are all RN who then specializes in an area so would have to apply as RN
Nov 22nd 2019, 11:26 pm
#73
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2019
Location: Nigeria
Posts: 2
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
I am a UK trained adult nurse, BSc (Hons) First Class, currently going through the process of trying to gain registration with CRNBC. My timeline has so far looked like this.
Applied to NNAS : April 2016
Recieved NNAS Report : February 2017 *Not Comparable*
Applied to CRNBC : March 5 2017
Referred to NCAS : March 22nd 2017
Completed NCAS Assessment : July 30th 2017
Received NCAS Report : September 26 2017
Received CRNBC Decision on Registration : October 20th 2017
I am required to complete a 1 year Re-entry to practice program. I have three years to complete this, after which I will be eligible for Provisional Registration and can sit the NCLEX exam.
There is a long, expensive road to registration after NNAS. If your lucky you may get a better NNAS or NCAS result then I did though! Good Luck!
Applied to NNAS : April 2016
Recieved NNAS Report : February 2017 *Not Comparable*
Applied to CRNBC : March 5 2017
Referred to NCAS : March 22nd 2017
Completed NCAS Assessment : July 30th 2017
Received NCAS Report : September 26 2017
Received CRNBC Decision on Registration : October 20th 2017
I am required to complete a 1 year Re-entry to practice program. I have three years to complete this, after which I will be eligible for Provisional Registration and can sit the NCLEX exam.
There is a long, expensive road to registration after NNAS. If your lucky you may get a better NNAS or NCAS result then I did though! Good Luck!
Nov 23rd 2019, 7:48 am
#74
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 20,765
Re: UK nurse moving to Canada
Hi. Have you looked into what visa for Canada you might qualify for? If not, then the first step is to either do that yourself, or to give information that would help people to assist you. This information can include your age, a bit more information about your RN qualification, any other educational qualifications you have, and where in Canada you're looking to move to.
