Where can I find out how to obtain a visa to work as a nurse in Canada?
Contact the Canadian Consulate nearest you for information regarding immigration or visas. It is very likely that an offer of employment will be required.
Where do nurses work in Canada?
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.
Because health is a provincial jurisdictional area, the health care delivery system is not centralized and there is no one place where nurses can apply for work. They must apply directly to individual employers. The Canadian Healthcare 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.
What are the employment prospects in Canada?
The nursing employment situation in Canada is improving after several years of health care restructuring and hospital downsizing. 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 in the most demand. The Canadian Nurses Association is predicting a continued shortage of nurses for the future.
Where can I obtain information about becoming licensed to practise nursing in Canada?
Unlike many other countries the registration of nurses does not occur at the national level. In order to practise nursing you must be licensed or registered in the province or territory in which you will work. You can request application forms from your provincial or territorial regulatory body.
Will I need to write an examination to become licensed to practise in Canada?
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 CNA’s Canadian Registered Nurse Examination Prep Guide will help you prepare for the exam. Québec nurses have their own exam.
For further information, contact Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.
What languages do I need to know in order to become a registered nurse?
You require language proficiency to become registered or licensed in Canada. Bilingualism (French and English) is an asset. Candidates must have knowledge of French to practise in Québec. 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 require proficiency in English .
Can I work as a psychiatric/mental health nurse?
In Canada, registered nurses provide psychiatric/mental health services in a variety of settings. These nurses often have post-basic education and may also hold Canadian Nurses Association's specialty certification in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Registered mental health nurses from other countries may not have the broad education required for licensure as a registered nurse in Canada.
LIST OF COLLEGES OF REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES
| The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia 307-2502 St.Johns St. Port Moody, B.C. V3H 2B4 Tel: (604) 931-5200 Tool Free: 1-800-565-2505 Fax: (604) 931-5277 Web site: www.crpnbc.ca Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Alberta #201, 9711 - 45 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5V8 Tel: (780) 434-7666 Toll Free: 1-877-234-7666 Fax: (780) 436-4165 Web site: www.rpnaa.ab.ca | College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba 1854 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 0G9 Tel: (204) 888-4841 Fax: (204) 888-8638 E-mail: crpnm@crpnm.mb.ca Website: www.crpnm.mb.ca Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan 2055 Lorne Street Regina, SK S4P2M4 Tel: (306)586-4617 Fax: (306) 586-6000 Web site: www.rpnas.com |
Can I practise midwifery?
Midwifery is a recognized profession in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec and Nova Scotia. For further information, please refer to the Canadian Association of Midwives.
For prior learning assessment, please consult your provincial or territorial regulator.
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