US RN to Alberta?

World Immigration

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Hi!

I"m an RN-ADN in the States and Im planning to move to Alberta by the end of next year. I keep reading on here that nurses in Canada are required to have a BSN, but when I called the Alberta board of nursing I was told since I was from the US it wasn't necessary for me to have a BSN to work in Alberta. I'm still confused on that but I'm hoping to start a BSN program in my city in January.

Has anyone been through the application process? I know I have to submit an application with a $500 fee, then the SEC assessment and possible the CRNE.

I just want to know anyone's experience, how long it took, having to move to Alberta and being able to find a job afterwards. Thanks!

Silverdragon102, BSN

1 Article; 39,477 Posts

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

How are you planning on moving to Canada? What visa are you looking at?

I know the application process will take a while, so I don't plan on moving there until I can take the CRNE. I'm looking at a work visa or permanent residency.

Fiona59

8,343 Posts

Where in Alberta?

Do you have work experience?

mba2bsn

51 Posts

Beginning January 2014, Canada will start using NCLEX as oppose to CRNE. Why not work as PSW ( or CNA in the US ) first for a year ($20/hr) then endorse your US license to Canada on Jan 2014. It may save you time, money, and stress. Just my 2 cents.

click:

Canadian RN Exam: Canadian Nurses to be licensed using NCLEX! -Update

Silverdragon102, BSN

1 Article; 39,477 Posts

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

My understanding is the exam will be NCLEX style but relevant to Canada and suspect you would still have to sit the exam if moving to Canada because it will cover Canadian areas

loriangel14, RN

6,931 Posts

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yeah I heard the same thing. It will be produced by the same people that make the NCLEX but it will still cover Canadian content. It will not be called the NCLEX and you still have to write it to work in Canada. It isn't going to be one exam to work in both countries.You will not be able to just endorse your license to Canada.You will still have to meet Canadian requirements.

itsmejuli

2,188 Posts

Specializes in Home Care.

You need to get immigration sorted out before worrying about getting a nursing license in Alberta.

My daughter in law has her ADN from Florida, she applied for SEC and will wait almost a year for the assessment.

I figured it would take a while, which is why I plan to start a year long RN-BSN program in January. I would like to complete that and by that time be able to sit for the CRNE/NCLEX. Eventually I would move to Calgary or Edmonton and work a non-nursing job for a while before I can hopefully work as a nurse. Next month I'm going to send off my application.

You need to get immigration sorted out before worrying about getting a nursing license in Alberta.

My daughter in law has her ADN from Florida, she applied for SEC and will wait almost a year for the assessment.

That's mindblowing- waiting a year to be assessed! In the meantime I have 14 months nursing experience and will continue to work as an RN until I move to Canada. Also I wouldn't mind working as a CNA in Canada until I can work as a nurse. I'm not interested in being a live-in caregiver.

mba2bsn

51 Posts

"NCSBN's December 8 news release, which clearly indicated that the American exam would be used for the purpose of licensure in Canada"

Note: " it is an American exam " ( not a special NCLEX exam for Canadian nurses )

History | CNA - AIIC

"NCSBN’s December 8 news release, which clearly indicated that the American exam would be used for the purpose of licensure in Canada"

Note: " it is an American exam " ( not a special NCLEX exam for Canadian nurses )

History | CNA – AIIC

So would I still have to take the NCLEX again????

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