US- RN planning to transfer to Canada

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Hi. I am a US-RN and is thinking of trying to migrate to Canada. Can somebody give me advice if its true when they say that if you pass you're an NCLEX passer, you can just apply for a reciprocity in Vancouver? Is this true? Please help me.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

No it's not true. In order to be licensed in Canada you must meet the requirements of the province in which you want to work.This includes passing the CRNE, which is the national exam for Canadian RNs. There is a sticky at the top of the Canadian Forum with links to the nursing colleges(our licensing bodies) for each province. They will tell you how to proceed.Generally all the provinces are requiring you have a BSN for licensure but they do make exceptions, usually based on how long ago you graduated. If you go to the International Forum there are plenty of threads on moving to Canada.

Specializes in ER/Geriatrics.

Canada rocks!

Thank you loriangel! You have been a big help! Can you give me the site of the Canadian Forum youre telling me about? I want to read up on the forum under the International Nurses.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Thank you loriangel! You have been a big help! Can you give me the site of the Canadian Forum youre telling me about? I want to read up on the forum under the International Nurses.

I was referring to the Canada section of allnurses. If you go to the top of this page and click on the regions tab and select international nursing you will find the International Forum( the one we are right now) and the tab for the Canadian Forum.

Hi. I am a US-RN and is thinking of trying to migrate to Canada. Can somebody give me advice if its true when they say that if you pass youre an NCLEX passer, you can just apply for a reciprocity in Vancouver? Is this true? Please help me.

Canada isn't the 51st state. You can't just transfer here.

The NCLEX isn't worth anything up here. As an independent nation we have our own exams.

You need to go through the appropriate channels with the provincial college of RNs. Besides what is a "US-RN"? Which state do you live in?

Posted by aubreytherese; (Hi. I am a US-RN and is thinking of trying to migrate to Canada. Can somebody give me advice if its true when they say that if you pass youre an NCLEX passer, you can just apply for a reciprocity in Vancouver? Is this true? Please help me.) To :aubreytherese You didn't mention if you are presently working in USA. No more reciprocity between US-Canada RN . If you are from the Philippines who wanted to migrate in Canada. Under the Canadian Immigration skilled worker Registered Nurse is included. As you mention you are US-RN being RN in any States of US in Canada you have to take the CRNE in which provice you intend to work. Check also in your internet about Provincial nominee program in each provinces in Canada for RN. Before taking the exam there is requirement like in Vancouver if you are a Foreign Graduate Nurse and if your mother tongue language is not English you have to take TOEFL,TSE, or IELTS, then few days Clinical test at Kwantleen Polytechnique University. If you pass those requirement then you are already qualified to take the Test for CRNE. If you pass the CRNE There is a program for foreign graduate nurses to have clinical practise in any canadian hospital to have canadian experience before applying for a job. As you mention that you are US-RN if you work and live in US for several years you can apply to wave the English test but still not so sure if the nursing committee of CRNBC well approved to wave the english test. Inquire CRNBC this is in vancouver you google search :college of registered nurse of british columbia. Good Luck...

Specializes in ER / Critical Care.

taken from the crnbc website:

[color=#333333]to practise as a registered nurse in british columbia, you must be registered with crnbc.

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british columbia law requires that anyone using the title "nurse" must be a registrant of crnbc, the college of psychiatric nurses of british columbia, or the college of licensed practical nurses of british columbia.

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new applicants for crnbc registration are required to write the canadian registered nurse examination (crne).

applicants may be required to undergo a substantially equivalent competency (sec) assessment.

[color=#333333]to be fair and equitable to all applicants, each application is assessed individually. as a result, the time required for registration to be established can vary significantly from applicant to applicant.

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crnbc cannot fast track applications from individuals who have secured jobs in british columbia.

we strongly encourage that you do not move to british columbia or commit to an employment start date until your application for crnbc registration has been assessed and you are aware of the requirements you must meet to become registered.

https://www.crnbc.ca/registration/rnapplication/internationalen/pages/default.aspx

i am planning on moving back to bc in a few years after i complete my degree and obtain some experience. it doesn't seem as hard as everyone is making seem.

best of luck!!

Specializes in geriatrics.

Also, do you have a BSN? The BSN is the standard requirement for new RNs (within the last 5 to 6 years of practice, anyway). If not, you are going to find the market extremely competitive. Honestly, unless you are willing to work in a rural area for a few years, I would think twice about a move. Many Canadian RNs are finding it difficult to secure full time work. We are fairing a little better than the US, but there is no nursing shortage here either. Give it a try, but be prepared for a very long wait.

Specializes in ER / Critical Care.

Just an FYI Update: The CRNBC is "adopting" the NCLEX-RN and will be in effect January 2015. I have been in communication with the CRNBC regarding licensing (transfer from US to BC) and will update here when I receive my response.

CRNBC has signed a contract with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to offer the NCLEX-RN© examination in our jurisdiction beginning in January 2015. (copied from CRNBC website) :)

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

They are a dopting a NCLEX "style" of exam but it will have Canadian content and reflect Canadian nursing values. You will still have to write the exam to work in Canada. It will not be just one exam for both countries.Or at least that's what it indicates. Among the many pluses listed they don't mention reciprocity.

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