Applying for NNAS (Canada) as a New Graduate?

[Ellieee]

I'm a few a weeks away from completing my nursing degree and registering as a nurse in New Zealand. I really want to move to Ontario, Canada to be with my partner. I know I need to apply to NNAS first. However, will NNAS's recommendations to the College of Nurses Ontario regarding my eligibility to apply to become a RN differ depending on my experience or rather lack of it? Because I want to apply as soon as possible (as I have no job in NZ and have already been away from partner for way too long) rather than working in New Zealand first.

I'm hoping someone who knows a bit about this can help me out, Thank you!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

To find out experiences of internationally educated nurses (IENs) regarding NNAS use the search tool in the top right hand corner of AN. It is very likely that your education will be deemed not comparable to a Canadian BSN. If you do not have work experience you will not be able to undergo further competency assessment such as the IENCAP/OSCE, instead you will be advised take further education. In Ontario there are wait lists for the IEN bridging programs and you need to be a resident of Ontario (landed immigrant/ Canadian citizen).

[RN_Pro]

...will NNAS's recommendations to the College of Nurses Ontario regarding my eligibility to apply to become a RN differ depending on my experience or rather lack of it?

Luckily, the rules have now changed. As of September 2016, applicants without prior nursing work experience are allowed to take the OSCE (this information was not updated on CNO website until mid-January 2017 however so I think it's still new info for people). This better reflects the fact that an IEN without nursing work experience may still be able to have the knowledge and skills that an entry-level Canadian nursing grad has. I think that prior to this, the fact that an IEN must only have the skills necessary at entry-to-practice was lost. The OSCE could still use some work however, as the outline of areas covered includes some things that are more specialized than entry-to-practice skills/knowledge. But now at least those without nursing work experience have a chance to prove their skills!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Even if CNO allows an IEN to undergo the IENCAP without work experience, the immigration and licensing process is lengthy, IENs who are not working, need to be mindful that time is ticking and if three years runs out before they become licensed in Ontario, they will not meet the proof of recent experience requirement and may be told to take a bridging program. Also, if an IEN plans to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker they need to show prior work experience.