Canadian citizen moving to Toronto from overseas

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Hello everyone,

I'd first off like to apologise for the truckload of questions I have for you guys!

I am currently in my second year of my nursing degree programme here in New Zealand. Only one more year to go! I am now contemplating moving back to Toronto, Canada (where I'm from originally) and become a registered nurse in Canada. It's quite early to be contemplating the move, however, this is something I've decided to do.

I just have a few questions regarding the CPNRE and previous work experience in regards to #3 & #4 of registration requirements.

#3 - how many years of nursing practice must one complete prior to registration?

#4 - is anyone able to provide me with some advice in regards to the CPNRE and how to best prepare for it?

#5 how does the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination differ from the CPNRE?

[h=2]Registration Requirements[/h]To practise nursing as an RN or RPN in Ontario, internationally educated nurses (IENs) must hold a current General Certificate of Registration with the CNO. To become eligible for General Class Registration, IENs will need to meet the following eight registration requirements:

  1. Proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency or authorization to work in Canada. (No problem, I'm a Canadian citizen)
  2. Completion of a nursing program that is equivalent to an Ontario 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma. (Yes, however my degree is 3 years)
  3. Evidence of nursing practice in the category for which the IEN is applying within the 3 years prior to issuance of a Certificate of Registration.
  4. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN for those applying for RN, or the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) for those applying for RPN.
  5. Successful completion of the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination.
  6. Evidence of language proficiency in either English or French.
  7. Report past offences, findings and other specified matters.
  8. Meet College requirements related to health and conduct.

Additionally, I have been researching jobs prospects in Toronto, and they seem good to me, however I can only find out so much from researching websites. Would anyone be able to shed some light in regards to the current job situation? I am interested in knowing which areas are easiest and most difficult to get a job in. I am interested in ED nursing/critical care/cardiac care nursing.

I have also looked into bridging programmes - would you recommend them in my situation? Ontario Immigration - Bridge Training Programs

Thank you all so much.

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The CPNRE is the national licensing exam for practical nurses. The NCLEX is the national licensing exam for registered nurses. Are you hoping to become licensed as a RN or RPN in Ontario? Your first step is to apply to NNAS to have your education evaluated for equivalency to a Canadian BSN, some internationally educated nurses (IENs) anticipate that their education will be deemed not comparable to a Canadian BSN and apply to be assessed for equivalency to a Canadian PN at the same time they are being assessed for BSN.

When applying to NNAS, make sure your school submits a full syllabus with detailed descriptions of the course content. NNAS needs to see the education domain breakdown; theory hours, sim/lab hours,clinical hours, as well as the competencies; Professional practice/responsibility, Ethical practice, Service to the public, Self regulation, Legal practice, Foundations of practice and Collaborative practice.

Since you are a student I recommend you save copies of your syllabus and course outlines. For your own knowledge, compare your education content to Canadian nursing education content and the national entry to practice competencies.

Once you have your NNAS report, you apply to College of Nurses of Ontario and they will tell you your next steps, such as jurisprudence exam, OSCE, CAS, after which you you may be required to do an IEN bridging program.

The nursing job market in Toronto is not in a shortage market cycle it is in a surplus market cycle, Toronto is saturated with underemployed and unemployed new grads, IENs and experienced nurses.

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#3. The proof of recent practice experience within three years at the time of registration can be work or from the time of completion of a nursing school program.

#4. The CPNRE exam is the national licensing exam done in a testing centre, there are study guides to help you study see Assessment Strategies Inc.

#5. The jurisprudence exam is a provincial exam, it is a 150-175 multiple choice question exam that tests knowledge of laws, regulations, bylaws, practice standards and guidelines that govern nursing in Ontario. After the CNO has assessed your NNAS report and application, they will notify you about doing the jurisprudence exam, the CNO will provide you with a log in code to access the test, it is an open book exam that you can do from home.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Do you have clinical and theory in adult med/surg, geriatrics, pediatrics, maternity/obstetrics, and mental health? I know AUS nursing education does not include maternity/obstetrics. Canadian nurses are generalist trained.

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Do you have clinical and theory in adult med/surg, geriatrics, pediatrics, maternity/obstetrics, and mental health? I know AUS nursing education does not include maternity/obstetrics. Canadian nurses are generalist trained.

All the above apart from maternity/obstetrics - we have theory hours, however no clinical hours there.

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There have been IENs originally educated in Australia or New Zealand who became licensed in Ontario in the past, I don't know what they did to overcome deficiencies in their education. It doesn't matter about the past, because your assessment is in the future, after you have graduated with a BSN and become licensed. The IEN assessment process is evolving, the only way you will know what you need to do in order to become licensed in Ontario is to apply and see the results for yourself. I would recommend you work in New Zealand while you undergo the assessment process, you can apply to NNAS & CNO online. The process is time consuming and you may run out of recent practice experience if you move back to Ontario and cannot work as nurse while undergoing the assessment. Another reason to work is because if your competency assessment identifies gaps and you have work experience you may be required to undergo further assessment such as a Competency Assessment Supplement (CAS) if applying for RPN or OSCE if applying for RN. If you don't have work experience you will be required to undergo further education.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You will need theory and clinicals in OB GYN.

The job outlook in Toronto is not very good. A couple of larger hospitals have laid off RNs recently.

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Thank you all so much for your responses, it's been very helpful.

A little bit discouraging regarding job prospects in Toronto - thank you for letting me know.

I am also considering practising in Quebec, I am a French speaker as well. Does anyone know what the job market in province might be? I believe there is an entirely different process for Quebec, and a permit needs to be attained by the ordre des infirmieres et infirmiers du Quebec.

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