CARNA registration advice please

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 19, 2008

CARNA can be pretty sticky with educational requirements and competencies. Many IENs have had to take additional courses to be considered for registration after they've had a substantively-equivalent competencies review. There have been a few of allnurses' members who have gone through the process and can explain it a little better than I can. I can tell you that everything that the colleges of nursing in Canada does costs money. Literally everything. And from what they're telling their membership, they don't plan on relaxing the requirements for registration much, if at all. They have a mandate from the provincial government to ensure that all nurses registered in the province meet the same basic standards of education and competency, and that is unlikely to change. I think it would be worthwhile to appeal, but be aware that if they agree to give you an SEC assessment, you'll have to come to Alberta and spend a not-inconsiderable amount of time here while it's going on. Let's see what others have to say...

Fiona59 · Jul 19, 2008

Well, let me toss in my 2bits.

Linda Stanger (ED of CLPNA) at the LPN conference this spring said that CLPNA and CARNA were going to Britain along with Capital Health to recruit. She said that UK nurses who did not qualify for RN status through CARNA would be recruited as LPNs. This did not go over well with the LPNs at the meeting who raised all sorts of questions and were basically brushed off with the old "we know what's best for nursing line".

So who the hell knows what CARNA and CLPNA are upto? They are playing their cards close to their chests and the membership are always the last to know. Ever since we all found out that certain BScN programmes (in AsiaPacific) are roughly the equivalent of the PN diploma offered in Alberta who knows what their plans are for RNs with educations that don't match that of the UofA?

purplehippo · Jul 21, 2008

I took my SEC 1st week of January and got the result last week of February. I was subjected to take 2 courses before I can be issued the GN permit. I was not offered the restricted permit. Perhaps during that time it was not even being implemented yet? According to CARNA now, one of the possibe outcomes of the preliminary review (SEC) is:

"Eligible to apply for a Restricted Temporary Permit

This decision means CARNA has determined during the preliminary assessment that you have a deficit in not more than two of the following areas: mental health, pediatrics, obstetrics."

I would pressume since they only subjected me to take 2 courses which I can finish a maximum of 4 months each, had this been available then, then they would have offered me this? Anyway, I was able to finish the 2 courses in 3 months, with a B and an A grade and now here I am working in a unit I prefer, doing what an RN does.

So 2 months of waiting for the result, plus 3 months of studying then another month of waiting again (employer stuff) ---> 6 months of being unemployed (came on a work permit with a GN/RN title in this hospital) against working on a restricted permit, wherein you get paid while you complete the courses? I would have taken the restricted permit had it been offered. I was just blessed I have a relative who supported me all those times I was not earning a cent. The courses are expensive!!!

But as it is, I am working now as a grad nurse having the responsibilities of an RN in the unit I prefer. The courses made me more confident and I just view them as an advacned review for the board exam. It is a good thing they have this restricted permit now. Also, it is wise for Philippine RN's to come here and work as LPN's while they complete their registration to become an RN. They would not be stopped from working, hoen their skills even more and become self-sufficent to support their financial needs to complete the courses if ever.

I would consider just taking the BC temporary permit...

purplehippo · Jul 21, 2008

Oh and you might want to try applying in Saskatchewan too. I have a batchamte from the university back home who applied there. We have the same class standing (GPA and all) and same quality tertiary hopital experience but he got in Regina hospital as a grad nurse in an instant! No SEC's, no further delays, no questions, no courses. The regulatory board there seemed to think our education and experience back home were at par and sufficient enough to provide excellent, quality, ethical and safe patient care, but not here in Alberta.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2008

Each province sets their own requirements and we are seeing them get tighter, not easing up. And just because a nurse can get licensed in one province, it does not mean that they can get accepted and licensed in one of the others. No guarantee to that, just like the US.

RGN1 · Jul 21, 2008

Hi. I am a nurse from England wanting to nurse in Canada.
In March I applied for registration in BC and Alberta as I didn't know which to choose. I have been granted temp registration in BC, but I've just received a letter denying me registration in Alberta. (I am an old project 2000 nurse, registered 'children's nurse'.).
The problem is after a recci/holiday my partner and I fell in love with Calgary and decided it was the place for us. Is their any point in requesting a review? (They charge $250 up-front). Is it true they will be relaxing the registration requirments for international nurses in the future?
My heart feels broken, . Any advice is appreciated.

Don't know if it might be worth going with BC & working there for a few years & getting those deficits sorted out while there. You can then go back through the registration process in Alberta if you really want to. Suspect that you'll end up loving BC anyhow.

I guess the choice is for you to make, I guess it depends on how much you want outta here

I'm going to Calgary - just thought I'd rub that in:chuckle but I loved our drives into BC when we were there last. It's certainly beautiful.

Sorry I can't give you better advice but I'm sure you'll make the decision that fits your needs best in the end.

let us all know won't you?

geordie2canada · Jul 22, 2008

Thanks to everyone who has replyed. My partner and I have decided to stay put for now and reconsider our options later in the year.

babyjr · Oct 24, 2008

:wink2:Thanks for the all the informations... Would someone tell me what will happen during the SEC assessment? I am advised to take the SEC assessment and I am very apprehensive about it. I am a nurse in the PHilippines, the experience and education here is, i think, different from Canada. Was the SEC assessment hard? How will I be prepared? please help... Thank you very much...

frustratednurse · Jan 21, 2009

Is applying for assessment the first step in order to have a file number? or Can it be done at the same time with application of transcripts and verification of license from the local nursing board inorder to save time?

RGN1 · Jan 21, 2009

I applied & did everything at the same time, had no problems (bar my uni taking ages!!) It still took 6 months for CARNA to approve me but here I am, it took 8 months to get here & I have now been working since Sept 2008. I have even passed the dreaded CRNE & am settled & happy!

Some people will have a rockier road than me but to all, good luck, it's worth the effort!

babyjr · Jan 22, 2009

I'm happy for you. CARNA required me to take the SEC assessment. So, I applied for a tourist visa. However, I was denied by the canadian embassy.:-( How then would I be able to take the SEC? too bad for me...

I think I went into the rockiest road but to no avail!