Hi everyone! I've been scanning the international forum for a few days now, and wanted to ask a question that I suppose is about efficiency.
I'm a nursing student, born and raised and studying in Texas, with a year to go on my BSN. I'll graduate in May 2012, and then I'd like to hi-tail it up to Ontario (Ottawa area) as quickly as I'm able (that's where my boyfriend of 2 years lives, and is originally from). I'm more than a bit worried about being able to find a job, and the CRNE has me scared. I bought my first CRNE prep book this morning, and am drawing up a study plan for the next 10 months/however long it takes for me to be declared eligible to take the CRNE. Is this *too* far in advance? Is there an advantage to prepping now, instead of waiting for another semester? Is the advantage big enough to warrant stressing out over it, at this point (as opposed to say, in January)? Should I be worried about forgetting everything I learn (or, everything I learn that's different from the NCLEX)?
Final question (s):
-I'm a little confused, after reading the websites for various nursing Colleges in the provinces, and the CIC website, if getting a job offer and work permit is an employer-driven process or not--at what point do I begin contacting hospitals in Ontario? January (when is when I begin job-searching in the states)? Do I need to have a work permit first? I understand that the cap for RNs is reached rather quickly each year, but it's also my understanding that a job offer will get you a permit regardless of the cap status. Is this true?
I second Tazj's recommendation to stay in the US while you wait for your application to be processed by the CNO. As for what happens if an IEN's BScN is not equivalent to an Ontario BScN, the CNO may recommend the IEN take an academic bridging program in Ontario or if the IEN has experience working as a RN, they may be advised to complete a baccalaureate equivalency table (BET).
The CCA involved a 5 day assessment with exams in General Nursing, OB, Peds, Mental Health, and a self-assessment (based on the code of ethics and standards of practice). There is also a clinical portion of assessment.
I totally don't mind you sending me private messages if you have further questions - for now, just post on here and I'll try my best to answer your questions.
Don't rely on anyone outside of nursing. I was given the "don't worry, it should be simple because you're from the US" answer by employees at the CRNM!! When they told me I had to take the CCA, I was so upset when I found out being educated in the US suddenly meant nothing to them! Then of course, I couldn't trust them anymore.
I have to say the CCA administrators were super nice, answered all my questions, and respected me as a fellow nurse. Just as they had predicted, I DID pass without needing any classes/bridging program.
Btw, the issues CRNM had with my application was strictly based on the length of my nursing program, credit hours, and the clinical practice hours. They said that even if I had experience, they would still have made me take the CCA (unless I had been an ICU nurse for more than 10 years). So, having experience in the US won't help you in that sense, but I'm sure it will be excellent for your resume. Plus, you can't go to grad school here without 2 years of nursing experience and a valid Canadian nursing license - so at least you'd get a start on that!
TazJ, out of curiosity, how long was your program? I don't think I've heard of an Accelerated BSN in Texas (which is unfortunate--I know so many people who would love to be out of school ASAP).
Dishes, I've never heard of a BET, and I know very little about academic bridging programs available in Ontario. Do you happen to know how long they take?
My program was 16 months. State universities in FL do an accelerated program for people who already have a Bachelor's degree in another field and have completed the pre-req's for nursing school. Since I already had a Bachelor's, I was done with all my General Ed requirements for college (English, math, etc.). The program is condensed into 4 semesters instead of the traditional 5 so it was a little bit of a squeeze but definitely well worth it. In fact, some of us even managed to do an honors thesis on top of it!
There are differences between the CNO's and CRNM's (and other provincial regulating bodies) application process for IENs, Ontario does not do SEC or CCA assessments. CNO either accepts the IENS education as equivalent, refers the applicant for more education, or requests the applicant complete the BET
If more education is required, I am not sure how long it takes, it would depend on how many courses are taken at the same time, you can see an example of one program in this link
As for the BET, there are a few posts by IEN's who completed the BET, you can use the search engine at the top to find the discussions and it will give you a vague idea about what the BET entails.
dishes, BSN, RN
3,950 Posts
I second Tazj's recommendation to stay in the US while you wait for your application to be processed by the CNO. As for what happens if an IEN's BScN is not equivalent to an Ontario BScN, the CNO may recommend the IEN take an academic bridging program in Ontario or if the IEN has experience working as a RN, they may be advised to complete a baccalaureate equivalency table (BET).