Finding out

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 29, 2008

Better to approach hospitals direct, they will have experience of dealing with foreign trained nurses. Which province are you thinking of moving to as that will be the province you apply to and they may not except your training but will depend on whether you have hours in all areas? We moved end of March and although I am not working as dh got the temp work permit it has worked out better than we thought it would. I am slowly getting together the paperwork for NS

mandyfahey · Jun 29, 2008

Hi Silverdragon

Thank you for your reply.

We are thinking of Alberta.

I am an experienced nurse, presently working as an Orthopaedic Nurse Educator for North Glasgow hospitals. But have varied experiences and qualifications in other areas of practice.

I know what you say about my qualifications maybe not being recognised in Canada.

I can only apply and hope for the best.

How long have you been in Canada?

How long did the process of getting to Canada and jobs etc take?

Did you have a job and visa lined up prior to arriving?

Sorry for the many questions, but it is as you know a big step.

Thanks again

Mandy

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 29, 2008

I was fortunate as my husband got the job and temp work permit, I have started the process just need to get my act together and complete it. I trained in 88 as a EN and then converted to RN 97 so shouldn't have any problems with my transcripts. We have a few UK nurses going through the process at the moment and usually it is a case of get petition from hospital and they will get LMO, this plus I think letter of employment is submitted to London with your application (and husband so he can get an open work permit) You will then have to have a medical before you get notification of TWP (all healthcare people have to have a medical) I would suggest a search for RGN1 and novascotiabound posts as they are currently going through the process and be able to tell you more than me. You will probably get permission to work on a grad license until you sit CRNE which will help you understand how things work.

Moving this to the International forum as you are asking about immigration as we try to leave the sub forums to local issues.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jun 29, 2008

RGN1 is between residences at the moment. She's moving to Calgary and is in Florida on vacation right now. I'm sure she'll check in soon though.

mandyfahey · Jun 30, 2008

Thank you for your help. Will continue with the fact finding.

Mandy

RGN1 · Jun 30, 2008

HI there!

I'm towards the end of the process - just waiitng for my Temporary Work Permit to arrive in the post. Feel free to PM me.

The best way by far is to get a job offer, that way all the things you'll need to get your work permit will be easily obtained & the process will be fairly simple.

Calgary Health Region were recruiting big-time - so they might be a good starting point for you. They have a web-site.

The whole process takes about 9 months (if you go the Temp permit route - which is the usual for nurses.) I don't see any reason why your nursing qualifications won't be good enough - unless you had no paeds/maternity in your training.

In my opinion it's better if you can get there off your own back rather than with an agency. I know I'm not alone in that opinion either on here.

As I said above, please feel free to contact me or, if you prefer, just post your questions on this thread - we'll all do our best to help you.

mandyfahey · Jul 3, 2008

Hi RGN1

Sorry for the delay, had PC problems.

I have sent my CV off to a couple of hospitals in Alberta and hoping for the best. I had a reply from and agency 'Canadian Medical Recruitment Agency', they sound okay, but, I would be tied to an agency for 10 months and that, I fear would limit my choices.

I understand from your post that it is usual to have a temporary work permit initially. How long does a temp permit last and what is the process to apply for a permanent permit?

Regards

Mandy

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 3, 2008

Hi RGN1
Sorry for the delay, had PC problems.
I have sent my CV off to a couple of hospitals in Alberta and hoping for the best. I had a reply from and agency 'Canadian Medical Recruitment Agency', they sound okay, but, I would be tied to an agency for 10 months and that, I fear would limit my choices.
I understand from your post that it is usual to have a temporary work permit initially. How long does a temp permit last and what is the process to apply for a permanent permit?
Regards
Mandy

TWP is determined on entry and can be from 1-3 years. After a few months you can apply to have it changed to PR which then takes approx 6-12 months instead of the 5 years if applying for PR in the UK. (this I know as we will be starting the process in a couple of months)

RGN1 · Jul 3, 2008

I don't really need to add much to what SD has already said.

10 months is a reasonably short period of time for agency - most are 1-2 years. However, I still think you're best off on your own, if you can manage it.

Chase up your CV with a phone call once you think they've received it.

I have replied to your PM (or rather I'm just about to do it now!)

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 3, 2008

Agree about chasing CV up, from what I have read on another site Canadians are very much in persons so chasing a CV shows how serious you are

mandyfahey · Nov 27, 2008

hi silverdragon, rgn1 and jan

it seems such a long time since my original post (july 2008). the decision to relocate to alberta was made and i am now in the process of awaiting an lmo, having recieved an offer of employment with red deer regional hospital, alberta. :yeah: hoping to be over in alberta in january with my husband for a recce and with any luck we should be there properly around april /may time.

i did not use an agency in the end it was easier to arrange myself and to keep abreast of the processes so far.

i would like to thank you for your advice and help.

mandy