Fully licensed IEN in Nova Scotia difficulty finding work

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Are there any IENs presently in Nova scotia trying to get a job in an Acute care facility and having difficulty? I travelled here in January with the purpose of taking the CRNE and at the same time to look for a job so I can apply for my work permit.I have since cleared the exam and got my new CRNNS license but so far no job offer.I have submitted numerous online applications thru capital health but no success so far.The thing is I have seen the same job being reposted 2-3 times and how come my application has not even progressed to the interview stage. I sent them few follow-up emails asking wether they consider IENs for the job and not just canadian trained nurses,their answer is,"It is their way of building a case to the HRDC that a position can not be filled-up by canadians".That is fine,but for a period of 3-4 months?I am now thinking that maybe they find my experience not suited even though my previous and most recent experience matched the job requirements being advertised. I am an old nurse 15+ years experience in Med-Surg,Orthopedics and neonatal nursing.Anybody out there,fellow IENs having the same predicament as mine? Or are there anybody who has the exact opposite to my story? please share..I am now nearing the end of my legal stay and thinking about the 5months just gone like that...no job & finance depleted.It is very disheartening.....

Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Apparently, from what I've been told by other RN's who have worked in Canada - you are allowed to work on a temporary license, so you basically get paid at new Grad rates, until you pass the exam.

I've been approved for the temporary license which lasts for up to 6 months, with the option of renewal in some circumstances. With the amount of money involved in sitting this exam - failure is not an option :) I know that probably sounds conceited, but I believe if you put the effort into preparing for the exam, there shouldn't be a problem. I am eligible to sit the exam in June - I have until May 14th to apply according to my letter from CRNNS - but I think its more likely I'll be sitting the October exam as I don't see a job offer and work permit coming up that quick that we'll be there by June!

Also, if an employer is prepared to hire a foreign nurse, they are already prepared to have to wait several months before they can start, as they'll be aware that the immigration process takes time. I have worked in several positions where a new nurses name appears on the roster a few months in advance, for us to be told they're just waiting to get through immigration before they start.

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Thanks for the advice AJ - I would never have thought to get anything from my car insurance company! What a joke to have the insurance so much more than the car!

Did you have any hassles getting bank accounts etc set up? I've heard a few horror stories from people, but mostly with issues setting up in the States, very little stories at all (good or bad) from Canada.

Have you heard back about the job you interviewed for yet? It must be very frustrating for you having everything move so slowly!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

dvsbec... good luck and best wishes for a speedy resolution.

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Thanks for the advice AJ - I would never have thought to get anything from my car insurance company! What a joke to have the insurance so much more than the car!

!

Try being a male under 25 trying to find car insurance. The premiums are obscene. It's pretty standard to pay more for insurance than the car is worth for those poor guys.:crying2:

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Thanks Jan - we have everything crossed! I'm not a patient person, I want everything yesterday! LOL So its very frustrating some days.....

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HI dvsbec

May I ask when did you apply for the eligibility and how long did you wait? I am about to send my application form but I become undecided after I read this thread. I am also an ien from philippines and presently working in egypt. I just want to make sure that NS is still welcoming foreign nurses. Just like you I am still looking for employers. Could you please give me an advice if I will continue my application or not based on present situation?? thanks!

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Hi donRN,

I applied in February - most of the hold up was waiting for all the paperwork to be completed by others, like my nursing school, and my current HR department. But all in all, it did not take very long for me to get approval. However, you have to remember that everyone is assessed on a case-by-case basis, looking at your education etc, to see if you meet *their* requirements. And I've heard that quite a few IEN's have had to do further assessments.

As for whether NS are still welcoming foreign nurses - I'll have to get back to you on that one! I'm still waiting to get employment. The nursing board only approves the nursing licence on whether you are eligible for a licence, not whether you'll have any luck getting employment.

I hope that all makes sense! Good luck :-)

Bec

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Thanks Dvsbec,

I understand that the job of crnns is only to assess the applicant whether he is eligible or not to seat the crne. However, once an applicant becomes eligible, crnns may issue a temporary license, thus, he can be employed

until he seat the exam. Am I right? But with the present situation, I know it would take time for me to find an employer. If I may ask, do you already have a prospect employer? and how long is the validity of eligibility? Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Yes, they can issue a temporary licence - it lasts for up to 6 months, so basically enough time to let you work until the next exam date. I believe the validity of eligibility lasts for up to 24 months.

I am still waiting to obtain employment at this stage - hopefully not too much longer! I have my CV out there, so hopefully someone snaps me up :-) We're hoping that we can get there before the school year starts, so fingers crossed!

Bec.

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Wish you all the luck!

I am decided now to pursue my application regardless if there's any employer or none. Since the eligibility is valid up to 24 months, i think i can have an ample time to find an employer. Anyway, I have to take risk if I really want a better nursing opportunity. Thanks a lot!

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Hi Silverdragon102,

I have been reading your posts and I want to say thank you for all the information. I read several threads and I just have a few questions. Earlier you mentioned that you currently do not have a work permit.. you also mentioned your student visa.. Similarly, I am an International Student in Alberta. My Study Permit expires in Oct 2010. I am also an IEN. I received eligibility to write the CRNE from CRNNS.

I was wondering why you haven't applied for a work permit. When you said you are hoping to have PR in the next 12 months, will this be under the NSNP's International Graduate Stream? Sorry for the personal questions. I am eager to find an employer in NS and apply for the Temporary License but, at the same time, I still dream of earning a Canadian Diploma one day. I really enjoy studying and I will probably continue at a college/university in NS.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi Silverdragon102,

I have been reading your posts and I want to say thank you for all the information. I read several threads and I just have a few questions. Earlier you mentioned that you currently do not have a work permit.. you also mentioned your student visa.. Similarly, I am an International Student in Alberta. My Study Permit expires in Oct 2010. I am also an IEN. I received eligibility to write the CRNE from CRNNS.

I was wondering why you haven't applied for a work permit. When you said you are hoping to have PR in the next 12 months, will this be under the NSNP's International Graduate Stream? Sorry for the personal questions. I am eager to find an employer in NS and apply for the Temporary License but, at the same time, I still dream of earning a Canadian Diploma one day. I really enjoy studying and I will probably continue at a college/university in NS.

I am fortunate that it is my husband that has a work permit here in Canada and it is through this route that we are able to apply for PR as he is a skilled worker

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