Internationally Educated Nurses of CANADA

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Hello! This post is to locate current IENs (Internationally Educated Nurses) going through the Canadian licensing system in Manitoba, Alberta, and BC-- specifically Registered Nurses. I am curious about discussing your story and see how it parallels mine. I ask that if you were an IEN that successfully became an RN more than a year ago that you don't comment, because things have changed quite a bit and we will not be discussing the same process you've experienced. I am very interested in talking with RNs from the US, but also would like to hear from nurses coming from other countries. Thank you la9MFCKoIaKIlaHjVuttgx238A8l+oISTPknrAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC !! Please only comment if you have something helpful to say, if this post does not pertain to you there is no need to comment.

Ps. I have a meeting scheduled with the Manitoba Health Workforce Secretariat to discuss the difficulties IENs are facing in the province.... so I'm very interested in hearing your story so I can relay it in the future. Maybe we can rally together and seek change. I am also possibly planning on contacting the media after my meeting with the Secretariat.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International Nursing forum as nothing to do with Immigration

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I held a U.S. RN license.

I am attempting to re-credential in B.C.

I have already been through the process once at Kwantlen and am re-applying.

What has been your experience?

What exactly are you lobbying for?

I am looking into NCAS which is the new pilot process B.C. is working on to change the credentialing of IEP's.

Wondering if I should wait for NCAS instead of the old SEC process.

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@cmagier,

I applied originally to Manitoba and Alberta. Manitoba unfortunately makes all their Internationally Educated Nurses take a Competency Assessment (same as what you have taken at Kwantlan Polytechnic in BC). Unfortunately in Manitoba in order to take this assessment it would cost me $1,300+. Thankfully in Alberta I do not have to take any assessment... and I have recently been hired as an RN! Manitoba and BC have pretty much the same process, which is ridiculous and I would say a scam (more so Manitoba than BC), so I say your best bet is to attempt going to Alberta if you can!

Last month or so I saw a CBC article about how BC was having a nursing shortage and wanted to get IENs working to decrease the current shortage. I called CRNBC and asked about the new system they were going to set in place and if individuals would still need to take the SEC. They made it sound like they were not able to give any information and that it was likely individuals would still have to take the SEC. I would say to contact the CRNBC again and ask questions because things most likely have changed in a month since I talked to them.

Once I am done moving I am planning on contacting the media to highlight difficulties IENs are facing, specifically US RNs. It would be great to have a few IENs that I can say went through/are going through the same challenges.

If you want PM me, I would really like to hear more of your story!

Also have you taken the SEC at Polytechnic? How was it?

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Hi, you are from which country?

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US native? We filipino IEN's are also having terrible time especially now woth NNas!

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Yes, I am a US native. I went to a US state school and received my Bachelors of Nursing, 4 year degree.

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I held a U.S. RN license.

I am attempting to re-credential in B.C.

I have already been through the process once at Kwantlen and am re-applying.

What has been your experience?

What exactly are you lobbying for?

I am looking into NCAS which is the new pilot process B.C. is working on to change the credentialing of IEP's.

Wondering if I should wait for NCAS instead of the old SEC process.

I applied originally to Manitoba and Alberta. Manitoba unfortunately makes all their Internationally Educated Nurses take a Competency Assessment (same as what you have taken at Kwantlan Polytechnic in BC). Unfortunately in Manitoba in order to take this assessment it would cost me $1,300+. Thankfully in Alberta I do not have to take any assessment... and I have recently been hired as an RN! Manitoba and BC have pretty much the same process, which is ridiculous and I would say a scam (more so Manitoba than BC), so I say your best bet is to attempt going to Alberta if you can!

Last month or so I saw a CBC article about how BC was having a nursing shortage and wanted to get IENs working to decrease the current shortage. I called CRNBC and asked about the new system they were going to set in place and if individuals would still need to take the SEC. They made it sound like they were not able to give any information and that it was likely individuals would still have to take the SEC. I would say to contact the CRNBC again and ask questions because things most likely have changed in a month since I talked to them.

Once I am done moving I am planning on contacting the media to highlight difficulties IENs are facing, specifically US RNs. It would be great to have a few IENs that I can say went through/are going through the same challenges.

If you want PM me, I would really like to hear more of your story!

Also have you taken the SEC at Polytechnic? How was it?

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Specializes in ER In Charge, Nurse Educator, Dialysis Nurse.

I'm an Indian graduated R.N. currently working as ER nurse. Planning to take IELTS in next month and willing to work in BC. I already know a bit of registration and NNAS application process but my main concern is about job. Am I eligible to give NCLEX in India only and apply for a job in canada before I go there?? And is there anything else I need to know before applying for NCLEX??

Thanks

Lucky

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I'm an Indian graduated R.N. currently working as ER nurse. Planning to take IELTS in next month and willing to work in BC. I already know a bit of registration and NNAS application process but my main concern is about job. Am I eligible to give NCLEX in India only and apply for a job in canada before I go there?? And is there anything else I need to know before applying for NCLEX??

Thanks

Lucky

You don't apply for NCLEX. First you apply for the NNAS assessment. Once that is complete you then apply to the college of nurses for the province where you plan to relocate. Once the CoN has reviewed your application and credentials assessment they will determine if your background meets Canadian standards, if an additional clinical competency assessment is needed or if you need further education. If your credentials meet Canadian standards you will be issued an ATT to register, pay, & schedule the NCLEX-RN. It is not a quick process

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Hi Dear,

I am glad that somebody is going to raise the voice of nurses. I have a long story to tell you. I am an IEN and I had my RN application with CRNBC. My file was assessed by the NNAS first and the advisory report says Comparable. However, now CRNBC has asked me to do re entry to practice program or SEC. I am really frustrated that what is the role of NNAS if they do not rely on their report. I questioned my Case manager he said your safe practices expired. I responded that I have done the whole Bridging for internationally educated nurses program here in Ontario.He replied that This program was done at PN level then I explained that it was the RN and the PN refresher program, means for Both. there was no difference the difference was this only that I did my pre ceptorship under an PN. I . contacted the college and college also is not helping at all as they were saying that I do not have the eligility letter from CNO to do the program. I replied that only because I do not have the letter from CNO means that I have to repeat the same program again.

The CRNBC also says that there are gaps assessed by OSCE. I said it was there before the completion of BIEN program not now but they are not agree. I am really very stressed. It is all injustice . I want to appeal now and if nothing happens I will seek legal advice. If NNAS has nothing to do if their reports are not valid why our credentials are being evaluated by them. Why to waste 1000 dollars. If NNAS says not comparable then go for additional education , if somewhat comparable then also additional education and if comparable then also additional education. I dont know which report would give the eligiility to write the CRNE exam. It is just waste of money. Secondly if NNAS is evaluating and taking 1000 dollars why regulatory bodies again charge the fee that is almost 500 dollars. They are just making money. I feel sad that the IENs are not treated fairly.

I would appreciate if you help the IENs in this regard,

Thanking you

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gurvinder your story is very convoluted, I cannot figure it out, can you clarify? After the NNAS assessment did you submit an application to CNO? Did CNO require you to do the OSCE? Did you have a letter of direction from CNO before you entered the refresher program?Which refresher program did you take in ON?

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