Kenyan nurse migrating to Vancouver

[Yrimu]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently working as an RN (diploma)in a Kenyan hospital. I have been working at my current position for 22 years now (10yrs as diploma nurse-RN and 10yrs as Enrolled nurse-certificate nurse). I attended a 21.5yr post enrolled nursing to qualify as an RN. I am considering of moving to Vancouver, Canada in the near future and have some questions regarding working there as an RN. What is the transition like for those who moved from Kenya/East Africa to Canada and specifically for those with a nursing diploma. I am concerned that I will not be able to practice as an RN without a degree and might have to further my education in nursing but I am not sure on the specifics. I did a BSc in Health Systems management.

What is the average income with my experience and education? What do the benefits include (pension, medical, etc.). Also I am concerned about job availability.I know the downturn in the economy is worldwide and everyone is affected. I would like to know if there is a hiring freeze or is there still some hiring going on.

Thank you for any help/advice anyone might have. If anyone would like to correspond with who went through the same process that would be great.

Thank you.

[dayandnight]

The most important factor to consider if your immigration status. Especially in BC, you definitely need a permanent resident status to even think about working as a RN.

You don't need a bsn. However, NNAS will assess your education and tell you how they evaluate your file. If your application is somewhat satisfactory, will take NCAS exam in BC and will need to take a refresher course. Doing the refresher course is very helpful in getting a job in BC, but the downside is, it's very hard to get into the refresher course if you don't have your PR. BC will accept refresher courses from SK or Newfoundland, but there's a lot of communication between the provinces that is needed to make this happen (meaning more waiting times). After the refresher course you need to take the NCLEX. You are looking at 2-3 years of processing, waiting and taking refresher courses before even considering working as an RN.

[Yrimu]

Thanks Companisbiki for your reply. I'm in the process of applying for Canadian nursing review program with Omni College. I hope twil help me get a job soon

[Fiona59]

Thanks Companisbiki for your reply. I'm in the process of applying for Canadian nursing review program with Omni College. I hope twil help me get a job soon

Omni College or any other school can't speed up the process or find you a job. The process has to be followed to the letter.

If you've got 22 years experience, I'm guessing you are in your 40s. The way the pension plans work, you will never "factor" for a full pension. Usually that requires 35 years of full time employment.

[dayandnight]

Thanks Companisbiki for your reply. I'm in the process of applying for Canadian nursing review program with Omni College. I hope twil help me get a job soon

not soon.. you still have to jump through the NCAS exam and the refresher course hoops. By the time you are done with those you might have a fairly good chance of getting a casual job, but it will take a while until you can get somewhat of a permanent line in the Vancouver area. One of the guys I know took the OMNI college prep class and did well on the SEC so he did not have to do any refresher class. The OMNI college's clinicals helped him get a job offer after he took the NCLEX and became licensed, but in BC there were only casual postings available and he couldn't get a full time job right away

[Yrimu]

Thanks for reply. I'm 47 years. I hope for the best

[LemonDrop1234]

Not to discourage you at all, I think it's great that you want to move to Canada :) but remember that Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the world so make sure you factor that into your moving costs.

I am in Ontario not BC, but I do know that here after age 65 you will receive CPP and Old Age benefits (not sure if that is tied to years of contribution though). You will certainly get healthcare though as it is universal. In Ontario nurses need to have a bsn, not sure about BC. Since you have a previous degree, I would highly recommend doing a 2 year accelerated BSN program! They probably offer this at UBC.