Learning Disability Nursing/Mental Health Nursing in CANADA

Published

Specializes in Learning Disability and Mental Health.

Hi

My husband has began the process of applying for our family to emmigrate to Canada (looking at Calgary,Alberta or Ottawa). I have been made aware that Canada are behind as to Learning Disabilities and do not accept it at present.

I have a degree and 3 years experience of working as a Learning Disability Nurse within a secure mental health hospital. Can nayone point me in the right direction of what I can expect as in jobs for me out there. I have worked within mental health and learning disability for 8 years plus.

Would they allow me to work as a Mental Health Nurse as that's what I've been working as even though that's not my qualification??

I have been trying to search many sites and struggling to find out who to contact to find this information out such as the nursing authorities etc...

Do they recognise Learning Disabilities at all out there??

Would I need to secure a position before being able to come out there and work?

I've heard a lot about an exam you must sit after seval months, what type of exam?

Apologies for all the questions. Any help and information would be greatly received.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Learning Disability and Mental Health.

Also what is the pay range?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

In Canada, people are no longer institutionalized for having learning disabilities. The province of Alberta still employs Registered Psychiatric Nurses; Ontario has no such designation. To emigrate to Canada in any capacity, you will have to apply with the federal government. Your best bet would be to start with the Canadian Consulate or Embassy nearest you to find out the requirements.

The provinces have their own nurse licensing boards. You'll want to research this for Ontario and Alberta if those are the two provinces you are considering moving to. You will have to provide your educational credentials to find out if they are acceptable to any Canadian licensing board. You will probably be required to take licensing exams if you are deemed qualified to do so.

I do know in Britain there is a designation for Registered Nurse for the Mentally Subnormal (or was; it may have changed). I don't know of any Canadian province that has an equivalent designation.

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

ID/LD nursing is unique to the UK

Info to qualify as an IEN RPN in Alberta:

Internationally_Educated_Psychiatric_Nurse

RNs in Canada are generalist trained with clinical & theory in adult, pediatric, geriatric, obstetric & psychiatric.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International Nursing forum

I would not say that Canada is behind with learning difficulties but have different processes than the UK. I see this having working in the UK and currently working in Canada.

You will not be able to work as a RMN in Canada unless the province accepts your training as meeting their requirements. Only a few provinces accept RMN most require you to be general trained. All provinces except Quebec require you to go through NNAS first before applying to provincial college of LPN or RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health.

Hi, As has already been explained, in Canada as well as the USA, Australia and New Zealand they do not view LD nursing a specialty as they do in the UK (the UK is very advanced in regard to this specialty and invests in these services by employing highly skilled nurses!). However, I would suggest that it is really difficult to find employment in Canada, especially if you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN). The nursing boards are a challenge to navigate and change the rules regularly and immigration has also changed their procedure to apply for PR or work permits.

I am an RMN by training and had to complete a bridging program (from a provider in Vancouver), which I successfully completed. The GFC then hit and they put a stop to employing IEN's. The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses in BC then changed their rules for IEN's after I had paid out a ton of money to get my transcripts processed. I then applied to take the exam and obtained temporary registration. I paid for the exam but was unable to fly to Vancouver to sit the exam within the 2 year timeframe. I then gave up after applying twice for PR and then Express Entry, as I didn't meet the criteria. Canada is a tough place to get into, so think carefully and be prepared for many roadblocks if you choose to apply and try your luck.

Nursing in Australia and New Zealand is so much easier to attain and I know of RNLD's who have gained employment in hospitals in both countries, but generally within the mental health field. Australia is the place to go if you want to earn a good crust and have a great lifestyle, although is a bit hot for 6 months of the year. New Zealand is nice; good climate but expensive and poorly paid and with fewer opportunities. Good Luck, Nick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion