neonatal nurse 5 year plan UK - Canada

[rotkaeppchen28]

Hi there,

My partner and I have come up with a 5 year plan to move to Canada and I guess I'm just looking for some advice. No idea where to start! Not even sure which province in Canada, to be honest I don't think we mind as long as we are not too rural. Nova Scotia, Ontario or Alberta look great on first glance. Are there any that have a particular nursing shortage or a re more likely to employ international nurses?

I am a registered children's nurse with a degree and I have been working since January this year. I work in neonates and this is the area I wish to remain in. I am consolidating my knowledge and skills and hope to undertake the neonatal qualification in the next 2 years. I understand that Canadian nurses are general trained and I know I would need to acquire clinical and theoretical experience in the other branches of nursing. I also understand I need to sit an exam. Just wondered if anybody knew about how to go about getting this experience. Can I gain it here or once in Canada? I have read about getting a temp work permit until I sit the CRNE exam?

My partner is a junior Project Manager in the transport sector for the government. Not sure of the process for getting work and visas. Do we have to get separate visas or if I was to get one can he move with me then find work when he is there? We are not married and not sure if we will marry here before moving.

Can anyone share their experiences if they have made this move, where did you move to and how is the lifestyle? I have lived abroad before and didn't really get homesick but how is it being a permanent resident and missing the family back home? Canada isn't that far from the UK after all! Any neonatal nurses make the move??

Any advice would be great, thanks :)

[loriangel14, RN]

You can't just get experience in the other areas. You need to have attended a nursing program and have a transcript that shows theory and clinical hours in adult, peds, OB/GYN and mental health.