LPNs in Canada? (Calgary, Alberta specifically)

[parafreddy]

I was just wondering if they're still hiring any LVN/LPN's in Calgary, Alberta? And does anyone know how the job market for nurses (LPN specifically) across Calgary/Canada is? I know here in the U.S., LPN jobs are becoming more obsolete...unfortunately.

I have a cousin in Calgary who is an RN and told me that the hospitals are in are hiring nurses, rn's and lpn's. Can anyone attest to this?

Also how do "get" an "arranged employment"? Working permit? (that hopefully lead a way to permanent residency) I am currently in California and working my way through to be a LPN/LVN and eventually become an RN.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks for your time!

[Fiona59]

Ha i can keep ice cream on my deck til May..

I didn't want to scare the American too badly. I can usually keep it out until mid-April!

[DanaHolly]

I live in Edmonton AB and have had no difficulties finding full-time work. Best of luck.

[America2Canada]

Hello

I can give you from my personal experience as an LPN who immigrated to Canada from the US. Yes Calgary is hiring. If your thinking about it now is the time as they have a brand new state of the art hospital that is opening. I will tell you this forget about a LMO for LPN. Alberta is not in desperation for LPN's. Your best bet is to do what I did. Go on the CIC website and see if LPN has reached the cap. As now for skilled worker there is a cap on all professions. Next do the paperwork which by the way you can do yourself! No need for an immigration attorney trust me! It does require you to do some work such as employment letters, school transcripts, FBI clearances etc etc. And of course apply to CLPNA. My original license was from NY and I know that it did not recipricate with California. So not sure about what your education in that state is CLPNA will look over your transcripts and tell you exactly what is needed. I would do this first especially if you have to wait with immigration. That way when immigration is done you will not be waiting on a registration as it takes a while to process. I had mine a year before I came here. Another thing I will share is its not easy peasy coming from the US. They see your education and job experience and immediately focus on that your American. When I applied I would get responses to my resume's with "we are not in a position to sponsor at this time" which told me they did not even look at my cover letter explaining I did not need sponsorship and that I held PR. I have been here since 2010. I started out with casual then went on to a temp. part time which turned into a perm. part time. I just got a full time perm. position here. And I will add I am experienced. Everything is union here and senority based. So be prepared to pay your dues here so to speak. I prefer Canada over the US as far as nursing goes. The documentation is way less here. Pay I can guarantee is more as well. I make more here then some RN's where I lived. Cost of living is higher but you are in California so might not be that much different. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Hope it helped!

[dexter612]

Hi me and my family just arrived in Calgary last June 2012. My wife and I are both RNs in Dubai and Philippines. We heard it will take us long time for applying as RN in CARNA, Calgary Alberta because you have to take IELTS or CELBAN. There are verification forms to be send back in PRC, nursing school and employers where you worked as RN. You should also passed the SEC assessment one time. Not to mention all the charges for IELTS, registration, assessment and the course fees. But it pays double than an LPN

Some of our friends and relatives advised us to take LPN then do bridging to RN, which doesnt require IELTS or CELBAN no verification forms, no SEC assessment.

I just need advised on which path should we take, LPN-RN or just go directly to an RN course.

Many Thanks!

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Where did you hear that LPN registration doesn't require proof of English language proficiency? You sure didn't get it from the CLPNA (Internationally Educated Nurses).

There are indeed verifications of credentials, done through the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), verification of registration from the regulatory body in the country where the person's education was received and from every country where the person has worked PLUS verification of employment as a nurse (RN or LPN) from every employer during the preceding 4 years. The CLPNA also requires a criminal records check and they do have a competence assessment as well.

There are no shortcuts. There are NO shortcuts. Anyone who wants to work in Canada as a nurse must meet the requirements outlined in legislation, which will only become more strict as time goes on. The Colleges are working on creating a single point of entry for all nurses in Canada with identical requirements and processes in all provinces and territories. Believe it when I tell you they're not going to go with the lowest of the standards when they do.