shurchik

canfliprn, Wow! Thanks so much for your reply! I apologize for my sarcasm earlier! It's just that I'm so frustrated from my dealings with the Quebec system - it's impossible to get straight answers from any official source and it's pretty much that you won't know you've done something wrong until it bites you in the butt. As for this forum... maybe, it's just my luck, but I get a lot of responses from people who wish they could help, but can't due to their situation being different from mine. But I'm still extremely grateful for everyone's input and good wishes! This information is completely new to me. None of the OIIQ reps mentioned it, nor is it written anywhere on their website. And, if it's true, it's rather devastating. Is it something you or somebody you know had to go through recently? Does this 6-months refresher course come before or after one becomes a CPN? Does one need to have a legal status in Quebec (permanent residency, work permit, etc.) in order to be admitted to this CEGEPs? See, a similar requirement stopped me from becoming an RPN in Quebec about a year ago. OIIAQ approved my application, rather quickly, by the way, but stated that regardless of my BSN degree and work experience, I'll need to complete 400 academic hours before I'll be allowed to sit for the exam. And completing those 400 hours required a permanent residency in Quebec (they wouldn't allow a work permit, or a student visa - permanent residency only). But this permanent residency requirement was clearly stated on the OIIAQ's website. Also, it was the first question their office of admissions asked me. OIIQ, on the other hand, never said anything of this nature. Thanks for the heads up! Gives me a good reason for another phone call on Monday :)) Do you mean the entire process, from submitting your application to receiving a permanent RN license? Because this the second time I'm applying to OIIQ. First time my application was denied due to insufficient documentation, but OIIQ was kind enough to admit that they misinformed me and to refund all my fees. But that first time, the whole thing right up to the denial :) took about 5 months. I had to check up on them every 2 weeks or so, confirming that they received this and that they mailed that, but it was pretty fast nevertheless. Can you share some more info about this French exam? Is it similar to the Test d'évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec (TEFaQ) or a Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ), or Test de connaissance de français (TCF) or the Test d'évaluation du français (TEF)? See, I've already passed the TEFaQ here in Boston - would Office québecois de la langue français accept this test? Or do they have their own? And, if yes, which study guide would you suggest for preparation? Actually, I have no complaints about this part. I always get through to the OIIQ on the phone, and sending a fax usually worked well as a last resort. E-mails have a chance of being ignored, especially it you don't have a file number from OIIQ yet. Even though I speak some French, I don't yet feel comfortable using it for really important conversations. And this is exactly what I, apologetically, say to the OIIQ reps every time I call. In return, they are always very polite and sincere in trying to help. Their website also has many more documents in English now that there was a year ago. So kudos to OIIQ for that! The only real and very serious problem with OIIQ is that they can't or won't share any of the finer details about the application process, only general info. And those finer details are the ones that really count! So everything I know up to this point is either from personal experience or from kind people like you - never from the official source. Well, this one was even longer :) But I'm just so thrilled that you responded with some viable info! Question #2 - you've probably already answered this one. I didn't get the feeling that OIIQ cared about my work experience the first time I applied, and with what you said about "work experiences being down-graded" you pretty much confirmed it. So I'll probably omit my work experience from my application and save myself some time and money. Thank you! Anything you can say about Questions 3 and 4 is greatly appreciated! As well as any other info you may contribute! Again, thanks so much!

Natalie09, Sorry, if this reply is too late! But you can purchase The Quebec Exam prep guide directly from the OIIQ. It cost me $25 + shipping. It's available in both French and English, just let them know which one you need.

Umm, yeah... Thanks for a detailed answer to the only question I specifically DIDN'T ASK! The (mysteriously) dreaded French exam has only been mentioned about a 1000 times on this forum... Anyway, I'd like to renew my plea to the Montreal, Quebec nurses who recently and successfully went through the OIIQ application process - please, please share your experiences! My very specific questions are listed in the first post, and I would greatly appreciate any related info, since the phone calls to the OIIQ give me nothing but the things anyone could get from their website. I'm very grateful to Samantha for reassuring me that at least a year ago, in 2009, CPNs had no problem finding employment in Montreal (question#4). Please share!

Oops, I also forgot to mention the H-1 US working visa - the mother of them all!

Hi, Your post doesn't mention this, but are you aware that you'll need to get a US license if you want to work there? For the particular US state you want to work in? And that involves submitting your diplomas, etc. to the CGFNS (one organization for the entire USA) for credentials evaluation, then passing the NCLEX?

To repeat janfr - don't waste time with ads, go directly to the source. I suggest submitting your CV and resume to the HR department of every hospital you're interested in, even the ones that are not officially hiring. I did that and the first few calsl I got were from the hospitals with no job postings. Good luck!

Hi, Everyone! Some questions for those who recently became an RN or a CPN in Montreal, Quebec. 1) OIIQ now states on their website that regardless of one's studies and work experience, all applicants outside of Quebec must complete at least 30 days of clinical integration training. From your personal experience, is it true? Also, did you feel that with your level of nursing education (Bachelor of Science or "Etudes universitaires de premier cycle completees, Sciences infirmieres" in my case) and your work experience (3 years in Russia, 1 year in USA in my case) you were required to complete more than the bare 30-day minimum training? I, of course, bombarded OIIQ with these questions over the phone, but they're playing deaf and dumb, as usual, and just keep reciting their "formulaires", which I can freely read on their website, without the luxury of the lengthy international phone call! Basically, what I'd like to know is how long would it take me from the time my application is approved by the OIIQ to the time I complete integration training and become a CPN? I've done some preliminary job interviews, and this is the first question they ask. Again, I have a Bachelor degree in Nursing and 4 years work experience. 2) Do I even need to mention my work experience to the OIIQ? From the recounts I've read, it seems that OIIQ doesn't really look at your work experience and you still have to pass that 30-day integration. But the question is, if I don't submit my work experience for OIIQ's evaluation, is there a risk that even with a Bachelor degree in Nursing I will be required to complete more than those 30 days in a clinical setting? Is there a chance OIIQ will drop some theory training req's on me as well? Oh, and the reason I don't want to mention my work experience to OIIQ is because it's gonna be very expensive for me. While there's no problem with the American hospital I work at, my former Russian employers are gonna have a field day milking me for money for every piece of documentation they'll be required to fill out, translate and send by international mail. I've already gone through this when I received my US license - paid a hefty sum to each Russian employer just so the OIIQ's applications won't end up in the trash can. They call it "processing expenses", I call it "racketeering". So, does your work experience make any difference in the amount of integration training OIIQ requires you to do? 3) At what point during the application/integration/registration process will you need to have a Canadian work permit? Is it before you can begin you integration training? Or is it after you complete training and can become a CPN? If I understood correctly, one is not paid during the integration training, right? So, is it still considered work for which you need to obtain a work permit? Or can I, as a US citizen, just move to Montreal for the 30-day training period and worry about getting a work permit only after I'm eligible to become a CPN? 4) Was it easy to find work as a CPN? Or, if that were the case, as a trainee? Please, share your experiences and suggestions. Big thanks to everyone!

rogue2578, Do not despair - the CNO call-center is notoriously insufficient, but the organization itself is fair and functional, if you follow their rules. They don't have preferential treatment for US candidates. They treat all applications the same, as long as they are complete. When you called, did they tell you that they have all the documents they need from you? See, that is the key phrase. I called them in May, was told that my application is complete and that CNO has all the documents they need for assesment. At the risk of being a pain, I got them to repeat it several times (different calls to different customer reps). I'd rather have them annoyed with me, than receive misleading info, as it has happened with CNO a few times before. All the reps I spoke with told me that it would take at least 12 weeks for the assesment of my file. If fact, two of them said 12 weeks, and another one said 15 weeks, and became rude when I mentioned the other two responses. So I left it at that. Five days after those calls I received an official letter from the CNO telling me that my file has been assesed and now I am eligible to sit for the CRNE exam. Needless to say, I didn't complain that it took 5 days insted of 15 weeks! Point of the story is: don't get emotional when dealing with bureaucrats, make sure that you've done everything that's required on your part, and check/re-check/triple-check all the info you receive from them. And by the way, if you do get approve in June (I hope you do!), immediately ask them if they can e-mail you the application form for the exam. The nearest CRNE is in October, and the registration deadline's in July. There's no guarantee that CNO will get you the application form in time through regular mail. Good luck!

Hi, I've just vented on this subject here: https://allnurses.com/canadian-nurses/rna-quebec-lpn-353098.html Read it and do some fact-checking of your own if you don't want to be tearing out your hair later :)

Hi, silverhalide! Your question addresses a very sore spot in my recent dealings with Quebec nursing system, and I want to share some painfully acquired info, so you don't make my mistakes and waste precious time. If you have the opportunity to receive a US education as an RN, then DO NOT try the LPN route with Quebec! Better yet, try and get a Bachelor degree in nursing. Quebec does not require a BSN yet, but they might change that at any moment. They're cheeky like that Now for the facts. There are two types of nurses in Quebec. There's "infirmier technicien", which is equivalent to Registered Nurse in the USA. They are governed by the nursing order called Ordre des Infirmieres et Infirmiers du Quebec (OIIQ). Here's a link to their site, where they give information on the education equivalencies required for licensure: http://www.oiiq.org/infirmieres/diplomes/index.asp If your French is only so-so, then click a .pdf file on that page, titled "How to Obtain a Nursing Permit from the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec". It's pretty straightforward, but still, a lengthy phone call to the OIIQ is a must, as you need to grill them about every single detail and requirement as it relates to your particular situation. Most of their customer service reps speak OK English, but not all of them are quite competent. So it's fine to call them several times until you get a rep that feels knowledgeable to you. The other type of nurse is "infirmier auxiliair", which is equivalent to LPN in the USA. They are governed by a completely separate order called Ordre des Infirmieres et Infirmiers Auxiliaires du Quebec (OIIAQ). And that one word "auxiliaires" makes a steaming pile of difference. Here's a link to the OIIAQ website: http://www.oiiaq.org/accueil.fr.html It's all in French, but during the application process French knowledge will be the least of your worries. The main problem is that in comparison to the OIIQ, the OIIAQ is a newly formed organization, that is funded by a different branch of Quebec government. I won't go into political details, as there've been plenty of heated discussions of Quebec politics in this forum. But practically, the difference comes down to the fact that OIIQ will truthfully evaluate your US nursing education against Quebec standards, plus they will, if reluctantly, take into account your work experience. So, currently all US-educated RN-BSN's and most RNs with a US Associate degree are allowed to take the Quebec nursing exam without having to take any additional courses. Even if additional courses are required, you can take most of them in US. There's also an Integration into Quebec Nursing Practice course, which can range from 3 weeks to several months, and has to be taken in Quebec. On their website OIIQ states that US educated nurses don't have to take this course. In reality, however, they still might require that you pass a short version of it. But it's feasible and not scary. OIIAQ, on paper, has very basic education equivalency requirements - only 1800 hours with basic theory/practice hours in major areas. Here's a link: http://www.oiiaq.org/etudiant/diplomes-hors-quebec.fr.html In addition, you absolutely have to check out this: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/publications/en/professions/nursing-assistant.pdf This is the Ministry of Immigration's bulletin regarding LPN profession in Quebec. By the way, OIIQ doesn't require US educated nurses to pass through Ministry's equivalency committee. OIIAQ, however, does. It means an additional $150 and 1-3 more months added to your processing time. Anyway, this bulletin is in English and it provides almost everything you'll need to know before you apply to OIIAQ. Almost everything... Please notice, on page 3 it says: "Order requires most foreign-trained candidates, including nurses, to complete a program of study in an educational institution located in Québec before it will grant training equivalence." If I may offer a small correction: the OIIAQ requires ALL candidates (even those trained in US or other Canadian provinces!) to complete at least 300 hours of additional LPN education in Quebec. They will never tell you that before they take your application fees and get you to send them all the transcripts, etc., but it is true. It's their dirty little secret. Another one is that you NEED to be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident before you can write the OIIAQ exam. I know, the Ministry's bulletin says you don't, but you do. Your US citizenship or Canadian work permit don't count. If you don't believe me, call the OIIAQ Admissions Registrar (http://www.oiiaq.org/contact.fr.html). But the most beautiful thing, the one even Mme Admissions Registrar won't tell you about even under torture, is a cute little detail about those 300 hours. Remember, you need to complete them (and usually it's more than 300) at an educational institution in Quebec? Well, that translates to a year or more of studying in a handful of Quebec vocational schools, which accept applications only twice a year and require a Permanent Resident Status, Quebec Selection Certificate and a proof of 12-months residency in Quebec. So, again, your US passport, or Canadian student visa, or work permit don't matter. In summary, you need to be a Permanent Resident in Canada before you can get licensed as an LPN in Quebec. So, if you plan on getting a LPN job in Montreal through applying for a temporary or permanent work permit, it will never happen. In order to apply for work permit, you need to have an official employment offer that's been approved by the Labor Department (you'll learn about that on the immigration website). In order to get your employment offer approved, you need to be licensed as an LPN (Infirmiere Auxiliaire) in Quebec. In order to be licensed as an LPN in Quebec, you need to be a Permanent Resident in Canada and a Quebec resident for at least a year. See a glitch there? US educated RNs, not LPNs, that have their applications approved by the OIIQ, not OIIAQ, are not subjected to this bureaucratic idiocy. Not yet, anyway. Sorry for a long post. But I had to warn you. And quite possibly it will help somebody else, who is as wistful as I once was, and doesn't know yet that Quebec bureaucracy is as ugly as the fair city of Montreal is magnificent. Good luck!

OK, I take the last part back - I see that my thread now shows in both forums. As long as it stays in the Canadian one, I'm happy. Thank you!

Wow! Not only did I not get any direct answers to my questions, but now this thread's been moved from the "Canadian Nurses" forum to a much more obscure one in "International Nursing". There goes even the slightest chance of my networking with any Montreal nurses... Why? Did I do something bad? I do have a separate thread that deals with licensure and immigration. And in that thread I've already established that I'm aware of all the requirements, and that OIIQ has my file in review. This thread is targeted toward a very specific group - Canadian nurses working in Montreal. Could you please move it back where it has a chance of being seen by them? I don't want to clutter this forum with new threads just because my old ones have reached a standstill. Please! I'll be good... :wink2:

I have 4 years of college-level French and I am pretty comfortable with everyday speaking/writing. But I would still prefer an English-speaking hospital, for many reasons. Do you have any advice regarding my questions posted above? Thank you!

I'm a newly licensed RN in US. I have 2,5 years of various nursing experience in Russia, but no nursing experience in US yet. I've some US work experience as Nursing Assistant and Graduate Nurse. I want to get a job at one ot the English-speaking hospitals in Montreal. Could you please share your experiences about getting hired and working as a nurse in Montreal? Any info is much appreciated, but specifically: Can you tell me about your hiring process? If you applied from abroad, did you have to go to Montreal, or were they phone interviews? Just one interview, or several call-backs? How were the interviews? What aspects helped you get that job? What experience do you have and how did that help your employment? Do you have any insider tips about any of the English-speaking hospitals in Montreal? Maybe, particular people/departments to contact and how to approach them? Also, which hospital would you recommend as a great workplace? Which hospital has better perceptorship/orientation programs, free extra education, etc.? What are good/bad times to start applying? I mean, major hospitals probably hire in waves, syncing them to the inflow of new grads - should I avoid those waves or go with them? Also, even though I have 2,5 years of experience in Russia, in North America I feel like a new graduate with no experience. Mainly because while very rich in knowledge, skill polishing and character development, Russian nursing is very backward in technology, pharmacology, delegation, etc. Basically, it's lots of drama and no supplies :)) Any advice on how I should approach this in my job interviews and resume? Would a couple of months of US nursing experience (I couldn't do more than that) make any positive difference? Thank you! PMs are more than welcome!

Hi, Theimys! I'm moving to Montreal from US and looking into the Jewish General too. Don't have much insider info on any of the hospitals in Montreal yet, but so far I've liked Jewish General the most. Mostly because they advertise free preparation courses for the Quebec nursing exam. They also offer free French courses (not necessary in your case :) and other free courses that help you integrate into the new workplace. To me that shows that this hospital really cares about its new employees. I don't know, maybe other hospitals have that too plus other perks, but it's not listed on their websites. Here's a link to Jewish General www.jgh.ca Another thing I liked is Jewish General, along with other McGill's English-speaking hospitals, regularly receives grants for research directed towards the advancement of nursing practice - research done by nurses and even nursing students. I understand that this is a rare thing for Canada, especially Quebec, and a good sign of a career potential for a nurse in this hospital. But all that is pure theory! I wish I knew anything for sure... Let's exchange information! Can you tell me about your hiring process? Did you have to go to Montreal, or were they phone interviews? How were the interviews? What experience do you have and how did that help your employment, etc.? Bon chance!