SarahMaramara

Hi Dishes, Ive replied to a few of the questions here but they havent been posted, i guess I cant go into detail about my assessment? I have decided to not pursue my RN here, by the time I pay the fees & take tests etc my husband will be transferred for work. Instead I am studying to sit the N-Clex in the states :)

Hi RupiRN, NNAS rated my coorifice as 'Not comparable' I did 3.5yrs, Bachelor of Science in Perth. NNAS continually asked me to contact my university for more course information, but the university was unsure of what NNAS meant. There was no discussion from either NNAS or Canada in regards to my pads and maternity course work, having said that I completed a 12 week clinical rotation in Paeds ED, so this may have covered it? While I did not do a midwifery program I did work in maternity in rural New Zealand 3 years ago, as they didn't require midwifery studies to be compulsory to work there. Based on the NNAS report the majority of Canadian nurses boards will ask you to complete some kind of a competency based exam, I called Toronto and Vancouver to enquire about their CBE and it seemed quite straight forward (not the case for my current location!), if you have worked in an acute medical ward you will be more than fine to confidently sit the CBE. As you haven't been out of uni for long I imagine you would be somewhat used to exams/testing requirements. Once you have passed the CBE you have around 6-12 months to complete the N-Clex (is my understanding). You can work on a certain limited registration until you sit the N-Clex, it would be good for you to speak with graduates who have recently passed their exams to get an understanding of the N-Clex. I'm happy for you to e-mail me for more details if needed. Its quite a long process, something I didn't expect! NNAS weren't overly helpful either. How long have you had your application lodged with them?

Hi Deenie, I realize this message was posted over a month ago, but I thought I'd put my thoughts in! I'm an Aussie now living in Canada (still waiting on my qualifications to be assessed), I studied and worked as an RN for the past 10 years in Western Australia. To work in Australia this would be your best place to look for your Nursing requirements: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - Internationally qualified nurses and midwives In regards to working visa's and permits this is where I suggest you start looking & follow the relevant links: Working in Australia (as an American with a skilled and 'in demand' job you will be fine!) I am not familiar with TNCC or CEN, having said that I am a NICU nurse and haven't worked in ED for a very long time! It may be worth e-mailing the nurses board of Australia to ask those questions specifically (always helps to get things in writing too!). Some fundamental differences that I can think of, or have heard through the nursing grapevine, is that in the US I feel you have more autonomy, in Australia its a bit more doctor reliant (does that make sense?). We do have different names for medications, but nothing too hard to convert to. Our healthcare systems are state funded, so nursing in Sydney (NSW) vs. nursing in Perth (WA) may differ slightly with staff levels, pay rates, nurse to patient ratios etc. Have you been to Australia on holiday before? are you familiar with the country? If you have any further questions I'm happy to help :)

Dishes this information is fantastic! thank you! I'll be accessing all the above info you have provided. Cheers mate!

I can tell you one first hand incident! When I was nursing in Perth an RN from Nova Scotia had just started working in my unit, she told me that it took her 3 months from date of application to first week of work as a fully licenced RN. This was a process through AHPRA (the Aussie nursing body) with all checks, references, a $160 fee and criminal screening etc. It will always be different for each country. I dont mind having to complete exams and undergo tests etc, I just didnt expect the costs & timeframe to be what I have come across. I'll continue my path, as I am passionate about my job and dont feel the added tests & exams are going to make me loose anything. Thank you NotReady4PrimeTime & Dishes, i appreciate the time you took to reply to my question :)

Thanks Dishes, the website for the regulatory nursing association only states there may be an exam if my Australian Bach. of Science is not comparable, it does not clarify any further. I have to pay $2000 to sit this 3 day exam so that may explain my reason for being slightly stressed! I have been told that each province has different exams.

A year ago I moved from Australia to Canada (I'm a neonatal nurse for the past 10 years). Its taken 12 months for NNAS to assess my qualifications & paperwork and now the nurses board for the province I live in have determined that I need to complete a Competency Based Assessment before I can sit the N-Clex. Its been about 8 years since I have sat any test and I'm getting rather anxious. Has anybody had to do a CBA? how did you find the process? Is there anything you could recommend for me to do? Any help would be appreciated!!!