Question about CNO

[panos]

I am an international educated nurse and I recently immigrated in Toronto with permanent residence status.

I have a bachelor degree (4 years) in general nursing from a public university and I had been working as a RN in Europe for almost 10 years in the field of mental health (no work experience in general nursing.)

I am going to assess my nursing studies through CNO very soon but I have a question regarding the work experience. Is it likely that CNO will find gaps in my work experience since I don't have any work experience in general nursing?

I am sure that my bachelor degree will be equivalent to a Canadian one but I am not sure about my work experience. If anyone knows or be in a similiral situation I would appreciate a reply.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

OMG!! That's appalling. I however fall in the same category. I am waiting for CNO to issue me a report, so that I will know what next to do. Where did you do the bridging program?

What was the result of your NNAS advisory report?

[basilkingsley]

Not comparable. I just want to forge ahead and start off something before they get back to me. I don't know how long it will take for them to do that.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

In September 2016 the CNO recognized that fewer applicants were successful going through the licensing process and they adjusted the way they respond to the NNAS advisory reports. In some case, applicants were able to show they met the competency gaps through their past work experience. The CNO required a letter from the applicant's employer to provide proof. The applicants with proof, did not require further competency assessment and were directed to write the NCLEX. In other cases, the applicants required further competency assessment and were directed to do the IENCAP. If you want to forge ahead, suggest you study for the IENCAP by reviewing the entry to practice competencies, the standards of nursing, nursing code of ethics and practicing physical assessments on family members and friends.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

@basilkingsley, are you currently living in Ontario? If so, how long has it been since you last worked as a RN?

[RN_Pro]

@panos

Be prepared for your education to be "non-comparable". I am US educated with a 4 year BSN from a reputable university and I am non-comparable. I had to do the IENCAP.

[basilkingsley]

Yes. I currently live in Ontario. I have actually been in and out of practice. After nursing I worked for 1.5 years and got admited into medical school. Moved to Canada and the story ( licensing) will take forever. So I'm starting off with nursing till I write other exams.

I do on and off volunteer stuff. Not sure if that would count. So I am happy to do some prep if needed.

[basilkingsley]

Haven't worked as an RN on full time basis for 6 years. I submitted my Nnas report last week and I was invited to write the jurisprudence exams. What does that mean? Is that a good thing? I read all the materials in 2 days and sat for the exams.

[RN_Pro]

Jurisprudence doesn't mean anything other than that you applied to CNO. All applicants are welcome to take it once they have applied to CNO and it is a requirement in order to obtain a license but being invited to take it doesn't mean anything in relation to how they will evaluate your nursing education.

On and off volunteer stuff won't count. But part time registered nursing work experience within the last 3 years will.

[RN_Pro]

If what you are really hoping to do is practice as a physician in Ontario, I would recommend putting all of your efforts into that. Becoming a RN in Ontario is a long process for IEN's and likely not the best option to take this route if what you really want is to be a doctor.

[basilkingsley]

I am chasing both. Whichever comes first. It's really difficult here.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

@basilkingsley, are you aware that CNO requires applicants to have proof of recent RN practice within three years and if they do not, they are required to undergo a bridging program?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

If what you are really hoping to do is practice as a physician in Ontario, I would recommend putting all of your efforts into that. Becoming a RN in Ontario is a long process for IEN's and likely not the best option to take this route if what you really want is to be a doctor.

Becoming a physician is a longer more expensive process for an IMG than becoming a RN is for an IEN