RN/ RPN/ LPN

springgarden · Jan 14, 2015

The impression I have from the Nclex exam schedule, need to do a bridging programme etc

is that it could take an average of 1 to 2 years to be fully settled as a nurse.

Is that correct?

Are you fully settled?

How long did it take for you to be fully settled?

renzlao, MSN, APRN · Jan 16, 2015

I am currently in BC. Landed in 2010. It took me 3 years to get licensed as a registered nurse. I had to do a year of bridge program and had to wait for the CRNE as before NCLEX, the CRNE was scheduled only 3 times a year. With the new NNAS it could take 1 or 2 years. The decision to do bridge courses is depending on your credentials and the result of the evaluation. It took me 4 months to land a casual job after passing the CRNE some of my friends took longer. I did not get a full time line until 8 months later and that was just temporary for a year.

Looking back, I am glad I took the bridge program. The Canadian nursing practice is different from where I came from. There is a lot of critical thinking, patient advocacy and at times, you will have to question the doctor's order to protect the patient. Equipments are different and lab, medication and charting are computer-based. I worked as a barista and as a lab assistant in one of the nursing school. It was tough working 20-30 hours a week while doing the bridge program. I almost died lol Some of my friends worked as a care aide.

Your nursing credentials will have to be evaluated by ICES before you can register as a care aide to work as a health care assistant. I wanted to work in a specialty so I took a critical care certification while working in the surgical ward. I am currently finishing another specialty in emergency nursing as well.

There is not a lot of hiring in greater Vancouver right now and I am hearing a lot of new grads not finding a job. Hopefully by the time you get your license it will be a different picture.

I travel a lot so I do not have any savings lol nor a car nor a house. But some of my friends who worked two jobs and save every penny already bought their house after 3-4 years. It depends on what being settled means for you. For me, I am comfortable.

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springgarden · Jan 16, 2015

Thanks Renzlao

I am moving from USA.

I have CNA experience and now an associate RN.

I believe the Canada NCLEX is also 3 times a year.

I was looking at the Nurse aide, PSW etc jobs, and they all needed some sort of certification or registration.

Most if not all the Nurse aide, PSW, RN, RPN etc look like they prefer Canada experience. I called a Nursing agency in Toronto and the recruiter I talked to asked me if I had Canada experience. So that looks like it is an important asset.

By settled I meant being done with all the registering, extra courses, etc and having a RPN/ RN full time job.

As I understand it, I will only be able to work as an RPN/LPN.

I am single so I can move to anywhere where the jobs are

Do you think it would be helpful if I got say Phlebotomy certified and other certifications before moving? I have drawn blood, started IVs, but I learn at my work.

Also, should I start my RN to BSN programme in USA or wait and do it in Canada? I do not want to do it here and then still have to do extra courses in Canada.

Thanks

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 16, 2015

NCLEX in Canada for RNs is ongoing. (Just like US) CRPNE is still for LPN/RPN and 3x a year.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jan 16, 2015

I am single so I can move to anywhere where the jobs are
Do you think it would be helpful if I got say Phlebotomy certified and other certifications before moving? I have drawn blood, started IVs, but I learn at my work.
Also, should I start my RN to BSN programme in USA or wait and do it in Canada? I do not want to do it here and then still have to do extra courses in Canada.
Thanks

Right now there are not a lot of jobs anywhere. Every province is having economic difficulties that impact on health care.

Certifications might be nice to have but I really don't think they'll help you with the registration process, nor would they necessarily help in your job search either.

You might want to look into what is required for the RN to BSN programmes in Canada; it's possible that your associate degree might not be adequate. That should be your deciding factor in this part of your plan.