sacrifices

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I applied in a hospital here at Alberta last 2006. I have been assessed last January 2007 (5 days, very very challenging I should say!) and now subjected to pass 2 courses BEFORE I can be given a temporary permit to work as a grad nurse, then eventually take the CRNE. By the way? CARNA gave back the results after 7 weeks! Kind of torture don't you think so?

Now, I have a batchmate who applied to Saskatchewan last November 2007 and no questions asked, he was given the grad nurse permit! He is coming on the frist week of April. We graduated from the same premiere university on 2005. He ranked 7th, I ranked 8th in the batch. We both worked as soon as we graduated in a tertiary hospital back home. We basically have the same credentials!

Only difference? THE PROVINCE!!! I really am getting frustrated. Why can't CARNA at give IEN's the chance to take the CRNE at least once? We should be given a choice, not subjected! Each individual is different. I for one believe I can pass your boards here if I really work hard on it and study. I am on a work permit and it is running already. I cannot work since I have to take those courses! I have to get back to my bedside nursing. I miss interacting, I miss caring, I miss the real action, rendering safe, quality and ethical care.

I really think it is not fair. Had I known? I should have passed my requirements to Saskatchewan. No assessments, no other needed courses, etc. Work as a grad nurse and prove that each individual is different. Some can pass the CRNE on their own perseverance, hardwork, experience and of course faith.

What happens if my batchmate passes the CRNE? Then he would have shown CARNA that even without their courses, some IEN's who are hard-working and persevering enough can pass the boards here. (deep breath) I applied well ahead of him and he will be working well ahead before me, I really think it is not fair... :( (the part that I am still not working)

But yeah, whoever said life IS fair? Sometimes I really get down and discouraged. I know I can do it. If only CARNA will give me a chance... Sacrifices have to be made. It feels like I am back to college. MAJOR difference: I am in a foreign country, without friends, without support groups, very dependent...

I know I have to be strong and focus. I am sure everything has a reason and God has something wonderful in store for me after all these sacrifices and humblling experience. I know I will be a better nurse, if not the best there is on that floor in the hospital I am going to eventually work at.

Thanks for listening. As I have said, the only friend I have now is internet.

God bless you all.

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Specializes in critical care.

hi purplehippo..

i know you are frustrated but there are always unfair things in life.. just continue to comply with the requirement of CARNA and be diligent with followups..

look ahead and keep your fingers crossed!

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Where are you coming from?

You chose AB, not SK so there must be a reason for your choice?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

You know, purplehippo, you'll find there are a lot of things that differ from one province to another. Each province is semi-autonomous and enacts its own laws, regulations and standards within a national framework. Health care is a national program that is provincially administered. Each province has its own regulatory body and each regulatory body bases its standards on what it believes the people it serves want and deserve. CARNA's job is to ensure that all nurses who work in Alberta meet the standards Albertans have set for their nurses. Period. CARNA has been inundated with applications from IENs from all over the globe and they're working as fast as they can within their responsibilities to get the assessments done and the applicants moving through. They're getting pressure from all sides and can only serve one master, the best interest of the people in Alberta. To compare Alberta to Saskatchewan is an exercise in frustration because the two provinces have entirely different philosophies. You chose Alberta and are now bound by what Alberta has deemed to be required to qualify to be registered as a nurse. If your batchmate decided to move to Alberta after working in Saskatchewan for some time, it might be that Alberta would expect educational upgrading from him before he could be registered here too. Saskatcewan has not seen the volume of IEN applicnts that Alberta has because they're only just getting the wheels of their recruitment machine moving. They may yet find that they can't keep up with the volume, and that they're not meeting the needs of the people there. It's unfortunate that you're stuck unable to work, but you might have gotten all of your ducks in a row before you made your decision to come over here. Is it too late for you to go to Saskatchewan?

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I was only advised that I will be assessed and after that I can be given the grad nurse permit. Not happening. I am from the Philippines. My aunt lives here in Alberta and she is currently my only family here. She is financing everything... the courses are not cheap I should add. I am just so blessed to have her. I recently discouraged all my friends who were interested to go here. I mean I am able to go through with all these because I have an aunt here who is supporting my needs. What about them?

Too late as I started already with one course. Also, the stress, costs of having to order my papers from different institutions in Manila to be submitted to SK regulatory body and be assessed all over again. That might perhaps take 2 months? If only CARNA will allow to duplicate my papers so I can give them to SK. I might be able to work in a month's time already.

Again, I am just frustrated. I am not questioning the rules of Alberta. I mean I respect it... end point? to serve and ensure patient safety, right? In my opinion, after assessments and recommended courses, CARNA should give the IEN's a choice. Whether to take their recommended courses or let the IEN risk it, study on her own, work as GN, write the exam. It will be the IEN's problem if she doesn't pass. But what if she does? Because like I said, each is unique. If one really persevere, study hard, work diligently, learn continuously and pray unceasingly? I do believe she can make it.

After my batchmate passes the CRNE there in SK, he will already be a Canadian RN. If he decides to apply here, he will be assessed again, even though he is already an RN here?

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sad to say purplehippo,,,same here in toronto,,

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Purplehippo: to use to reasoning, every PN in Alberta with experience, skills, and additional reading and on the job training should be allowed to give the exam a try.

It isn't ever going to happen. Regulations are there to protect the public and protect the professionals who have complied with the rules and took the time and energy to comply.

I don't expect to go to the Phillipines and write their exams because I think I'm ready.

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Like I said, start from the bottom. This is actually a humbling experience, not to mention able to study and review lots of things all over again.

To each is own. province-wise, country-wise and personality-wise.

I am taking the challenge and really do believe something good is in store for me.

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Specializes in Medical.
Like I said, start from the bottom. This is actually a humbling experience, not to mention able to study and review lots of things all over again.

To each is own. province-wise, country-wise and personality-wise.

I am taking the challenge and really do believe something good is in store for me.

*****

Don't lose hope. :nono: All your sacrifices will be rewarded.

I myself, am just beginning with the whole process. Somehow you have given me a glimpse of how a hopeful Alberta RN would be going through. :chuckle But I know we'll be able to manage everything with God's help.

So cheer up my friend!:wink2:

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This is a challenge. God wills for this to happen. We shall obey. God bless :)

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don't give up kabayan,,,

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Oops, sorry, I have to correct the date. I was assessed January this year not, 2007.

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