UK Nurse - Calgary - Maybe!

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Hi there, I'm a UK nurse and wish to immigrate from UK to Calgary and work as an RN. However, I'm just back from a trip to Calgary with my OH as it was a recce trip. Unfortunately, I have now found out that I may not be awarded a Temporary Work Permit (I'm a Project 2000 nurse) as I may not have enough Obstetrics in my training (I was told by a lady from Calgary Health who I met with during my trip that this will be highly likely). I was aware that it may be case before coming on our recce trip but understood that Cal Health would have helped me deal with this and allowed me to work in an Obs unit as a Grad Student and gain the relevant experience that way. However, this is not going to be the case. :scrying:

Anyway, to the point, I was wondering if there are any UK Nurses who have trained from the year 2000 onwards (who are Registered General Nurses) and who have not had this problem. Did you get your WP ok and are you working in Canada now??

I guess if it has to be it has to be and I'll have to suck it up and do the course (i'm waiting to hear - I won't find out for around 8weeks or so, but I feel it will be the state of play). :o

Any advice would be gratefully received. Also if you did any courses in the UK or know of any that would get me through (apart of course from doing the 18month conversion course and becoming a midwife!)

I loved Calgary though and have previously been to Toronto before. Canada is a fabulous country and I feel it is the right place for our family - I actually feel at home there.

Thank you in advance.

JT

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The problem with nurse training from 200 onwards is that the clinical experience varied quite a bit between colleges. There was not a requirement ot provide experience in all areas if you were doing the general branch, just a variety of experience.

Therefore, someone else who trained after 2000 will not necessarily be the same as you.

I have heard of universities running mini courses to make up the difference as so many nurses are going to work abroad these days an they have found a market for such courses.

It might be worthwhile asking at your local universities to see what is on offer. It is unlikely that you would have to to a whole midwifery course, probably just 8-12 weeks part time somewhere.

If I were you I would ask the Alberta nursing board what the actual minimum requirement is in terms of hours theory and practice and then see what the local uni can do. Of they don't offer a actual course, you ma be able to "buy in" to a single module on a longer course such as midwifery or health visiting.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

There is a sticky in the UK forum with details of either 1 or 2 universities that offer catch up courses as they realise that the demand is there

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Many thanks for your help and advice. I had thought about contacting my old Uni where I did my nursing course once I know the situation and what CARNA advise on their requirement for hours/experience and trying to sort out some kind of additional experience. At then end of the day it would be money to them, however, they may not want the hassle, but it's worth pestering a few Uni's to find out and maybe get on a course.

Thank you so much for your time and advice, it certainly warms my heart a little knowing that I may not have to lose all hope to getting to Canada.

Thank you.

:-)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Many thanks for your help and advice. I had thought about contacting my old Uni where I did my nursing course once I know the situation and what CARNA advise on their requirement for hours/experience and trying to sort out some kind of additional experience. At then end of the day it would be money to them, however, they may not want the hassle, but it's worth pestering a few Uni's to find out and maybe get on a course.

Thank you so much for your time and advice, it certainly warms my heart a little knowing that I may not have to lose all hope to getting to Canada.

Thank you.

:-)

not many uni's do the courses and it has to be both theory and practical and at the same time. Check the link/Sticky in the UK forum may be worth checking them out, these are uni's that have realised there is a short fall and a demand.

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Many thanks Silver Dragon. I've checked the sticky and at least I may have options. Just have to wait and see what CARNA throw back, if anything. You never know I may have done enough after all this worrying.

Cheers

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Specializes in coronary care, acute medicine, research.

Hi

I did the P2000 and graduated in 1997. I am now living and working in Calgary, I did not have any problems with my application for work permits or LMO's. Calgary health region was only too pleased to offer me a job. It took us 6 months from start to finish to get here, and loving every minute. I am having to work as a Grad nurse until I pass the Carna exam, and have encountered a few problems over here with pay etc, but thats all now sorted. I hope you find a solution to your problems and I am sure you will find one, do not dispair. Everything will all be worth it in the end

PS- does any one know if there are any course's in Calgary that will prepare you for the Carna Exam?

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Just a quibble. In Canada, all nurses governing boards are referred to as "Colleges". Americans use the term "Board".

I just want to make sure you know which country you are dealing with.

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Specializes in med/surg.

There is no CARNA exam - you are referring to the CRNE - Canadian Registered Nurse Exam. That is held 3 times per year & you have to be made elligble for it by the College in the Province you intend to practice. CARNA is the relevent College for Alberta not the exam!

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Specializes in coronary care, acute medicine, research.
There is no CARNA exam - you are referring to the CRNE - Canadian Registered Nurse Exam. That is held 3 times per year & you have to be made elligble for it by the College in the Province you intend to practice. CARNA is the relevent College for Alberta not the exam!

:icon_rollI did mean to say the CRNE exam and not Carna. Fradulant slip on my part. I have been made eligible to sit the exam, sat it once and failed and now waiting to sit it again this year and keeping fingers crossed.

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Hello cheeca: I would like to ask you some questions as I am planning on move to Calgary as well.

You said you initially had problems regarding your salary. I was told that the Grad nurses at Calgary get $26/hr plus $1/Yr experience. Is it true?

How long it took you to obtain LMO?

Did Calgary Health provide you interim accommodation or you had to look for it yourself after you arrived?

How much time you have to take your three attempts at CRNE?

Your help will be highly appreciated.

Have a great day.

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Specializes in med/surg.

I just wanted to clear things up for others on this forum because information gets twisted so easily and then passed on & on.

I hope you do better this time around.

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