UK Nurse hoping to work in Canada

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Hi all,

I'm currently a student nurse (Mental Health) in my final year of study. Although its still early days yet and still need to gain post qualification experience, I am hoping to eventually move to Canada to work as a Mental Health Nurse. I was hoping to seek some advice on what I needed to do to be eligible to work in Canada and how to gain professional registration to be able to practice as a nurse once there? If anyone could advise me on such it would be greatly appreciated. P.s. I am planning to work in Calgary as my in laws live there.

Kind Regards

Kaz

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Specializes in Surgery, ICU.

Hi Kaz,

I am an RN who works for Alberta Health Services, which is the governing body of most of the health related jobs in this province. I would recommend googling Alberta Health Services and searching current job opportunities in the mental health field to get an idea of what qualifications employers are looking for. In regards to RN licensing, the governing body is CARNA and they have a link on their website called "Becoming a Nurse in Alberta". Another helpful link is UNA - United Nurses of Alberta. The job market is great here and it truly is a great province to live in! I wish you the best :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International Nursing forum.

Lots of things to think about. Check provincial requirements on applying to be a nurse in a the province. Once graduated you can apply. Usually NNAS is starting point. Application process can take 1-2 years to go through before permission to sit Canadian exam. Then you need to look at CIC to see which route you plan on using to live and work in Canada and then go on from there. Immigration routes may change between now and then.

just seen your in laws live there. If you are married to a Canadian citizen then that is a bit easier

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Thanks very much for the advice. I'll certainly look into what you've suggested. I had heard conflicting advice so thanks for making this,more clear for me it's very much appreciated. :)

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Psych nurses have their own governing body.

Here's the link

Home Page

There is work, but remember the health service is a union shop. Seniority rules, and many start off as casual staff with no guaranteed hours. Especially in the larger cities of Calgary and Edmonton

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