I am a Registered Nurse in the Philippines with one year experience in the Operating Room and 3 months experience in the General Medical/Surgical ward (prior to being assigned in the OR). I have filed my application with CRNBC and I have done my IELTS already.
Last week, I received a letter from CRNBC stating that for CRNBC to continue assessing my application, I must take a SEC assessment test (nursinginbc.ca).
My original plan was to apply for a Work Permit/BC PNP after I get my job offer after CRNBC states that I am eligible to write the CRNE. However, since CRNBC will not be able to assess me until I take the SEC, my plan is now all messed up.
I know what the SEC is about, what worries me is how to go about this. Obviously, I will have to go to Canada sometime this year (my deadline is Dec. 10, 2009) and take my SEC, probably on a Tourist Visa. What to do AFTER the SEC assessment is what bothers me. Kwantlen U. said it will take them 3-8 weeks to release my results, and CRNBC sait it will take them 1-2 months to assess the results. If I fail, I would have to take some coursework and retake the SEC, if I pass I would then be eligible to write the CRNE. The timeframe between CRNBC assessing my results and, assuming I pass, declare that I am qualified to write the CRNE is vague.
So why is this troublesome? Obviously, I will have to STAY in BC while I wait out how all these events work out. Going back home to the Philippines would not be financially sound; I cannot imagine going back and forth to Canada without putting my family into serious debt. So I am stuck in Canada WITHOUT work for AT LEAST 3 months.
To IENs who have to take the SEC, what are your plans? What do you plan to do as you wait out the results of this process?
To CRNBC and other regulating bodies, I know why you have to do this, but would it not be better if SEC were offered OUTSIDE Canada as well? Or maybe somewhere else along the application process, maybe after getting 350+ hours of supervised work? Do you know you are asking IENs to travel to Canada to take the SEC without secure employment or even permission to work? Please know that the fare alone to Canada is no small change for those of us in developing countries, at least assuring us that this can be a ONE TIME expense with work at the end of the line for us to pay off unavoidable debts would be a step in the right direction.
To immigration and visa experts, what do I have to do to be able to find and do work in Canada for these months? Can I apply for a Work Permit when I have an employer? Obviously I cannot work in the hospital, but any work for proper pay is fine, so long as the work (and my stay) is legal and the pay is proper. If I need to do coursework, will I have to appy for a Student Visa as well?
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
You can get a temp license allowing you to work as a RN with certain restrictions but you can only apply for it once you are deemed eligible to sit CRNE. Finding a employer may be the issue and also permission to work. Obtaining a TWP can take time and a medical will be required as well as a positive LMO. Expense will depend on where you stay and where the assessments are being performed. I am not sure how long they are taking to give you results and this is probably something you will have to ask the college. When ever I travel down to Halifax I usually stay at the comfort inn in Bedford and average price for a room is $100 a night and this includes breakfast. Also a couple of nice small cheap cafe/restaurants around. Car is probably a must as I find public transport not good however Halifax does have more than I have seen in other areas of NS.
hey, good to know there's someone here on the same boat. i see that you're already an experienced nurse, i'm sure you won't find it that hard to make it till CRNE. where are you from? and from which province are you taking your evaluation? im having mine in vancouver on the same month as yours.
I have experienced as a RN in my country for years but it doesn't mean I don't have difficulty taking SEC assessment nor CRNE. In fact, I'm struggling. I'm from Japan and taking the sec in BC as well.
@tohco : i see..so am i. how have you been preparing for it? my area of coverage would be general medical surgical nursing, what's yours? keep in touch!
@tohco: i'm finishing lemone/burke medical surgical nursing. im planning to get hold of mosby as well. i just hope i have enough time for everything. i am most scared of the osce since i do not have any clinical experience and my skills need a little boost.
even I have years of experiences, I only know in my language and don't know Canadian ways. I have med/surg book but I haven't read much b/c it takes me a great time to read.( i am a very slow reader) I'm not only worried about osce but triple judgement too.
@tohco: me neither, their setting for sure would be different from what i've been accustomed to. i wish we go through well. when are you gonna be in BC? and where are you staying there? i hope to get in touch with you and once in BC.
@tohco: are you currently working? if you have yahoo messenger, just take a look at my contact profile and just add my handle. im almost always online, so just buzz me.
Silverdragon102, BSN
1 Article; 39,477 Posts
You can get a temp license allowing you to work as a RN with certain restrictions but you can only apply for it once you are deemed eligible to sit CRNE. Finding a employer may be the issue and also permission to work. Obtaining a TWP can take time and a medical will be required as well as a positive LMO. Expense will depend on where you stay and where the assessments are being performed. I am not sure how long they are taking to give you results and this is probably something you will have to ask the college. When ever I travel down to Halifax I usually stay at the comfort inn in Bedford and average price for a room is $100 a night and this includes breakfast. Also a couple of nice small cheap cafe/restaurants around. Car is probably a must as I find public transport not good however Halifax does have more than I have seen in other areas of NS.