Would they allow me to become an RN in Canada?

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I'm currently enrolled in a university nursing program in the U.S. (Texas), at the top of my class, and I am supposed to start clinical training soon; however, I'm concerned the board of nursing here may prevent me from doing so, simply because I was once arrested for possession of marijuana, even though I went through a first offender's program (of probation), after which, the charges were officially dropped (although the arrest itself is still on my record). If this is going to prevent my continuing into nursing in the U.S., I was considering moving to Canada, hoping it would not be such an issue there. Or is this just wishful thinking? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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It's still illegal in Canada.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It would be an issue here since possesion of marijuana is illegal here too.They likely wouldn't let you across the border with a drug charge on your record.

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I know that Canadian passports are banned from travelling to the US with drugs convictions. I'm pretty sure our government would have something similar restrictin Americans with convictions from entry.

Just because medical marijuana is legal, doesn't mean the country has a "aw weed is good" attitude towards recreational users.

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Thanks for replying, but first of all, I know marijuana isn't legal in Canada, and I don't smoke it anymore (haven't for a long time) so that's not the issue; and I don't actually have a conviction on my record as the charges were dismissed. I understand the Canadian government doesn't condone recreational drug use or anything like that. I'm just wondering if this one blight on my record (which simply appears as an arrest, not a conviction) would hinder my becoming an RN there? Here, they may or may not allow it; but I will have to petition the Board of Nursing, and it will be at their discretion (and I'm worried they may turn me down).

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

It isn't a case of meeting College of Rn requirements but also immigration requirements and it will ask you for a police certificate and if this is mentioned on your police certificate (you say it is) then depending on the severity will depend on whether you need a waiver or not. This would probably require involvement of a good lawyer experienced in this area.

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