Obtaining Registration in Canada
Pakistani Nurse is eligible to apply in Canada as a licenced Nurse Pakistani nurse will generally follow these steps:
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
For a Pakistani nurse to apply for a nursing license (registration) in Canada, the primary degree that is generally required to be deemed equivalent to Canadian standards for a Registered Nurse (RN) is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
.If you have a 4-year BSN from Pakistan: Your degree will be assessed for its content and clinical hours to see how closely it matches a Canadian BSN.
If you have a Diploma in General Nursing (3 years) or a Post-RN BScN (2 years after Diploma) from Pakistan: These will also be assessed. While a Post-RN BScN aims to upgrade a diploma to a bachelor’s, the NNAS and provincial regulatory bodies will look at the entire educational pathway.
Different Nursing Professions in Canada
Registered Nurses (RN): Regulated by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA).
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): Regulated by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).
Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN): Regulated by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA).
Provisional Registration:
After a Pakistani nurse gets her documents assessed by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) and they issue their Advisory Report, she will be a significant step closer to being eligible for provisional registration in a Canadian province like Alberta.
Steps for Provisional Registration in Alberta (CRNA):
Complete NNAS Assessment (Documents Assessed):
The Pakistani nurse submits all required documents (education, licensure, work experience, identity, and language proficiency test results like IELTS/CELBAN) to NNAS.
NNAS evaluates these documents against Canadian standards and issues an Advisory Report. This report is then sent to the CRNA. CRNA stands for the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Work Experience
The following must be submitted to the NNAS in order to verify your work experience:
Nursing Practice Employment Form completed by all employers you have worked for in the past five (5) years (sent directly to NNAS by mail or courier). Please note that CLPNA will consider work experience from the past four (4) years.
Apply Directly to the CRNA:
Once the NNAS Advisory Report is complete, the nurse must then apply directly to the CRNA through their online portal. This is where the CRNA will review the NNAS report and their own specific requirements.
Pass the CRNA Jurisprudence Examination:
This is an essential exam specific to Alberta’s nursing laws, ethics, and regulations. It’s typically an online, open-book exam. This must be passed.
At this point, after successfully completing the NNAS process (documents assessed), applying to CRNA, and passing the CRNA Jurisprudence Exam, a Pakistani nurse will generally be eligible to apply for Provisional Registration with the CRNA.
Important Considerations for Provisional Registration in Alberta:
Provisional Permit (Graduate Nurse – GN License): The CRNA refers to this as a Provisional Permit or GN license. It allows the nurse to work under supervision while they meet the final requirements for full registration.
NCLEX-RN: While the NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam required for full registration, the CRNA allows nurses to obtain a Provisional Permit before passing the NCLEX-RN. This means the nurse can start working in Alberta and gain Canadian experience while preparing for or awaiting the results of their NCLEX-RN exam.
Other Requirements: Even with provisional registration, the CRNA will verify other requirements such as:Good Character and Fitness to Practice: This involves declarations and potentially a criminal record check.
Currency of Practice: This ensures the nurse has recent nursing experience. If there are gaps, the CRNA might recommend specific programs or supervised practice.
Liability Insurance: Required for all practicing nurses.
Temporary registration is at the discretion of the Registrar and can be held for not more than a total of 12 months. Upon completion of the registration requirements (this may include educational requirements) and successfully passing the CPNRE, you will be eligible to apply for an Active LPN practice permit.
Supervision Requirements: If granted provisional registration, you will need to practice under supervision as defined by the CLPNA. This typically means you cannot be in charge of a unit or work alone on a night shift, and restricted activities may require indirect remote supervision at a minimum.
CPNRE Examination: Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Fee 340 CD
The purpose of provisional registration is to allow you to work while you prepare to take the CPNRE. You will be enrolled to write the CPNRE after your provisional application is approved. You usually have a limited number of attempts (typically three) and a time limit (usually one year) on your provisional practice permit.
When is Full Registration Granted?
A Pakistani nurse will be eligible for full registration after they have:
- Successfully completed their credential assessment (NNAS/equivalent).
- Achieved required language proficiency.
- Applied to the provincial regulatory body.
- Passed the provincial Jurisprudence Examination.
- Addressed any identified educational or competency gaps (e.g., completed bridging courses, passed a CBA).
- Successfully passed the NCLEX-RN.
- Met all other specific provincial requirements (currency of practice, good character, liability insurance, immigration status).
Only upon successful completion of all these steps the provincial regulatory body will grant full, active Registered Nurse (RN) registration, allowing the nurse to practice independently in that province.
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CONTACT
MAHMOOD SALEEM
Advocate High Court
Immigration Consultant
Call 0321-4314001
WhatsApp 0333-5769655