Nursing Jobs in Canada
Nursing employment opportunities in Canada: comprehensive insights and guidance for those who have just immigrated to or are considering immigrating to Canada. We express our sincere gratitude to Suzanne Greaney for her essential contributions in offering personal insights throughout the development of this comprehensive reference on nursing employment opportunities in Canada.
Nursing Jobs in Canada: One of the significant advantages associated with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science is the potential for travel possibilities. Throughout history, nurses have consistently engaged in global travel. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the appeal of Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK) among foreign nurses. Nevertheless, with the beginning of the 2020s, pursuing a career as an international nurse in Canada has garnered growing appeal.
Upon getting my nursing qualification in 2013, the prospect of seeking employment opportunities in Canada did not cross my mind, since I was aware that acquiring the necessary licensure would need the completion of an examination. Similar to many other individuals from Ireland, I embarked on a journey to Australia. Following a year of employment at that location, I made the decision to go back to Ireland due to the considerable distance from my residence.
In the year 2020, I find myself residing in Toronto, actively engaged in the pursuit of acquiring my nursing licensure. At some junctures, the duration of my journey may have seemed protracted; yet, I am content with my perseverance and forthcoming commencement of my nursing profession in Canada.
Due to its comparatively strong health care infrastructure, Canada presents itself as an appealing choice for overseas individuals aspiring to advance their nursing profession inside the country. Nurses who are in great demand include those who possess specialized expertise in emergency departments or operating rooms, as well as those who have a desire to serve in rural or isolated indigenous communities.
- How to find jobs in Toronto
- Looking for Work in Canada
- Jobs for Teachers in Canada
- Laborer/Unloader of Containers
- Jobs in hospitality in Western Canada
Nevertheless, it is essential for job searchers to possess a comprehensive understanding of key factors that are crucial in obtaining nursing positions within the Canadian context. One of the first requirements is the assessment of your foreign qualifications, followed by the need to get a license for professional activity in Canada. Further details about this process will be discussed below. Furthermore, there are variations in processes across different provinces or territories. It is important to have a specific objective or a few objectives in mind when doing research.
Seeking employment opportunities in the field of nursing inside Canada.
The individual in question has nursing degrees acquired from a foreign country. However, the inquiry pertains to the means by which one might effectively use this training and expertise to establish a rewarding nursing profession within the Canadian context. Let us proceed to ascertain the answer.
The procedure of attaining a nursing profession in Canada
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) serves as the primary regulatory body for nursing licensure in both Canada and the United States. As an initial requirement, those seeking licensure are required to complete the registration process using the NNAS online platform. If desired, this may be done ahead to one’s arrival in Canada.
The process of registering with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) entails the completion of an online form whereby individuals are required to provide their demographic information, educational background, professional experience spanning the last five years, and disclose any current or prior registrations with nursing regulatory bodies.
If you have received your education outside of Canada and are interested in pursuing nursing positions in Canada (except Quebec and the Territories), you will be required to submit an application to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). This applies specifically to those seeking employment in the following nursing roles:
The professions of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) require individuals to get registration, which incurs a significant cost. In order to complete the registration process with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) as of 2020, a fee of $765 USD is required. The procedure entails the submission of notarized copies of identifying papers, such as a passport and birth certificate. Additionally, individuals affiliated with your educational institution, prior employers, and nursing regulatory organizations with whom you are registered are required to complete the forms issued by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). The website offers instructional videos on the process of completing these forms, and individuals are granted a one-year period from the date of registration with NNAS to submit all required documentation.
Once all the necessary paperwork have been received, it is expected that you will get approval from the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that this process may need a duration of up to one year. Upon receiving approval, individuals will be granted the authorization to proceed with the application process for licensing in their chosen province within Canada.
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) will conduct an initial evaluation of your qualifications and align them with equivalent requirements in Canada. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) provides an online handbook that may be used for the purpose of acquiring more knowledge.
In conjunction with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), it is mandatory for anyone seeking employment in the nursing profession throughout several Canadian provinces to undergo an English language examination. However, for those aspiring to work in Quebec, a French language examination is required instead, provided that they are unable to provide evidence of their English language competence. The NCLEX examination is used to assess an individual’s proficiency in the English language.
In the year 2021, the Canadian government made an official declaration about the allocation of additional financial resources aimed at facilitating the process of credential recognition for foreign nurses. Further information on this program may be acquired at this location.
This article aims to provide essential information on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
In order to engage in professional activity, a significant number of provinces and territories need a proficient command of the English language. In the province of Quebec, a certain level of proficiency in the French language is often, but not always, deemed necessary. In order to complete the registration procedure, it is necessary to successfully undertake an examination. The examination referred to as the NCLEX-RN test, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is widely recognized outside the province of Quebec.
The primary objective of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is to ascertain the candidate’s competence and readiness to commence professional nursing practice while prioritizing patient safety. In the context of nursing employment opportunities in Canada for foreign individuals, it is important to note that all nurses who have received their training in North America are required to successfully complete a certain examination. The examination is computerized and mostly consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess intuitive understanding. There are other online tutoring alternatives, such as UWorld, that may aid in the preparation process. In the event of a first failure, it is possible to retake the examination. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX examination, the resulting licensure is recognized and accepted across the whole of North America.
It is advisable to do a substantial portion of the application and registration procedures in one’s country of origin, to the extent that it is feasible. Acquiring documentation pertaining to international credentials is often more convenient when obtained from one’s own country, as it circumvents challenges such as time zone disparities, international calling fees, and other bureaucratic complexities that may occur when dealing with foreign entities.
What activities may be undertaken during the period of waiting for the issuance of a Canadian nursing license?
For internationally certified nurses seeking employment opportunities in Canada, it is advisable to start networking activities within the healthcare sector upon arrival in the country. Please ensure that you update your professional profile on LinkedIn and Indeed platforms, and proceed to submit applications for administrative positions specifically within the healthcare industry. Upon entering the professional domain, individuals will have the opportunity to engage in conversations with nurses and physicians from many specializations and backgrounds. This interaction may significantly facilitate the process of charting one’s career trajectory after obtaining the necessary licensure.
Anticipated outcomes of nurse employment in Canada
Similar to several health systems throughout the world, Canada is now facing various issues in its healthcare services, including limited availability of public services, shortages in personnel, and an escalation in waiting times for medical operations. In public sector hospitals, the presence of a greater number of registered practice nurses (RPNs) as a cost-effective staffing strategy leads to an increased acuity level of patients under the care of Registered Nurses (RNs).
Although the aforementioned issues are prevalent throughout Canada, there remains considerable possibility for professional advancement and expansion in the public sector, as well as many opportunities to work within privately held firms.
What are the reasons for selecting Canada as a preferred destination?
Before selecting Canada as my destination, I deliberated on the possibility of pursuing a nursing career in the United Kingdom, given its substantial opportunities for professional growth and educational advancement. Nevertheless, given the context of Brexit, I had uncertainties over its implications.
I submitted an application for a position in the Middle East and subsequently participated in many remote interviews. At that particular juncture, I had a cumulative professional background of four years. Consequently, I was presented with a remuneration package amounting to €42,000, which was exempt from taxation. It is worth noting, however, that the customary duration of the workweek included a total of 48 hours.
Upon receiving the nursing license, my employment opportunities would have been restricted only to the contracted hospital, so imposing significant limitations on my professional prospects. In contrast to the regular annual leave entitlement of 15 days for registered nurses (RNs) in Canada, Middle East locations often provide a more generous allocation of 40 days of yearly leave.
Nevertheless, according to the terms stipulated in the contract, it was explicitly communicated to me that this entitlement cannot be used during the first six-month period. Consequently, I would be obligated to maintain a minimum weekly workload of 48 hours for a continuous duration of six months. Upon careful consideration of the offer, I made the decision to decline it.
In the context of nursing employment opportunities in Canada, the nation provides a remuneration package that is characterized by its competitiveness, with a wage commensurate with a standard workweek of 36 to 40 hours. In the province of Ontario, the remuneration for new graduates in acute care settings is around $59,000 CAD, which includes an annual increment pay rise.
This stands in stark contrast to Ireland, the country of my origin, where a recent graduate starts their career with an annual salary of less than €30,000 (~$45,000CAD). The remuneration is subject to regional disparities, hence it is advisable to thoroughly investigate the specific municipality and province in which you want to reside prior to reaching a conclusive decision.
- Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Hospitality Jobs in Canada
- Construction jobs in Canada
- How to find jobs in Toronto
An further advantage pertains to the provision of health coverage, often becoming effective after a three-month period of residency inside the nation. Furthermore, those opting to work in the private sector may have the opportunity to avail themselves of supplementary health care benefits and incentives provided by their employers.
One notable advantage of Canada, particularly for those hailing from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and other European countries, is its geographical proximity in relation to their respective home countries. This proximity is particularly advantageous for individuals who have previously resided in Australia. Despite not yet having obtained my license, I am now in the midst of my first year on an IEC visa in Toronto. Having relocated to Canada last summer, I have successfully navigated through my first winter and am very content with my decision to come here.
The employment opportunities in the field of nursing in Canada for nurses from abroad.
Please consider reviewing the following resources to enhance your interview skills and refine your résumé (CV) while seeking employment opportunities in the nursing field in Canada.
