Nurses are in high demand in Canada, and there are many opportunities for nurses from Nigeria to work in this country. The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for working as a nurse in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To work as a nurse in Canada, you must:
- Be a licensed nurse in your home country.
- Have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the Canadian licensure exam for registered nurses.
- Have a good command of English or French.
Categories of Nurses in Canada
There are two main categories of nurses in Canada: registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
- Registered nurses (RNs) have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are responsible for providing direct patient care. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care.
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have an associate degree in nursing and are responsible for providing basic patient care. They typically work under the supervision of an RN.
- Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada (RPNs): RPNs are registered nurses with either a bachelor’s degree in psychiatric nursing or a bachelor’s degree in another nursing field who have also completed graduate-level coursework in psychiatric nursing. The provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba control the practice of RPNs.
How to Get a Nursing Job in Canada
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can start the process of getting a nursing job in Canada. There are a few different ways to do this:
- Apply directly to hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations.
- Register with a nurse staffing agency.
- Verify Your Educational Credentials by World Education Services
- Get Your Credentials Accessed by National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
- Apply to the Canadian government’s Express Entry program for skilled workers.
Documents to Be Submitted for NNAS Verification
- Submit two forms of identification to NNAS: These copies must be attested, meaning they have been signed and sealed by an authorized government official who certifies that they have seen the original papers, created the copies, and know they are accurate.
- Proof of identification can include the following:
- International Passport
- Driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage certificate
- Change of name affidavit
- International Passport
- Proof of identification can include the following:
- Send in an Application for Nursing Education: You can download the form from your online profile, fill it out, sign it, and then mail it back to your Nursing school in Nigeria. With official copies of your academic records/transcript, nursing program curriculum/course descriptions, and/or course syllabi, this document must be provided directly from your school’s administration to NNAS through mail or courier.
- Submit your nursing registration form: Download, print, and sign this form before sending it to any nursing licensing bodies outside of Canada where you were approved or registered. If your nurse registration form does not come directly from your licensing authority, NNAS will not accept it. If you have a diploma that authorizes you to work as a nurse in your nation, request that the school that granted the diploma submit an authentic copy of the diploma in its original language to NNAS.
- Submit your nursing practice/employment form: Sign and mail this form to every job you’ve had during the previous five years. Your nursing practice/employment form must come directly from your employer through mail or courier to be accepted by NNAS.
- Submit your IELTS language testing result: You must take language tests and have your recognized language testing provider send the results to NNAS. If English or French is the predominant language where you live and work and your nursing education program is in English or French, you may not have to take language tests.
- Submit your application: Once NNAS has received all papers, you may submit your application and choose the provincial regulating authority and nursing group you want to apply.
Below is a list of provinces, the qualifications available, and the regulatory body involved:
- British Columbia – RN & PN: British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals
- Ontario – RN: College of Nurses of Ontario
- Saskatchewan – RN: Saskatchewan Registered Nurse Association
- Manitoba – RN & PN; College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba; Practical Nurses College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba
- Alberta – PN & RN College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta; College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Note: As of the publication date of this article, the NNAS application cost is CAD650, and applicants may choose one province and one nursing group (RN or LPN).
If you want your advisory report distributed to more than one province, you can pay $55 more for each additional province.
There is an extra fee of CAD220 if you want to add licensed practical nurses and registered nurses (with diplomas and degrees).
Conclusion
Working as a nurse in Canada can be a rewarding career. There are many opportunities for nurses in this country, and the demand for nurses is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. If you are a nurse from Nigeria and are interested in working in Canada, I encourage you to learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process of getting a nursing job in this country.
FAQs
1. What are the steps involved in getting a nursing job in Canada?
The steps involved in getting a nursing job in Canada vary depending on the specific job and the province or territory where you are applying. However, the general steps include:
- Meet the eligibility requirements for working as a nurse in Canada.
- Apply for a nursing job in Canada.
- Complete the necessary paperwork and documentation.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam, if required.
- Get a Canadian nursing license.
2. What are the average salaries for nurses in Canada?
The average salary for nurses in Canada varies depending on the province or territory, the level of experience, and the type of nursing job. However, the average salary for RNs is around $75,000 per year, and the average salary for LPNs is around $55,000 per year.
3. What are the job prospects for nurses in Canada?
The job prospects for nurses in Canada are excellent. The Canadian government projects that there will be a shortage of over 60,000 nurses by 2026. This means that there are many opportunities for nurses to find good jobs in Canada.
4. What are the challenges of working as a nurse in Canada?
The challenges of working as a nurse in Canada vary depending on the specific job and the province or territory where you are working. However, some of the common challenges include:
- Long hours and shift work.
- High stress levels.
- Dealing with sick and injured patients.
- Dealing with difficult family members and patients.
5. What are the benefits of working as a nurse in Canada?
The benefits of working as a nurse in Canada include:
- High salaries.
- Good working conditions.
- Job security.
- Opportunities for advancement.
- Access to excellent healthcare benefits.
