ADVANCE YOUR NURSING CAREER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC), CANADA

ADVANCE YOUR NURSING CAREER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC), CANADA

DISCOVER THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME You will find that British Columbia (BC), Canada is the perfect place to advance your nursing career AND live the life you ve always wanted. Choose from a variety of positions in both rural communities and urban areas where you can make a real impact on patient care. Rewarding career opportunities await nurses throughout the province and no matter where you choose to live, you ll feel in awe of the power and beauty of nature. The pursuit of a balanced lifestyle is taken seriously in BC - the spectacular scenery, unlimited recreational activities, rewarding career opportunities and safe, caring communities create an inspiring backdrop for everything you do. You owe it to yourself to consider BC.

ADVANCE YOUR NURSING CAREER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA Interested in matching your lifestyle with exciting career opportunities? We are here to help! Health Match BC is a free recruitment service for health professionals funded by the Government of British Columbia (BC), Canada. We facilitate the recruitment of Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners on behalf of BC s publicly funded health employers. Our experienced nurse recruitment services team will guide you through the recruitment process and support you in making a seamless transition to your new job. Register online so our nurse recruitment services team can: y Guide you through the professional licensing process. y Match your skills and interests to job vacancies in regions of your choice. y Provide you with information about communities of interest. y Connect you with prospective employers and/or regional health employers. y Provide information and guidance on the immigration process. Choose your opportunity... British Columbia offers a wide range of nursing positions throughout the province. Choose from a broad range of positions within the province s eight publicly funded health employers. First Nations Health Authority fnha.ca Fraser Health fraserhealth.ca Interior Health interiorhealth.ca Island Health viha.ca Northern Health northernhealth.ca Providence Health Care providencehealthcare.org Provincial Health Services Authority phsa.ca Vancouver Coastal Health vch.ca Learn more at healthmatchbc.org

REGISTERED NURSES AND REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES Credentials Registration is mandatory in British Columbia (BC) to practise as a registered nurse (RN) or a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN). An applicant s education and experience determines which provincial regulatory body they should register with. Provisional registration allows applicants to practise as RNs or RPNs in BC while they write the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), or Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Exam (RPNCE), and wait for the results. y RNs should apply for registration with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC). y RPNs should apply for registration with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC). y Registered nurses with a post-basic certificate in psychiatry/mental health may register with CRNBC, CRPNBC, or both. Canadian Registered Nurses Registered Nurses (RNs) with current or previous registration in another Canadian jurisdiction, or RNs who have recently graduated from a Canadian RN program, are eligible to apply directly to CRNBC for registration in BC and do not require assessment through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). LABOUR MOBILITY RNs and licensed graduate nurses currently registered in another Canadian jurisdiction may be eligible for registration in BC, in accordance with the British Columbia Labour Mobility Act, the Agreement on Internal Trade, and section 4.04(2) or 4.06(3) of CRNBC s bylaws: y Applicants must be of good character and meet the other requirements in section 4.03(1) of the bylaws. y Applicants must not be subject to practise limitations, restrictions or conditions in the Canadian jurisdiction where they are currently registered and must meet all applicable continuing competency and quality assurance requirements in that jurisdiction. y Applicants who were not educated in Canada and are registered in another Canadian jurisdiction (which does not have a congruent process to CRNBC for demonstrating substantially equivalent competence), must have practised in the jurisdiction for a minimum of 0.5 FTE for at least 12 months before the date of the application. In accordance with section 3(4)(c)(i) of the Labour Mobility Act and Article 706(4)(b) of the Agreement on Internal Trade, applicants who do not meet this requirement may be required to undergo a competency assessment and/ or acquire additional training/experience or undergo examination to be eligible for registration in BC. For the latest information, please go to crnbc.ca Canadian Registered Psychiatric Nurses The registered psychiatric nurse regulatory bodies in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have entered into an Endorsement Agreement in order to facilitate interprovincial mobility for RPNs. This permits persons with practising registration, or who are eligible for practising registration, with one of the regulators noted below to register with any of the other regulators in the Agreement. y College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia y College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta y Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan y College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. As an interprovincial applicant, you must first make a request to have your endorsement evaluated. All applicants who completed their psychiatric nursing education program in a location other than BC are required to successfully complete the CRPNBC online learning module Introduction to BC RPN s Ethical, Professional and Legal Responsibilities prior to registering with the College. Access to the module is provided as part of the application process. For the latest information, please go to crpnbc.ca Governing Bodies College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) The licensing body for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and licensed graduate nurses in the province of BC. crpnbc.ca College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC (CRPNBC) The licensing body for registered psychiatric nurses in the province of BC. crpnbc.ca

What an IEN applicant needs to do to initiate their registration: Internationally Educated Nurses (RNs and RPNs) All nurses educated outside of Canada are considered to be internationally educated nurses (IENs). All international applicants (RNs and RPNs) are required to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) before applying to the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC), or the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC). Most IENs will need to be assessed by the Nursing Competency Assessment Service (NCAS) after they finish the NNAS process. All applicants for registration must write and pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) or the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Exam (RPNCE). If English is not their first language, an English fluency test will be required to confirm proficiency. OVERVIEW OF APPLICATION PROCESS FOR IEN APPLICANTS STAGE 1: Apply to the NNAS. STAGE 2: Apply to CRNBC/CRPNBC - After the NNAS has completed their evaluation, you will receive an Advisory Report. Once you receive your report, you can apply to CRNBC/ CRPNBC. STAGE 3: Competence Assessment - All applicants for registration must demonstrate the entry-level competencies for RNs and RPNs in BC. You may be referred to the NCAS by CRNBC or CRPNBC. STAGE 4: Assessment of Your Application for Registration - After you complete the NCAS assessment, CRNBC/CRPNBC will receive a report. They will review the report along with your other application documents and identify if you have any competency gaps. If gaps exist you may be required to complete transitional education (e.g. one or more individual courses, a re-entry to practise program, or a BC Bachelor of Nursing program), before you can write the NCLEX-RN or RPNCE and register with CRNBC or CRPNBC. STAGE 5: Eligibility for Registration - Once you have completed the CRNBC/CRPNBC registration requirements including any required transitional education, and passed the NCLEX-RN or RPNCE, you are eligible for practising registration with CRNBC or CRPNBC. You must ensure your practising registration is in place before you start practising as an RN or RPN in BC. PLEASE NOTE: Once an applicant has been advised by CRNBC/CRPNBC that they are eligible for provisional or full registration, they should inform Health Match BC so that our nurse recruitment services team can start making referrals on their behalf to the eight publicly funded health employers. National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) All IENs seeking initial registration/ licensure to practise in BC as an RN or an RPN must first complete an application to the NNAS. After the NNAS notifies you by email that your application and report are complete, you may then apply to CRNBC or CRPNBC. When you apply to either regulatory body, they will conduct a further review of your application based on your NNAS file. Nursing Competency Assessment Service (NCAS) As part of the application process, most IENs will be referred to the NCAS by CRNBC/CRPNBC. The NCAS is a three-part competency assessment for internationally educated health practitioners (including RNs and RPNs), who want to practise in BC. The NCAS is made up of three assessments: a Computer-based Assessment; a Simulation Lab Assessment; and an Oral Assessment. All three are necessary to complete the assessment process. The NCAS is designed to help assess the extent to which the competencies and skills you gained during your education are substantially equivalent to those gained by a Canadian educated RN or RPN. The NCAS evaluates entry-level competencies; it does not look at expert levels or nursing practise. Entry-level competencies are the competencies that new graduates from a BC nursing program are required to have. Once you have completed the NCAS assessment, a report highlighting your competency strengths and gaps will be sent to CRNBC/CRPNBC. Using this report, the documentation from your NNAS assessment and all of the information from your application, CRNBC/CRPNBC will determine your registration requirements. Coursework will often be recommended.

English proficiency requirements y If English is not the applicant s first or native language, an English fluency test is required to confirm proficiency. y Only CELBAN and IELTS exams will be accepted. Combining test results is not permitted. y Test scores must be submitted within six months of the test date. PLEASE NOTE: After CRNBC/CRPNBC advises applicants that they are eligible for provisional or full licensure, Health Match BC will then assist applicants in applying to health employers in the region(s) of their choice. TEST CELBAN Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (only available in Canada) IELTS International English Language Testing System (Academic Version) MINIMUM SCORES ACCEPTED Speaking 8.0 Listening 10.0 Reading 8.0 Writing 7.0 Overall N/A Speaking 7.0 Listening 7.5 Reading 6.5 Writing 7.0 Overall 7.0 NURSE PRACTITIONERS Nurse Practitioners educated in BC Nurse practitioners (NPs) must hold practising or provisional NP registration with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) to practise in BC. CRNBC registers NPs in one of three streams of practise: family; adult; or pediatric. All applicants are required to complete a written examination and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Provisional Nurse Practitioner Registration Graduates of NP programs in BC are eligible for provisional registration prior to completing the written and clinical exams. An applicant may apply for provisional registration after CRNBC has received written confirmation directly from the school of nursing where they completed their NP program. The form can be found in the application package on the CRNBC website. Applicants are not required to apply for provisional registration if they do not plan to practise as a provisional NP before passing the exam and obtaining full CRNBC registration. This information is current as of July 2017 and is subject to change. The latest info can be found at healthmatchbc.org Nurse Practitioners educated outside of BC If an applicant s training was completed in an NP program outside of BC, the applicant is still eligible to apply for registration, but may be required to undergo a competency assessment process. All applicants must complete the written and clinical (OSCE) examinations. To be eligible for NP registration in BC, an applicant must have: y Current RN registration or established eligibility for RN registration with CRNBC. An RN and NP application can be submitted concurrently. y Graduated from an NP program equivalent to a Master s Level nursing education program that prepares graduates with the competencies to practise as described in Competencies Required for Nurse Practitioners in British Columbia, (this document is available on the CRNBC website). y Successfully completed the OSCE. y Met the minimum practise hour requirement. The minimum hour requirement can be met by having completed one of the following in the past three years: y Graduated from a BC-recognized NP education program or equivalent. y Engaged in the practise of nursing as an NP for a minimum of 900 hours in the stream in which the applicant is seeking registration, as set out in the CRNBC Scope of Practise for Nurse Practitioners Standards, Limits and Conditions. y Completed a clinical directed study through a BC-recognized NP program. For the latest information, please go to crnbc.ca

IMMIGRATION Coming to Canada To work in British Columbia (BC), as a registered nurse (RN), registered psychiatric nurse (RPN), or nurse practitioner (NP), an internationally educated nurse (IEN) who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident must have the authorization to work in Canada by way of a work permit. To apply for a work permit, you may be required to provide evidence that you have applied to the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC), or the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC), for certification. For more information, please contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at cic.gc.ca When the applicant receives a full-time offer of employment and has obtained eligibility to practise as a RN, RPN or NP in BC the prospective employer will initiate the immigration process. The applicant has two immigration options: a temporary work permit; and/or apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Temporary Work Permit A temporary work permit allows applicants to work in Canada for a specific employer for up to three years. This permit is renewable. It also allows spouses to apply for work in Canada. To get a temporary work permit, an applicant needs to: y Download an application form from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. cic.gc.ca y Complete all of the forms including the documents from their prospective employer and gather all of the required documents. y Submit the application and the required fees to the closest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate, or the nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa Office. PLEASE NOTE: If an incomplete immigration application is submitted, the application will be returned. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will then: y Mail a letter confirming that the application has been received. The applicant will also be given a Medical Report Application Form to be taken to a designated medical practitioner. A list of practitioners will be sent with the forms. y Mail a letter informing the applicant of the outcome of the work permit application. Successful work permit applications are provided with a letter of introduction and instructions on the next steps to be taken. Applications for temporary work permits take approximately six to eight months to be processed. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Internationally educated nurses may be eligible to apply to the PNP, under the Skills Immigration Healthcare Professional category. This program is an alternate means of obtaining permanent residency status in Canada for skilled workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. In addition to meeting the general requirements, to qualify for the Skills Immigration Healthcare Professional category you must have: 1. An offer of indeterminate, fulltime employment with a health authority as a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, or nurse practitioner. 2. At least two (2) years of directly related full-time (or equivalent), work experience in the occupation that has been offered to you and, if applicable, the credentials and qualification requirements for the position. 3. A written offer of employment on official company letterhead from your employer. 4. Evidence that you meet the minimum income requirements. 5. English language proficiency (if applicable). PLEASE NOTE: All requirements must be met at the time of application. When you receive your PNP nomination, you can use the nomination to apply for permanent resident status in Canada, and your temporary work permit. You will be able to commence employment while you are waiting for your permanent resident status to be approved if you have a temporary work permit. Further information is available on the Government of British Columbia s website at welcomebc.ca

GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS The North Served by Northern Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and First Nations Health Authority. Much of Northern BC is preserved and protected by a world-class system of provincial parks and nature reserves. Known for its freshwater and saltwater fishing, paddling, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling, northern BC is pure unspoiled nature. y Home to the Kitlope Heritage Conservancy Protected Area, the world s largest intact coastal temperate rainforest. y Approximately 40% of the population lives in rural communities. y Northern BC s vast wilderness is larger than California or Japan and twice the size of the United Kingdom. y The North has proportionally more residents under the age of 15 than any other region in BC. Fraser Valley Served by Fraser Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and First Nations Health Authority. The Fraser Valley is a short drive from Vancouver and a popular area for many professionals and families who want to live outside of the big city yet remain close to its cultural options and entertainment venues. y Home to Surrey, the second largest city in BC and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. y One in four people who live in the Fraser Valley work in Metro Vancouver. y Over half the province s agricultural activity is in the Fraser Valley including 30 vineyards and 15 wineries. y 60% of British Columbians live in the Fraser Valley or Vancouver and the Coast, yet the regions cover less than 5% of BC s total land mass. Vancouver and the Coast Served by Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority, and First Nations Health Authority. The climate is usually mild and temperate but the region s mountains are renowned for their epic snowfalls. y Home to a wide range of sophisticated amenities including fine dining, highend shopping, museums, art galleries, as well as skiing, hiking, and boating. y The Sunshine Coast (northwest of Vancouver) has one of the largest per-capita populations of artists in Canada. y Whistler, a world-class resort consistently ranked among the best in the world, is a 1.5 hour drive from the city. y Approximately 40% of Metro Vancouver s population was born outside of Canada. y Vancouver was recently ranked as the third most liveable place in the world for its high standard of living and quality of life. It is also ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the world.

THE NORTH FRASER VALLEY VANCOUVER AND THE COAST THE INTERIOR VANCOUVER ISLAND The Interior Served by Interior Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and First Nations Health Authority. This is a diverse region featuring open ranches and rolling hills in the Cariboo, abundant orchards and vineyards in the Okanagan, and the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenays. y Home to four of the seven national parks in BC as well as Osoyoos Lake, the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. y With an abundance of mountain ranges in the Kootenays, including the Rocky Mountains, the area is a popular destination for skiers and nature lovers. y The Okanagan area is the third most populated region in the province and home to 12% of the population of BC. During the summer, the Okanagan area has some of the hottest temperatures in all of Canada. Rural British Columbia BC s rural towns and smaller cities offer natural beauty, access to backcountry adventures, community connections, peace of mind, and a quieter way of life. Experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing your neighbours and being involved in your community. Working and living in a rural or remote area provides the opportunity to make a vital and valued contribution to your community both in and out of the workplace. Vancouver Island Served by Island Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and First Nations Health Authority. The region has one of the world s most diverse ecosystems ranging from rugged rainforest coastlines to bucolic rural landscapes and is world renowned for whale watching, birding, salmon and trout fishing. y Home to Victoria, the capital of BC, the beauty and tranquility of this region has long been a draw for artists and artisans. y Some 7,000 known species inhabit the coastal waters, including more than 200 species of migratory birds and 33 species of mammals. y It s the largest island on the west coast of North America. CAREER y Variety of work: Opportunities often exist to practise a broader spectrum of your professional scope of practise. y Teamwork with other health professionals to ensure seamless patient care. LIFESTYLE y Slower pace of life and easy access to the great outdoors. y Lower cost of living compared to urban centres. y Diverse communities and cultures.

RESOURCES British Columbia Health Employers BC health employers that serve distinct geographical regions are: Fraser Health fraserhealth.ca Interior Health interiorhealth.ca Island Health viha.ca Northern Health northernhealth.ca Vancouver Coastal Health vch.ca BC health employers that service the entire province are: First Nations Health Authority fnha.ca Provincial Health Services Authority phsa.ca Faith-based BC health employer: Providence Health Care providencehealthcare.org Useful Nursing Websites ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED NURSES OF BC Professional association representing RNs and NPs. arnbc.ca BC NURSES UNION Union for RNs and RPNs in BC. bcnu.org CANADIAN NURSES ASSOCIATION National association representing RNs. cna-aiic.ca COLLEGE OF REGISTERED NURSES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Licensing body for RNs, NPs and licensed graduate nurses in BC. crnbc.ca COLLEGE OF REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Licensing body for RPNs in BC. crpnbc.ca NATIONAL NURSING ASSESSMENT SERVICE Coordinates a consistent national approach for IENs seeking registration/licensure to practise in Canadian jurisdictions. nnas.ca NURSING COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE (NCAS) Three-part competency assessment for internationally educated health practitioners, including RNs and RPNs who want to practise in BC. ncasbc.ca Career and Immigration Websites CANADIAN INFORMATION CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS Assists individuals, employers, professionals, and organizations regarding foreign credential recognition and the assessment of diplomas and qualifications in Canada. cicic.ca/2/home.canada CAREER TREK A Government of British Columbia website featuring careers in BC. careertrekbc.ca CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA Provides information and rules for visiting Canada, studying in Canada as an international student, working temporarily as a foreign worker, immigrating to Canada (gaining a permanent resident visa) and/or obtaining Canadian citizenship. There are important sections to review including how to protect oneself from immigration fraud. cic.gc.ca WELCOME BC Learn more about living, working, or studying in BC and how to settle into your new life. welcomebc.ca

A WORK-LIFE BALANCE UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE Discover more at healthmatchbc.org

healthmatchbc.org CANADA/USA TOLL-FREE 1.877.867.3061 PHONE 1.604.736.5920 EMAIL welcome@healthmatchbc.org