The Nova Scotia College of Nursing has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to expedite the licensing process for nurses from Canada and around the world, aiming to address the province’s nursing shortage. This marks a first-of-its-kind approach in Canada to accelerate nurse applications.
Sue Smith, CEO and registrar of the nursing college, expressed enthusiasm about the streamlined process, which will provide a more predictable pathway for international nurses seeking employment in Nova Scotia. She said, “We’re basically saying if you’ve already been licensed in another jurisdiction, we’re going to recognize that…. It’s so exciting.”
The new policy will allow registered nurses in good standing and good character, licensed in Canada, the Philippines, India, Nigeria, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, to become eligible for licensing in Nova Scotia immediately after passing an entrance exam. Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the need for more nurses in the province and the importance of simplifying the process for those looking to settle and work in Nova Scotia.
Starting March 29, the application process for nurses working in other Canadian provinces will be shortened from five days to 24 hours. Meanwhile, international nurses could see their applications approved within weeks instead of a year or more. They can apply directly to the college as early as May 1.
Smith reassured that patient care in Nova Scotia would continue to meet the established standards, ensuring that the public remains the top priority. “So if you’re a patient in the hospital or if you’re receiving nursing services in a clinic, you are going to have the same level of expertise as any nurse who’s also been educated and graduated and licensed in Nova Scotia,” she said.
The college thoroughly assessed licensed nurses from the seven eligible countries and found that their scope of practice aligns with that of Nova Scotia-trained nurses.
Nurses constitute the largest group of healthcare providers in the province. In 2022, the college registered more international nurses than in 2019, 2020, and 2021 combined, totaling 282 licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or nurse practitioners.
Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, said that these changes are essential for addressing the approximately 1,500 vacant nursing positions in the Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health Centre. Current university programs are unable to produce enough graduates to replace those leaving the profession. Hazelton also highlighted the plight of internationally educated healthcare workers who end up in service industry jobs or driving taxis due to lengthy certification delays.
However, Hazelton emphasized the importance of improving working conditions for existing nurses by ensuring manageable workloads and enabling them to take vacations. “Working with our other partners, the employers and government, together we can definitely make such a positive difference for all Nova Scotians,” Smith added.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Licensed Nurse in Nova Scotia for Internationally-Trained Professionals
Have academic credentials evaluated:
a. Choose one of the recognized organizations (WES, ICAS, CES, IQAS, ICES)
b. Submit necessary documents and fees for evaluation
Apply for credential assessment through NNAS:
a. Complete background checks
b. Pay the required fee (US$650)
Create a profile on NNAS application page:
a. Submit notarized copies of two pieces of identity
b. Complete nursing education form and have school officials send it to NNAS along with academic records and course information
c. Submit nursing registration form to the nursing licensing authority in your home country
d. Complete nursing practice/employment form and have past employers send it to NNAS
e. Send IELTS language testing results directly to NNAS from an approved language-testing organization
Choose nursing group and provincial association (Nova Scotia College of Nursing):
a. Submit the NNAS application
b. Pick the nursing group (Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, etc.)
c. Select Nova Scotia College of Nursing as the provincial association
Apply to Nova Scotia College of Nursing:
a. Submit required documents
b. Pay necessary fees
c. Complete any additional assessments or exams required by the regulatory body
Register with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing:
a. Meet all registration requirements
b. Pay registration fees
c. Obtain a nursing license for your designated group (Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, etc.)
Apply for immigration programs:
a. Create an Express Entry profile, if eligible
b. Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Nova Scotia, if eligible
c. Explore other immigration options (e.g., Quebec Skilled Worker program)
Obtain a job offer in Nova Scotia:
a. Search for nursing jobs in the province
b. Attend interviews
c. Secure a job offer from a healthcare employer
Apply for a work permit or permanent residency:
a. Submit required documents and fees for the chosen immigration pathway
b. Wait for application processing and approval
Move to Nova Scotia and start working as a nurse:
a. Arrange accommodation and other logistics
b. Begin your nursing career in Nova Scotia
For further details visit
https://www.nscn.ca/
