In Canada, employment prospects in the healthcare industry have improved in the last several years, particularly for nurses. Canada will require more than 60,000 nurses by 2025 due to growing healthcare demands from an aging population and increased demographic pressure.
Because of the labor deficit, there are now more openings for international healthcare practitioners, especially nurses. Foreign nurses are desired due to their training, capacity for rapid environment adaptation, and cultural resemblance to Canadians.
This blog will comprehensively describe the process, requirements, benefits, and salary associated with nursing jobs in Canada, among other things.
Understanding the Canadian Nursing Landscape
Canada’s healthcare is publicly subsidized so all inhabitants can receive primary healthcare. An aging population is placing enormous strain on this excellent healthcare system, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses means that more workers with specialized training are required.
Shortage and Demand for Nurses in Canada
The foreign nursing workforce will experience a 60,000-person decline in employment by 2025. Due to their education, expertise, and cultural variety, foreign nurses have become a priority for the Canadian government regarding hiring.
In addition, international nurses have many employment options in Canada due to the field’s well-paid, well-protected nature and relatively high prestige there.
Types of Nursing Jobs in Canada
Nurses in Canada can pursue various nursing jobs depending on their qualifications and experience. Some of the most common nursing jobs in Canada include:
- Registered Nurses (RNs): Nursing jobs in Canada involve patient evaluation, drug administration, and care coordination in hospitals, where they execute crucial responsibilities.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): These positions allow nurses to work on basic tasks as assistants to registered nurses, making them some of the most demanded nursing jobs.
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Nurses with advanced practice qualifications can diagnose and treat illnesses and offer high-level nursing jobs in Canada.
- Community Health Nurses: These professionals help with public health initiatives and are vital for preventive healthcare, making them an essential segment of nursing jobs in Canada.
Requirements for Registered Nurses in Canada
Internationally educated nurses must hold a General Certificate of Registration to practice nursing as a registered nurse or registered practical nurse in Canada.
To become eligible for Registration, international applicants will need to meet the following registration requirements:
- Evidence of nursing education in Canada. Suppose the international student is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma in Canada.
- Proof of authorization to work in Canada
- Successfully qualifying for the NCLEX-RN for those applying for Registered Nurse is a registration examination.
- Also, qualify for the RN Jurisprudence Exam.
- Nursing practice is the category for which the international student applies within three years before the Certificate of Registration is issued.
- Submit if any job offers were made previously and if they agreed to work or not with relevant reasons.
- Proof of language proficiency in English (or French).
- Applicants must also disclose if they suffer from health ailments while applying to become a Registered Nurse in Canada.
Qualifications for Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Nursing Degree: International nurses must have completed a B.Sc. nursing or GNM diploma required to apply for nursing jobs in Canada.
- Registration: To be eligible for nursing jobs in Canada, they must register with a provincial regulatory body like CNO or BCCNM.
- Licensure Exam: Nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN or CPNRE exam to work in nursing positions in Canada. This is a mandatory requirement.
Language Proficiency for Canadian Nursing Jobs
Language proficiency is crucial for nurses to secure nursing jobs in Canada. They must pass the IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each section.
They can also take the CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses) test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Meeting these language requirements is crucial for successful integration into the Canadian healthcare system.
Benefits of Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Job Security: The growing demand ensures long-term job security for those securing nursing jobs in Canada
- Competitive Salary: According to Talent.com, the average nurse salary in Canada is $76,031 per year or $38.99 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $59,875 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $105,477 per year, making nurses in Canada financially strong.
- Career Growth: There are numerous opportunities for specialization and development within the healthcare system
- Work-Life Balance: Canada promotes a balanced work schedule, making nursing jobs in Canada less prone to burnout.
- Healthcare Benefits: Nurses in Canada receive comprehensive healthcare benefits, which is one of the primary perks of nursing jobs in Canada
Steps to Secure Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Credential Evaluation: Have your qualifications recognized for nursing through NECAS.
- Registration: Apply to provincial bodies such as CNO or BCCNM for authorization to work in nursing jobs.
- Pass Licensure Exams: To qualify for nursing jobs in Canada, prepare and pass the required licensure exams, including NCLEX-RN or CPNRE.
- Language Proficiency: Prove your language proficiency through tests like IELTS or CELBAN.
- Job Application: Apply for Canadian nursing jobs through job portals, recruitment agencies, or direct hospital applications.
Navigating the Immigration Pathways for Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Express Entry: A points-based system for skilled workers, a common path for international nurses to live and work in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, have specific programs that offer streamlined routes for nursing jobs in Canada for foreign-trained nurses.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): This program especially looks out for experienced international nurses and offers them to work in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, which is an excellent chance for those who are seeking nursing jobs in the country.
Top Provinces for Nursing Jobs in Canada
- Ontario: The demand for healthcare workers, including nursing jobs in Canada, is exceptionally high in Ontario.
- British Columbia: Nurses in this province enjoy high salaries and work-life balance, making it a top choice for foreign nurses in Canada.
- Alberta: Alberta offers one of the highest average salaries, making it an attractive province for nursing jobs in Canada.
- Nova Scotia: As part of the AIPP, Nova Scotia offers promising prospects for nursing jobs in Canada for international nurses looking to settle in Atlantic Canada.
Average Salary of Nurses in Canada
The salaries of nursing jobs available in Canada for immigrants differ from province to province and depend on experience. The average licensed practical nurse’s salary in Canada is $64,175 per year or $32.91 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $55,439 annually, while most experienced workers make up to $89,700 annually.
What to do While Awaiting Your Canadian Nursing License?
If internationally trained nurses hope to work in Canada, they should begin networking in the healthcare industry when they get there. They should also update their LinkedIn and Indeed resumes and apply for administrative positions in the medical field.
Speaking with nurses and doctors from various backgrounds and specializations will occur when you work in the field, and this will be extremely helpful to you as you chart your professional route after receiving your license.
What is the Expectation of Canadian Nursing Jobs?
Canada, like many other countries worldwide, is facing health service issues. These include a shortage of public services, a staffing deficit, and more extended procedure wait times.
Because public hospitals typically recruit more registered practice nurses (RPNs) as a cost-effective staffing approach, you, as a Registered Nurse (RN), will care for patients with higher keenness.
Even though Canada faces the difficulties above, there are still many opportunities to work in privately held practices and room for professional advancement in the public sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are registered nurses in Canada?
In Canada, direct nursing care is the responsibility of registered nurses (RNs). They also provide nursing consultancy services and healthcare-related educational programs.
These registered nurses work in clinics, hospitals, long-term care institutions, doctors’ offices, community agencies, businesses, private residences, and public and private organizations. They might also work for themselves.
How long does it take to get a nursing license in Canada?
It typically takes 1-2 years for foreign nurses to obtain a Canadian nursing license, depending on the province and completion of requirements like credential assessments and language proficiency tests.
Can foreign nurses bring their families when immigrating to Canada for work?
Yes. They can bring their families through Canada’s immigration pathways, such as the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs, allowing dependents to live, study, and work in Canada.
How much time does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Canada?
If the applicant goes for an associate or diploma degree in nursing, it will take only two to three years for an applicant to become a Registered Nurse. However, those who pursue a bachelor’s course can become a Registered Nurse within four years.
After graduating from these programs, applicants must also sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to qualify as nursing practitioners and study in Canada. Thus, depending on the degree type, it takes time for somebody to become a Registered Nurse in Canada.
