Written by the PASS Program for Internationally Educated Nurses
Are you an Internationally Educated Nurse planning to immigrate to Canada?
The Pre-Arrival Supports and Services Program (PASS), funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is here to support your journey! The PASS pre-arrival program is for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who are still living outside of Canada and have been approved for permanent immigration to Canada.
Here are 3 tips from the PASS Program for Internationally Educated Nurses before arriving in Canada:
1) Research and understand the Canadian nursing regulatory process
When you join the PASS pre-arrival program, your Case Manager will help you familiarize yourself with the steps in the nursing assessment process and registration requirements in the province where you plan to settle. You should launch your assessment process far in advance of your arrival to Canada, as documentation submission and assessment can take some time. Every province has a timeframe in which you must either study or work as a nurse before your practice is considered out of date. Keeping these safe practice timeframes in mind, it is also a good idea to work as close to your departure date as possible, maximizing the amount of time that you have to get through this process.
2) Understanding Canadian nursing designations and scopes of practice
Review the nursing competencies in the province or territory where you will be living and working. While participating in PASS, you can explore and learn about diverse clinical settings, while familiarizing yourself with the Canadian nursing and health care culture. Access opportunities to connect with mentors and nurse leaders pre-arrival. Nurses in Canada have incredible opportunities to access a variety of roles in a broad array of settings, be they in hospitals, long-term care, community-based or home-care, research, education, research, travel, and more.
3) Enhance language proficiency for registration and workforce integration
Along with meeting the English or French proficiency requirement for nursing registration in Canada, a high level of language fluency is necessary to understand Canadian communication norms and for successful integration into the health sector. Creating and maintaining an empathetic relationship that is required for interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-centered care involves cultural knowledge in these areas and a sophisticated use of language.
Achieve Your Goals with PASS
- Receive guidance, answers and encouragement from a dedicated Case Manager
- Understand the credentialing assessment process, Canadian healthcare system, and valuable educational and employment opportunities
- Connect with expert nurses in Canada through the PASS mentorship program, in partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)
Real Stories, Real Results
Over 1700 nurses have accessed PASS pre-arrival services since 2016, with destinations across Canada. Dedicated Case Managers provide insights into your specialized areas of interest, provide guidance throughout the registration process and help discover avenues for skills enhancement and employment.
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for all the help and support you provided me during my time at CARE Centre [PASS]. Your guidance and encouragement were instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. I am excited to inform you that I have arrived in Canada and started working with a hospital in Ontario.”
- PASS participant, from the country of Jordan
“I am writing you this email to let you know that I wrote my NCLEX exam. I am so glad to let you know that after crossing all the hurdles, I am officially a Canadian RN. Thanks for all you do in the program.”
- PASS participant, from the country of Nigeria
Join the PASS Community
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access Canadian nursing information. Register for the PASS pre-arrival program today and become part of a community of IENs from around the world.
Take the first step towards a successful nursing career in Canada with PASS!
Do you know an Internationally Educated Nurse immigrating to Canada? Help them by sharing this information about the PASS pre-arrival program!
