The nursing profession plays an important role in the healthcare development of a country, tasked with taking care of individuals, families, and the community, Nurses are prized assets that can not be overlooked.
Over the years, developing countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America have created a good working environment for registered nurses who are willing to make the big move. In 2022, the American Hospital Association quoted an estimate that half a million nurses would leave the field by the end of that year.
Though there have been some massive changes in the healthcare industry since then, foreigners who are experts in the nursing world are allowed to make a name for themselves.
In this article, we will be taking a look at everything you need to know when relocating to Canada, UK, and USA as a nurse.
Nursing Profession In Canada, the UK, and the USA
The nursing profession in Canada offers diverse career paths and opportunities for healthcare professionals. The aging population and increasing healthcare needs in Canada have seen the demand for nurses in the country reach an all-time high.
In the first quarter of 2023, job vacancies for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses increased by 5,475 positions, or nearly one quarter (24.0%), to 28,335 from the same quarter in 2022. This is the highest numerical increase observed among all occupations across the labor market.
This figure proves that there’s enough room for qualified nurses in Canada. Nurses in Canada are well paid, they earn between $77800 and $135800 per year. In the United Kingdom, nurses earn around £45,649.14 per year while in the United States, they earn an average annual salary of $89,010.
But what does it take to relocate to Canada, the UK, and the USA as a Nurse? Let’s check it out.
RELOCATING TO CANADA A NURSE
Relocating to Canada has been a smooth path so far, the applicant is qualified. However, some steps must be followed if you want to make such a dream a reality. Let’s check out the steps that must be taken when trying to relocate to Canada as a nurse.
1. Check your eligibility status
The first step towards relocating to Canada as a nurse is checking your eligibility status. To be able to work as a Nurse in Canada, some basic requirements must be met by such a candidate. These include their education degree, years of experience, certification, and so on.
Let’s check out the requirements needed to secure a move to Canada as a nurse.
A four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma is required to complete a nursing program.
Hold a Nursing license in your country
English language competency as proof (or French)
For those applying for Registered Nurse, the NCLEX-RN is required, while for those applying for Registered Practical Nurse, the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam) is required
Valid Passport
2. Have Your Qualifications Accredited
To work as a Nurse in Canada, you will need to get your qualification accredited by authorities. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirms that your degree, diploma, or certificate is both valid and equal to Canadian standards.
This is important as it will allow you to claim the Permanent Residency points for your education and training and might also be required for employment, and professional registration within Canada.
3. Apply For Canada Visa
Having scape through the first two steps, the next step is applying for a Canadian visa. Visit the Canada Immigration official website to apply for a visa.
You’ll be asked to provide various documents and this will play a huge role in your application process.
4. Apply For A Nurse Job In Canada
As you await the result of your visa application, you should apply for a nursing job in the country. Having gotten enough experience to work in the field, your job application success might fasten the visa application result.
Nurses are adored and well-paid in Canada. They are ranked among the backbone of the health care system.
RELOCATING TO UK AS A NURSE
The United Kingdom is famous for taking proper care of its workforce. Nurses in the United Kingdom earn around £45,649.14 per year plus other benefits. However, it takes only qualified nurses to get a place in the UK workforce.
What are the steps and requirements needed to relocate to the UK as a nurse? Let’s check it out.
1. Check eligibility status
To secure a place in the health industry, you are expected to be a fully qualified nurse. You should have a nursing qualification that will allow you to register as a nurse or midwife in the UK.
2. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the independent regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK forms a significant part of an international nurse’s journey to becoming an NHS nurse.
You will be asked to give details of your experience and certifications. You will also be asked to upload scanned copies of relevant documents. Once you’ve applied online, your application will be reviewed. If successful, you’ll be registered within 2-10 working days.
3. Sit and pass the Test of Competence (toc).
Once the NMC has confirmed your eligibility, you will be asked to take the Test of Competence (ToC). The Test of Competence itself is split into two parts: a computer-delivered test known as the CBT and a practical test known as the OSCE.
The two tests can be taken in any order, but most international nurses first attempt the CBT because the OSCE can be taken only at a designated test center in the UK.
4. Obtain proof of English language proficiency
The English language proficiency test is undergone to prove you can communicate effectively with English. At present, the NMC accepts only two language tests: IELTS and OET.
The IELTS test can be taken on paper or computer – both are accepted by the NMC.
To be eligible for NMC registration, you must have an overall IELTS score of at least 7, a minimum of 7 in the Listening, Reading, and Speaking sections, and a minimum of 6.5 in the Writing section.
5. Secure a job offer and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
Once you pass your Test of Competence (ToC) and English proficiency test, the next step is getting a job offer from an employer. Once you secure a job offer, secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record that is assigned to you by the NHS hospital that intends to employ you.
6. Apply for a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa
Having gotten the job offer and the CoS, the next step is applying for a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa. The Health and Care Worker visa category has been designed to encourage healthcare professionals from around the world to move to the UK as a nurse and work there.
7. Obtain Your Visa
At this point your application is successful and all that’s left is obtaining your visa. On your arrival in the UK, your NHS trust will offer you considerable support – e.g., free temporary accommodation, provisions, meal vouchers – to help you settle in.
RELOCATING TO USA AS A NURSE
The United States of America is one of the most visited countries in the world and there are various vacancies for nurses every year. Every year, thousands of nurses are employed in the workforce. Relocating to the United States as a nurse is easy but certain requirements must be met.
THE REQUIREMENT NEEDED TO RELOCATE TO THE UNITED STATES AS A NURSE
1. Meet the US Education Requirements
Various education requirements must be met before a nurse can think of relocating to the United States. Here are the education requirements needed.
- Graduation from an accredited Registered Nursing program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN)
- Experience practicing as an RN for at least two years
2. Complete a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) Course
Most states require foreign-educated nurses to complete a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) refresher course. The course consists of 120 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
3. Pass English Language Proficiency Tests
With the education requirement sorted, you will be tasked with passing the English Proficiency Test. This test will prove you will be able to communicate.
4. Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination
After ensuring you meet the education and language requirements it’s time to apply for the NCLEX in the state of intended employment. Registration with Pearson Vue is required and costs $200 plus an additional foreign fee.
5. Have the CGFNS or Another Credentialing Organization Evaluate Your Credentials
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a company that is employed by State Boards of Nursing to ensure that applicants meet the basic requirements and are fit to take the NCLEX.
6. Find a Nursing Recruiting Agency or US-Based Employer
The next step is to obtain an employment visa. There are several options for these nurses but nurses must have sponsorship from a staffing agency. It is easier for foreign nurses to work with an independent staffing recruiter and agency than directly with a hospital.
7. Obtain Your Nursing Employment Visa or “Work Visa”
Once you find a nursing recruiter, you should obtain your nursing employment visa. If your application is approved, you are good to go.
Conclusion
Relocating to Canada, UK, and USA as a nurse is quite easy. However, it takes adequate planning to secure a job in the listed nation. Nurses are paid well in developed countries and their services are appreciated by the Government.
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