How to become a Registered Nurse in Canada

Nursing is typically characterized into two groups in Canada – Registered Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse. There are six categories by which a nurse is registered - General, Special Assignment, Emergency Assignment, Extended, Temporary and Non-Practicing.

Every region in Canada has a supervisory body for nursing practices. They set certain essential requirements to enter the profession, promising the excellence in practice and forming high standards in nursing domain.

Globally Educated Nurses

If you are a skilled nurse practicing outside of Canada you will have to complete a bridging course meant for the registration. These programs will deliver you with the clinical knowledge in Canada and necessary information regarding the practice necessities set by the controlling organization.

After completing this program, a confirmation of the course closure will be directed to the regulatory bodies as proof of eligibility. The availability of the program on a part time basis depends on the organization which provides it.

Benefits:

There are many types of bridging courses in Canada. You can opt for any one of them. With the completion of this course you will be handed with a recognized certificate stating your eligibility to work as a nurse full time. This opportunity will also open gates of renowned Canadian Hospitals which will polish your skills and make you ready for new challenges ahead. You will also learn to coordinate with others and prove to be a team player. Communication along with therapeutic relationships is what you will gain out of this exposure. It gives you an ethical and legal framework to be a part of Canadian nursing manpower.

Requirements:

To practice as a registered Nurse in Canada, globally skilled nurses must hold a General Certificate of Registration. Your qualification for registration is as follows -

1. Authorized proof to work in Canada
2. Completion of practical nursing diploma or nursing program equivalent to a 4 year bachelor’s degree in nursing.
3. Nursing practice of three years prior to issue of the Certificate of Registration.
4. Completion of the NCLEX-RN for those applying for Registered Nurse, or the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam) for those applying for Registered Practical Nurse.
5. Language proficiency proof in English (or French).

Basic Adjustments faced by International students in USA

Being an international student has its own advantages. You witness the rich cultural diversity and rituals of different places. USA is very much like India, having a diverse culture and mixed weather throughout the states. There is a suitable place for everyone in the US. Therefore, it is one of the most famous educational hubs for global crowd. Today we shall highlight a few adjustments, international students have to make, while studying in the US. 

• Rules are Rules: Many international students who migrate to the States are between the age group of 18 to 30 years. The students below 21 are considered to be minors for many things like legal alcohol consumption and car renting. Breaking such rules even unintentionally is considered as crime in USA. 
• Sports Life, Best life: Sport is the heart of student life in USA. Well yes! What you saw in those movies about American schools are actually true! Sports are like festivals, they enjoy every year. Whether you participate, cheer or just sit and watch, you will always be pulled by the amazing festivities and celebrations pre or post matches. There is something for everyone when sports are considered. The football is on for the fall season, followed by basketball in winters and baseball in the spring season. The Americans take sports very professionally. There are sports clubs and organizing team, and a sponsor making sure the practice goes on all the time. There is also a culture of getting to the stadium’s parking lot early with friends, setting up the grill along with some cool drinks, playing loud music and getting all eager for the game to begin.
• Because Food is life: The size of servings in the US is always more than the standard amount. Trust me this is valid for dining mess as well as the restaurants. The quality of food is also good in colleges and universities.  You will not be able to finish even one plate of dinner initially. But by the end of one semester you will have the capacity to have two plates along with desert. Other good news is that most of the places give you free refills. So enjoy the delicious food but also make sure you work out to stay fit.
• Climate and Distance: It is very difficult to keep the track of the weather in United States. It is very random. But being Indians we are somewhat used to it. Make sure you study the geographical area around your college and beyond. The colleges are mostly located outside the big cities. So 1or 2 hours travel is very common here.

Experience the change and challenges while you live on foreign land. Learn from them. Grow. And yes, don’t be shy to join those grand sports celebrations on campus. One last tip: Always keep a jacket and a pair of sandals handy. You may not understand now, but you will thank me later for this!