How to Become a Registered Nurse in Canada?

Want to become a registered nurse in Canada? According to our healthcare experts, 2024 is the right year to invest in one. Registered Nurse is one of the top in-demand professions for the next decade. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the requirement of registered nurses (RN) and registered nurse jobs in Canada will increase more than double.

A nursing career, just like any other, requires hard work, patience and persistent effort. Before you dive into it, ask yourself ‘Is it something you want to pursue long-term’, ‘does it make me happy? ‘Is it a well-paid profession’ and ‘Is there any scope of growth?’. Such mind-storming questions need a clear and one answer which is a big “YES.”

So, let’s have an overview on how to be a registered nurse in Canada & make a decision. Does this profession provide you the answer “YES” to your questions…

What is a Registered Nurse in Canada?

Nursing is usually categorized into two groups in Canada – Registered Nurse and Registered Practical Nurse. There are six classes of registration of nurses – General, Extended, Special Assignment, Temporary, Emergency Assignment and Non-Practicing.

Every province in Canada has a regulatory body for nursing practice in Ontario. They set requirements to enter the profession, assuring the quality of practice, establishing standards of nursing practice.

How Can International Educated Nurses Get Registered In Canada?

If you are a skilled nurse registered outside of Canada, you will have to complete a bridging course meant for nursing registration. These programs will provide you with the clinical experience and knowledge necessary to meet the evidence of practice requirements set by the regulatory bodies.

Upon completion of the bridging program, a verification of the course completion will be forwarded to the regulatory body as proof of practice and eligibility. This program may or may not be available on a part-time basis.

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses in Canada provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, community agencies, companies, private homes and public and private organizations or they may be self-employed.

How Long Does it Take to be a Registered Nurse in Canada?

The time it takes to become a Registered Nurse in Canada can vary depending on the education path you choose, but it generally falls within a range of 2 to 4 years:

• Diploma Program: This is the most common path and involves completing a 2-3 year diploma program in nursing at a college or community college. These programs focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for registered nursing practice.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This degree program provides a more comprehensive education in nursing and takes 4 years to complete at a university. A BSN can open doors to more specialized career paths and potentially higher salaries.

Top job responsibilities of registered nurses in Canada include:

1. Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions
2. Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, co-ordinate and evaluate patient care in consultation with patients and their families
3. Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to established policies and protocols
4. Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients’ conditions
5. Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment
6. Assist in surgery and other medical procedures
7. May supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff
8. May develop and implement discharge planning process on admission of patients
9. May teach and counsel patients and their families on health-related issues in collaboration with other health care providers.
10. Registered nurses may specialize in areas such as surgery, obstetrics care, psychiatric care, critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, community health, occupational health, emergency care, rehabilitation or oncology.

What is the Salary of a Registered Nurse in Canada?

• Average annual salary: $73,185
• Hourly wage: $37.53
• Entry-level salary: $59,702
• Experienced nurse salary: $83,310

You can check the latest update on salary change from the Job Bank of Canada & make an informed decision to choose nursing career in Canada.

Which Is The Best Bridge Course To Become A Registered Nurse In Canada?

BizTech college’s advanced nursing principles diploma prepares you to become a RPN/LPN in Canada. We offer extensive NCLEX Exam preparation to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed/ Registered Practical Nurse (LPN/RPN) in Canada.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, language and analytical skills to clear the nursing license exam, you will have real-world experience, which helps you drastically speed up the learning process for the NCLEX exam. You will also be earning experience in a typical Canadian hospital setting, which will ensure you are employment ready.

Contact our admissions desk to start your career as a registered nurse in Canada.