INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION with
Terry Gushuliak, Assistant Registrar Continuing Competence
Alberta Association of Registered Nurses

Date: April 20, 2005
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Ms. Terry Gushuliak presented on the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses and the process by which foreign trained registered nurses may take to attain licensure in Alberta.

Nursing and Alberta:

*There will be a shortage of over 78,000 nurses in Canada by 2011.
*Alberta has the fourth highest rate of immigrants
*Many immigrants have nursing credentials in home country
*Very critical to mobilize regulatory, governmental and educational bodies to work together and integrate foreign trained nurses into the workforce

Steps to Register with AARN:

1. Contact the AARN and request an Application package.
2. Submit all required forms and documents, along with fees.
3. After the assessment by AARN, you will be determined with ELIGIBLE or needing to complete ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

If ELIGIBLE: You will receive a Temporary Permit as well as an exam application (ALL nursing professionals to be licensed write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination). You have 3 chances to write and pass the CRNE.

If needing to complete ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: You will receive a letter outlining what you will need to do. They may include:

*translation of documents
*meeting English Language standards
*course work in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and/or Psychiatric Nursing
*Nursing Refresher Program

For MORE DETAILED INFORMATION from the session, please contact DITPC and arrange an appointment with a Career Coach.

The following are questions posed by attending clients and the answers provided by the speaker. The following is not a word for word transcript of the session.

1. I have over 14 years of nursing experience in China and a bachelor�s degree, but my English is very low, is that okay?

Competence in written and oral English is very important. It is one of the first criteria that AARN reviews.

2. How many years will it take to get the RN certification?

It depends on the applicant and how soon he/she may meet the requirements. Foreign trained applicants may require more time to process because it takes longer to attain transcripts from their home country, or they may need to upgrade their English.

3. What if there is no regulatory body in the foreign trained nurse�s home country?

There will always be a regulatory body for nurses in any country. It may not be an organization or association specifically for nurses like in Alberta. In some countries, it could be the Ministry of Health or some other mechanism that governs policies on health in the country.

4. Does AARN look at IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service) assessments?

Yes, AARN does consider IQAS assessments of applicants� qualifications, but it is only a part of the overall assessment. IQAS does an excellent job of assessing foreign academic programs and determining their equivalence to Canadian standards

5. What if someone wants to teach nursing?

AARN recognizes nursing administration, education and clinical positions. To practice as a faculty member in nursing in a post-secondary institution, the candidate must be registered with the AARN.

6. I have sent my documents to AARN, how do I know the status of my application?

Applicants may call the AARN office in Edmonton directly to inquire about the status of their application.

7. I�ve sent my fee, before I get the assessment should I provide English marks?

AARN keeps files for 6 years. We will accept English scores within 2 years of the file active date. If you are in the process of considering which English test to take, there is a new one designed for Registered Nurses that will be available to applicants April 2005.

The test is called CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses) and is administered at Mount Royal College. Contact Dr. Marion McGuire at Mount Royal College for more information:

Dr. Marion McGuire
Instructor
Department of Undergraduate Nursing Studies
Phone: (403) 440-6074
Email: MMcGuire@mtroyal.ca

8. If someone studies a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing in Canada, are you automatically licensed?

No. All nurses must go through the accreditation process with the AARN before working and being employed as a Registered Nurse. Even nurses who graduate from local programs such as the University of Calgary�s Nursing Faculty, they will still have to submit an application form with their qualifications to the AARN.

9. Would it be better for a foreign trained registered nurse to take a 4-year nursing degree here?

It is recommended that foreign trained registered nurses do not take that path if they have already received years of nursing training overseas. It is better to build on their current skills and knowledge.

Entering a nursing program in Calgary is competitive because only the University of Calgary offers a 4 year Bachelor of Nursing program. Furthermore, by pursuing a 4-year program with previous nursing experience, foreign trained nurses are taking the positions away from undergraduate students who have no nursing knowledge.

10. Is there a bridging program for international graduates of nursing?

The AARN is currently working with Mount Royal College on a bridging program that would better assist foreign trained nurses in getting their accreditation in Calgary.

11. How long is the Nursing Refresher program?

It depends on the candidate. The Nursing Refresher program is comprised of modules for home study. It includes 2 components: theory and clinical practice. Candidates have up to 13 months to complete the course, and will receive a limited Temporary Permit upon completion of the course.

The course is offered with Grant MacEwan College located in Edmonton, Alberta, with an office in Calgary. They will arrange the clinical practice component of the course for their students.

12. Is there a difference between Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses in Alberta?

Yes. Licensed Practical Nurses perform similar but different duties and responsibilities than Registered Nurses. The academic requirements for LPNs are typically a 2 year diploma program, whereas Registered Nurses require a 4-year degree program. LPNs are licensed with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta.

For further information contact Terry Gushuliak:
Telephone: (780) 453-0507
Toll Free: 1-800-252 -9392
Fax: (780) 452-3276
Email: tgushuliak@nurses.ab.ca
Website: www.nurses.ab.ca