Over the next few weeks, Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) will implement a new first-in-Canada approach to registration and licensure which will establish a fast and predictable pathway to licensure in the province.
Under the new approach, registered nurses that demonstrate good standing and good character and are licensed in Canada, the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, or New Zealand, are eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia immediately with no extra requirements other than passing the entrance exam.
The newly developed approach yields consistent and predictable licensing outcomes for nurses educated in Nova Scotia, Canada, and seven other countries that amount to 87% of NSCN’s current international applicants.
The new registration and licensing approach will:
- Reduce the overall application process timeline for nurses licensed in good standing in another Canadian jurisdiction from five days to 24 hours. (Effective March 29, 2023)
- Reduce the overall application process timeline for international nurses in good standing from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand from over a year to a matter of a few weeks. Nurses from these countries will apply directly to NSCN. (Effective May 1, 2023)
While talking about the new approach, Sue Smith, the CEO and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, said: “I am pleased to share what is truly a first-in-the-country approach to licensing international and Canadian nurses in Nova Scotia.
“The new approach will significantly decrease licensing time; increase licensure of nurses; reduce administrative requirements; and is aligned with new initiatives of health care partners. It’s a safe and faster process for nurses who want to work in our province, which is a good news story for all Nova Scotians.”
In the same vein, Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, said: “This is great news. We need more nurses across the province, and we need to make it easier for nurses who want to come and build their lives here to get to work quickly.
“During COVID, the College saw the need, and responded quickly to support patient care. These most recent changes continue on this work and deliver solutions that align with government’s direction to all health system partners in the province to think differently and move quickly.”
Though the NSCN’s current focus is on Canada and the seven countries mentioned above, the approach is scalable. Every applicant for licensure in Nova Scotia is required to pass the national entry-to-practice exam to prove that he/she possesses the individual competencies needed to practice safely and competently and will have the opportunity to practice with a conditional licence while waiting to successfully complete the exam.
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