Becoming a Nurse in Canada: What Every Nurse Should Know
Becoming a nurse in Canada is both a rewarding and life-changing journey — but it's not always easy to navigate, especially for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). Whether you're a new graduate, a foreign-trained nurse, or someone switching careers, understanding the best practices for joining the Canadian nursing workforce is essential for success.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through key strategies and steps to help you succeed in nursing in Canada — from licensing to landing your first job and thriving in the workplace.
1. Understand the Canadian Nursing Framework
Canada has provincial and territorial regulatory bodies, such as:
BCCNM (British Columbia)
CNO (Ontario)
CRNBC, CLPNA, etc.
Each has its own licensing requirements. There are three main designations:
Registered Nurse (RN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
👉 Best Practice: Start by visiting the Canadian province’s nursing regulatory body website and understand their scope of practice, registration steps, and timelines.
2. Know the Assessment Process (For IENs)
If you're an Internationally Educated Nurse, you must go through an assessment process to ensure you meet Canadian nursing standards.
Key steps may include:
Inspire Global Assessment (formerly NCAS) (for BC and NS) – includes CBA (Computer-Based Assessment) and SLA (Simulation Lab Assessment)
Credential verification
Submission and evaluation of documents
Language proficiency (IELTS/CELBAN)
👉 Best Practice: Prepare well for the Inspire Global Assessment (NCAS) or similar nursing assessment. It’s not just a test of knowledge, but of clinical judgment, communication, and real-life nursing scenarios.
If you need step by step guidance and targeted study material - You can check out my online prep course: Mastering Canadian Nurses: CBA and SLA Prep Course for IENs
3. Focus on Your Clinical Judgment & Critical Thinking
Canadian nursing exams and clinical environments place a strong emphasis on safe, evidence-based practice and client-centered care.
Practice NCLEX-style or CBA-style questions that test:
Prioritization (ABCs, Maslow)
Delegation and scope of practice
Legal and ethical decision-making
SBAR communication and documentation
👉 Best Practice: Join a coaching program or online prep course that simulates real Canadian nursing scenarios and helps confidently prepare you for Inspire Global Assessment’s CBA and SLA and trasitioning in the Canadian workforce .
4. Prepare for Nursing Exams: Inspire Global Assessment, NCLEX-RN or REx-PN
To become licensed, you’ll need to pass:
NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses
REx-PN for Practical Nurses in Ontario and BC
These exams test your ability to apply nursing knowledge in complex, real-world situations.
👉 Best Practice: Don’t just memorize — practice with case-based questions, review rationales, and simulate test conditions.
5. Strengthen Your English Communication
Effective communication is critical in Canadian healthcare. From charting and SBAR reports to therapeutic communication and interprofessional collaboration — clear and concise communication keeps clients safe.
👉 Best Practice: Practice nursing-specific English through:
Role-playing SBAR and handovers
Practicing charting and documentation
Watching medical simulations or YouTube videos designed for Canadian nurses
6. Understand Canadian Work Culture and Values
Nursing in Canada is rooted in:
Client-centered care
Cultural safety
Autonomy and advocacy
Collaboration and teamwork
You’re expected to be proactive, reflective, and respectful of clients’ cultural backgrounds and rights.
👉 Best Practice: Learn about trauma-informed care, Indigenous health, anti-racism, and the Canadian Health Act. These topics often come up in both practice and interviews.
7. Start Networking Early
Connections can make a big difference! From mentorship to job referrals, networking with Canadian nurses can open doors.
👉 Best Practice:
Join nursing associations like CAN, CNA, or local unions
Attend webinars, workshops, and LinkedIn networking events
Join online communities for IENs or new grads
8. Stay Resilient and Take Care of Your Mental Health
Becoming a nurse in Canada is a long journey for many, especially for IENs who may be balancing immigration, exams, and family. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
👉 Best Practice:
Practice mindfulness, journaling, or meditation
Celebrate small wins
Seek mentorship or coaching when you need support
✨ Final Thoughts
Becoming a nurse in Canada is more than just passing exams — it’s about adapting, growing, and thriving in a compassionate healthcare system. If you follow these best practices, stay committed, and take care of yourself, you will get there.
Whether you're preparing for your CBA, NCLEX, or first interview, remember:
"You are not starting from scratch — you are starting from experience."
I’m cheering you on!
