The 3 Worst Pieces of Advice IENs Get — And What You Should Actually Do Instead

Written By Nursing Collective

If you're an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) trying to become a nurse in Canada, I want you to know this:

You're not alone—and no, you're not doing anything wrong.

But I also want to give you a heads-up.
Because over the years—both as a nurse in Canada, a former nursing instructor, and now a coach to IENs—I’ve heard some terrible advice being passed around. Advice that sounds okay at first, but actually delays progress, damages confidence, or sets people up to fail.

So in this blog post, I want to share the 3 worst pieces of advice IENs often get, why they’re misleading, and what you should do instead—because you deserve guidance that’s clear, empowering, and rooted in real experience.

Let’s get into it.

🚫 Bad Advice #1: "Just apply to every job—someone will eventually hire you."

I get it. You want to start working. You’ve waited months, maybe years, and you’re eager to move forward. So someone tells you:

"Just send your resume to every clinic, hospital, and care home you can find. Something will stick."

Here’s the problem: that’s not a strategy.

It’s just activity. And activity without direction leads to burnout and disappointment.

I see IENs apply to 50, 80, even 100 jobs without tailoring their resume or knowing if they actually meet the job requirements. Then they wonder why no one calls them back.

What you should do instead:

  • Apply only to positions aligned with your current registration status (e.g. grad nurse, care aide, support roles while awaiting licensure).

  • Tailor your resume using Canadian nursing language—emphasize patient-centered care, interprofessional teamwork, and safety.

  • Be transparent in your cover letter about where you are in the licensure process. It shows initiative and clarity.

Remember: you’re not just looking for “a job.” You’re building a career in Canadian healthcare. Move strategically.

🚫 Bad Advice #2: "You’ve been a nurse for years—just book the CBA or SLA, you’ll be fine."

This one frustrates me because I know it comes from a good place. You’ve worked hard. You’ve got clinical experience. You’ve been an ICU nurse or led entire teams back home.

But hear me out:


The CBA and SLA don’t test how long you’ve been a nurse. They test how well you understand and apply Canadian nursing standards.

And that’s a totally different game.

Let’s break it down:

🖥️ The CBA (Computer-Based Assessment) tests how you prioritize care, apply ethics, and make clinical decisions—based on Canadian best practices.

🩺 The SLA (Simulation Lab Assessment) is a live, practical test. You’ll be expected to:

  • Perform assessments

  • Communicate clearly

  • Document professionally

  • And make safe, timely decisions under pressure

A lot of IENs make the mistake of booking the first available test date they see. They’ve waited so long they just want to get it over with.

But then the panic sets in:
"I don’t know what to expect."
"What will they ask me?"
"How do I document the Canadian way?"

You’ve waited this long—don’t rush the final step. Take the time to actually prepare.

That’s why I created my CBA & SLA IEN Prep Course—to give you the exact tools, practice questions, documentation frameworks, and mindset coaching you need to feel ready and confident.


It’s designed for IENs, by a Canadian RN who knows what you need to focus on and study to succeed!

If you want to pass with confidence—not just luck—prepare on purpose. These exams are within your control. Own that power.

🚫 Bad Advice #3: "Don’t bother networking until you’re fully licensed."

Here’s a quiet lie many IENs believe:


"I’ll wait until I have my license before I start reaching out to people or joining any professional groups. I’m not official yet."

Please stop waiting to be “official” before you start showing up.

You are already a nurse. You are simply transitioning into a new system. A new country.

And while the paperwork takes time, your confidence, clarity, and connections can grow starting today.

Here’s what networking looks like before you’re licensed:

  • Joining online nursing groups (Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp). Join our community group on Facebook - look for Nursingcollectiveco

  • Attending webinars or community info sessions

  • Volunteering

  • Asking other IENs questions

  • Introducing yourself to nurse recruiters or educators

You never know which conversation will turn into a lead, opportunity, or mentor.


Canada values community. And your network will play a huge role in how supported and visible you feel during this journey.

So don’t wait to be perfect or fully licensed. Start where you are.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Better Advice.

Let’s recap the 3 worst pieces of advice IENs often hear:
❌ Apply to every job without a plan
❌ Don’t study much for the CBA or SLA
❌ Wait to network until you’re fully licensed

None of that will help you. But here’s what will:
✔️ Clarity
✔️ Community
✔️ Coaching
✔️ Preparation with purpose

And if you’re ready to take your next step with strategy—not confusion—I invite you to check out my CBA & SLA Prep Course. It’s helped so many IENs go from overwhelmed to prepared, and from stuck to confident.

👇 Click here to learn more and enrol in the course today.
Mastering Canadian Nursing: CBA and SLA Prep Course for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

You’ve come this far. Don’t let bad advice hold you back now. You’ve got this—and I’m here to help.

Nursing Collective
Next

Surviving Your First Year in Canada: A Guide for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and Nursing Students