There is a high demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers in New Brunswick, with employment opportunities available in both English and French.
Attracting, supporting, and retaining these valuable health-care professionals is a priority for the Province of New Brunswick. The province is also collaborating closely with a range of employers in New Brunswick to fill job vacancies in nursing.
The IEN Navigation Service
The process for an internationally educated nurse (IEN) to become licensed as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN) in New Brunswick can span between 12 and 24 months.
New Brunswick’s IEN Navigation service offers tailored, client-centred assistance to IENs at no cost. This service helps candidates overcome key barriers they may encounter during the licensure process, providing guidance on:
- The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
- Provincial entry-to-practice competency assessments
- Bridging programs available in the province
- Provincial regulatory bodies
Scope of nurse in Canada
Nursing in Canada offers a vast scope with a wide range of opportunities. Here are some key points to consider:
- The Conference Board of Canada predicts that the demand for nursing as a career will double in the next 10 years, increasing from 64,000 to 142,000 positions.
- Registered nurses in Canada can earn between CAD 60,000 to CAD 104,000 annually, making it a well-paid and highly sought-after profession.
- Nurses have the flexibility to choose their working hours, whether they prefer part-time or full-time schedules.
- Canada offers immigration programs specifically tailored for internationally qualified nurses, providing a pathway for them to relocate to Canada and pursue their nursing careers.
- Canada is renowned for its supportive work environment for nurses, with the healthcare system valuing their contributions to patient care.
The Minimum Requirements to Work in Canada as a Nurse
Being a nurse is a profession that involves handling people’s lives, requiring strict regulations. The specific rules and regulations vary depending on the job and specialization you choose.
Here are some basic requirements to work as a nurse in Canada:
- Completion of a university, college, or other approved registered nursing program.
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Registering with either the Canadian Nurses Association (CAN) or the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR).
- Obtaining a nursing license for the province or territory where you intend to practice. Most provinces allow you to start the licensing process before arriving in Canada.
- Providing proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or authorization to work in Canada.
- Providing proof of English (or French) language proficiency.
How much does a Registered nurse make in Canada?
In Canada, nurses make an average of $78,546 per year or $40.28 per hour. Entry level positions start at around $41,396 per year and students make anywhere from $20-30 per hour. While most experienced workers make up to about $95,704 per year, Canada’s most qualified and experienced nurses can make $100,000 or more annually.
Nursing Salaries for RNs
According to the Canadian Nurses Association, the majority (around 70%) of the 430,000 nurses in Canada are registered nurses (RNs). This could include you if you are already an RN (having passed either the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination or the Quebec examination and registered with your provincial or territorial regulatory body), or if you are considering becoming an RN.
So, what is the average salary for a Canadian RN?
RNs in Canada earn an average of $80,122 per year or $41.09 per hour. Entry-level positions start at around $41,396 per year, while more experienced workers can earn up to about $94,322 per year.
Here is a breakdown of the average nursing salary for RNs in each Canadian province and territory:
- Alberta: $94,322
- British Columbia: $78,546
- Manitoba: $41,396
- New Brunswick: $72,053
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $78,059
- Northwest Territories: $94,107
- Nova Scotia: $81,896
- Nunavut: $94,322
- Ontario: $76,362
- Prince Edward Island: $69,713
- Quebec: $71,624
- Saskatchewan: $91,640
- Yukon: $88,869
Generally, the highest paid RNs are in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, while the lowest paid RNs are in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.
In conclusion, Nursing as a profession is unique and broad, essential in every place where human exists. Nursing, when effectively carried out, leads to positive health outcomes with patient satisfaction at the core. Nursing roles, though unnoticed by most people, are very pivotal in achieving the best results.