Are you an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) and ready to apply your nursing skills in Canada? NNAS is the starting point for IENs interested in being licensed or registered in Canada. Join the NNAS Applicant Navigator Team for a 1-hour webinar to understand NNAS’s credentialing process, including our new Expedited Service which provides a fast, simple and safe way to review your credentials.

During this webinar, you will learn about:

• NNAS’s role in your journey to becoming a nurse in Canada.
• Canadian nursing regulatory bodies and nursing professions.
• The application process for NNAS’s Standard Service and new Expedited Service.
• Tips and strategies for successfully completing your application.

Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Time: 9:00am – 10:00am EST

Registration is required. To register, click here.

NNAS will be hosting regular applicant webinars in the future. Please continue to check our website for future dates.

National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. We extend an invitation to you to attend this meeting, see below for details.

2023 Annual General Meeting Notice

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm ET

This meeting will be held via videoconference.

Registration is required.

To register click here

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual General Meeting. Please do not forget to mark your calendar!

As of June 28, 2023, NNAS’s new expedited credentialing service is open to Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) applying to the following regulatory bodies: the Nurses Association of New Brunswick, the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of Prince Edward Island (PEI), the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. With this new service, NNAS Advisory Reports will be released within 5 business days of all documents being received.

NNAS is pleased to offer a reduced fee of $750 CDN for a single RN and LPN application within the expedited service. You can also select to have your Advisory Report issued to all nursing regulatory bodies participating in the expedited service at no additional cost. This means that applicants will no longer pay an extra fee to have their report issued to multiple regulatory bodies or additional professions. The new reduced fee represents a significant savings for IENs and helps remove some of the barriers previously faced by applicants.

For more information on how to apply, please see the Expedited Service Applicant Handbook here. When you are ready to start the application process, click here and follow the instructions to create your account.

NNAS recognizes the valuable education and skills IENs bring to Canada’s healthcare system. The improvements introduced by this new service are designed to support IENs and the work of regulators to make the application process faster, simpler, and safe. We look forward to partnering with all regulatory bodies to take advantage of this more efficient process.

UPDATE Effective July 26, 2023: We are excited to share that The Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland & Labrador will also be participating in the new Expedited Service.

The Government of Canada announced new changes to the Express Entry program to advance efforts to retain and recruit health workers to address the health workforce crisis.

The Express Entry program will now be able to issue invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada to candidates with specific skills and training, including nurses. The first round for category-based selection will open on June 28, 2023 and will invite 500 health workers to apply. A second round will take place on July 5, 2023 and will invite 1,500 health workers to apply. These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year.

To read the Government of Canada announcement, click here.

To find out more about the Express Entry rounds of invitation including eligibility requirements for nurses, click here.

TORONTO, June 21, 2023 /CNW/ – The National Nursing Assessment Services (NNAS) announces today the launch of a new, expedited credentialing service for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). This positive change is being introduced in partnership with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick, the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of Prince Edward Island (PEI), the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan, and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba.

NNAS is the starting point for IENs interested in becoming licensed or registered in Canada. With this new service, NNAS advisory reports will now be issued in participating provinces within no more than 5 days of all documents being received. The advisory reports compile and authenticate the documentation regulators require from IENs to begin the licensing process. They also show how the applicants’ international education compares to Canadian nursing competencies.

This new, faster process is possible in part because the service will now review only the most essential documentation and build upon NNAS’s 10 years of experience and extensive consultation with regulatory bodies, governments, experts and IENs.

“We are pleased to partner with provincial regulators to make it faster for IENs to have their documents verified and start the licensing process more quickly, while still maintaining important safeguards to protect the integrity of our healthcare system,” says Gayle Waxman, Executive Director, NNAS. We have the infrastructure to offer timely service to IENs from around the globe and the experience to do so effectively. We look forward to partnering with all regulatory bodies to take advantage of this more efficient process.”

NNAS recognizes the valuable education and skills IENs bring. In the past, it has been a long road for some IENs interested in practicing here in Canada. Issuing NNAS advisory reports within no more than 5 days of all documents being received will dramatically decrease the time required for one of the key steps in the process for IENs applying to be licensed in Canada.

“We are proud to commit to working with NNAS to assess the qualifications of IEN applicants looking to live and work in our province,” says Denise LeBlanc-Kwaw, CEO & Registrar of NANB. “We feel this approach is in the best interests of our healthcare system and ensures we are doing what we can to set IENs up for success.”

IENs are contributing to Canada’s healthcare system and are playing an important role. The improvements NNAS is introducing are designed to support IENs and the work of regulators to make the application process fast, simple, and safe.

Media Contact:
Tara Ferreira, Executive Coordinator, NNAS
tferreira@nnas.ca
647-265-0737

About NNAS:
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that offers a streamlined process for IENs to apply for Canadian nursing registration. NNAS is committed to working with provincial regulatory bodies to continue empowering IENs along their path to practice in Canada.

NNAS – Expedited Service Launch – English – June 21, 2023

NNAS is pleased to offer a new simplified and faster credentialing service for applicants to the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB).  The Expedited Service is based on a streamlined set of requirements.  With this new service, NNAS advisory reports will now be issued to NANB within 24 hours of all documents being received (unless further investigation is required).

All applicants currently identifying NANB as a recipient of their Advisory Report will automatically be transferred to the Expedited Service. No action on the part of applicants with an open application is required.  NNAS will be contacting applicants who have identified NANB as a recipient of their Advisory Report with more information.

The transition to the new service will take place over the next few weeks.  Initially, the introduction of this simplified service may result in a higher than usual volume of applications being released to NANB.  We ask for your cooperation and patience as the regulator adjusts to the new service.

NNAS is pleased to work in partnership with NANB on this new, faster service.  We look forward to working with other regulators in the near future.

NNAS recognizes the valuable education and skills IENs bring. This new streamlined process will remove barriers for IENs to apply their skills in New Brunswick, while also protecting the safety of our health care system.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EXPEDITED SERVICE FOR NEW BRUNSWICK

Who will this new, faster service apply to?

It will apply to all current and new NNAS applicants identifying NANB in their application.  This will happen automatically, and you do not need to take any further action.

I am a current applicant and have applied to NANB.  What do I do?

You do not need to do anything.  Your application will automatically be transferred to the new service.  You will be receiving a communication this week with more details.

What are the requirements?

NNAS’s faster service is possible because we have reduced the requirements and documentation applicants must submit.  For example, applicants will no longer submit their curriculum or undergo an individual curricular assessment.   More detailed information will posted on our website and communicated to applicants shortly.

Your report will be issued to NANB within 1 day of all documents being received.

Will I need to submit my curriculum to NNAS for an application to NANB?

No.  You will not be required to submit curriculum for an application to NANB and NNAS will not conduct a curricular assessment.

Do I need to mail in my identification documents, or can I submit them electronically?

You can now upload your identification documents directly into NNAS’s portal.  This should save time and money.

Will this service be available for other provinces or regulators?

We anticipate that the service will be available in the near future for regulatory bodies wishing to participate.  Future announcements will be posted on NNAS’s website.  We will also communicate directly with applicants who have selected any participating regulators as part of their application.

Where can I find more information?

You will be able to find more information in the Expedited Service Applicant Handbook which will be available online in the near future. You can also check for updates on NNAS’s website at www.nnas.ca.

Where do I go if I have questions?

You can contact Applicant Support at support@nnas.ca or call toll free (in Canada and United States) 855-977-1898 Monday to Friday from 8:00 am ET to 4:00 pm ET.

Who can I contact if I have contacted Applicant Support but I am still facing barriers?

You can contact the Applicant Navigator Team at NNAS at applicantnavigator@nnas.ca.  The Applicant Navigator Team is there to assist applicants who have contacted Applicant Support but find they are still facing challenges to completing the process.

In recent years, we’ve seen mounting pressures on our healthcare system and growing demands and challenges for healthcare professionals. In the face of this, nurses have stood by Canadians and continued to provide the care that we all rely on.

A key part of the nursing community in Canada are Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). IENs put their knowledge, skill and experience into practice here every day.  IENs play an important role in Canada’s health care system.  We thank those IENs who have chosen or who are considering choosing Canada to pursue their careers in nursing.

At NNAS, we take our role seriously as being a first step for IENs in their journey to practice in Canada. We understand this path comes with challenges and that’s why we are taking steps to simplify and speed up the application process. As we continue to evolve as an organization, we want to play our part in removing barriers for IENs and helping make the process as quick and smooth as possible.

The theme of this year’s National Nursing Week is, “Our Nurses. Our Future.” At NNAS, we are committed to working in partnership with our regulatory body members and all those involved in the health system to effect positive change. We want to take this time to celebrate the commitment of all nurses to delivering exceptional care.

Sincerely,

Gayle Waxman

Executive Director

National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

Effective February 9, 2023, NNAS will release Advisory Reports without requiring a curricular assessment to applicants who have written and passed the National Council Licensure Examination [for] Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on or after April 1, 2013 and who will be applying for licensure or registration as a RN at CNO, NSCN and BCCNM.  This change is part of our efforts to streamline our processes for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).

Already written and passed NCLEX-RN on or after April 1, 2013?

Applicants who have written and passed NCLEX-RN on or after April 1, 2013, can update their application with their NCLEX-RN information by going into the Examination Section (Part C) of their NNAS Application Form. A new section has been added where applicants can confirm they have written and passed NCLEX-RN on or after April 1, 2013. Applicants will also be asked to include their NCLEX-RN ID number. This will allow NNAS to verify results and include this information on the applicant’s Advisory Report. For applicants who do not know their NCLEX-RN ID number, please follow the instructions in the NNAS portal.

Have not written and passed NCLEX-RN on or after April 1, 2013?

Applicants who have not written and passed NCLEX-RN on or after April 1, 2013,
do not need to do anything. Those applications will continue in the process and the applicant’s nursing education curriculum will be assessed.

NNAS is the single point of entry for all IENs interested in becoming licensed or registered as a nurse in Canada, and your first stop in the application process. We are here to help you with a streamlined process to submit your documents and ensure a smooth review.

Applicants with questions about this change should contact Applicant Support at support@nnas.ca or by calling 1-855-977-1898, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET.

Are you an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) that is thinking of completing, is in the process of completing, or has completed a NNAS application?

The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is working with an independent research firm called Prairie Research Associates (PRA) to conduct a study to hear applicants’ opinions about information and resources IENs would like to see on the NNAS website. This research is part of NNAS’ efforts to improve our processes and make sure applicants can easily find important information about becoming licensed as a nurse in Canada.

To get started, please click on a link below to provide PRA with your contact information. PRA will contact you to collect additional information and then will invite you to participate in either a focus group, individual interview or survey.

English link:

https://survey.pra.ca/S2/1/NNAWS2022/?lang=en

French link:

https://survey.pra.ca/S2/1/NNAWS2022/?lang=fr

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact Paul Simpson, Senior Research Manager at PRA by email at simpson@pra.ca or by telephone at 1-888-877-6744 (toll-free), or Jennifer Wojcik, Director of Strategic Initiatives at NNAS by email at jwojcik@nnas.ca or by telephone at 1-647-264-9824.

Language Proficiency Requirement Deferred to Regulatory Process for All NNAS Applicants

Effective October 14, 2022, NNAS will no longer collect language proficiency test scores as part of NNAS’s process.   Instead, all applicants will submit proof of language proficiency directly to regulatory bodies as part the regulator’s review process. This change is part of NNAS’s initiative to streamline its processes.

This change will:

• Provide applicants with more time to meet the nursing regulator’s language proficiency requirement
• Align NNAS’s requirements across all NNAS Regulatory Body members
• Provide greater flexibility to nursing regulatory body members.

Applicants with questions about their application to NNAS should contact Applicant Support at support@nnas.ca or by calling 1-855-977-1898, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ET. For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions on the NNAS website at www.nnas.ca in the News and Events section.

Q. Why has NNAS removed the proof of language proficiency from its process?
A. NNAS removed the proof of language proficiency to streamline the NNAS requirements to all Regulatory Body members. Removing language proficiency will provide more time to applicants, and greater flexibility to Regulatory Body members to implement their own policies procedures.

Q. Does this change apply to all Nursing Regulatory Body members?
A. Yes. This change applies to all NNAS Regulatory Body members. Please check the website of the Regulatory Bodies to which you are applying to find out about their specific requirements.

Q. Does this mean I won’t have to have my language proficiency assessed?
A. No. You still need to have your language proficiency assessed and be required to meet the language proficiency requirement of the Regulatory Body member to which you are applying.

Q. Do I need to do anything in my NNAS application to defer the proof of language proficiency?
A. No. After October 15, 2022, NNAS will no longer be collecting proof of language proficiency test scores. Once you meet all the other NNAS requirements your application will proceed for review.

Q: I submitted successful proof of language proficiency test scores prior to October 15, 2022, will NNAS include that in my Advisory Report?
A: Yes. Any proof of language proficiency test score submitted to NNAS prior to October 15, 2022, will be included in your Advisory Report