INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

This instruction guide provides general information to assist you in the application process. Further information will be provided when your application has been assessed to determine eligibility for registration. Information in this guide is subject to change without notice.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Contents
1. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Personal/ Declaration ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Nursing Education ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Initial Nursing Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Current Nursing Registration ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Nursing Employment History .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Additional Application Requirements ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Registration Declaration ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 2. 3. 4. 5. IEN APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING STANDARDS ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................................. 4 VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Section 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Section 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 6. VERIFICATION OF NURSING EDUCATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Section 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Section 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 7. REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Section 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Section 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 8. 9. 10. 11. INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SERVICE (IQAS) ....................................................................................................................... 6 IEN CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT (IQAS) FEE ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 SELF-DECLARATION OF NURSING COMPETENCIES .............................................................................................................................................. 6 VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Section 1 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Section 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 12. SPECIALIZED PRACTICE DECLARATION (specialized nursing competencies) ........................................................................................................ 7 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 How does CLPNA assess applications for registration? ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Conditional Registration ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) ................................................................................................................................... 9

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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This guide provides information on how to apply to become registered as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta. The term internationally educated nurse (IEN) refers to an individual who was educated and registered as nurse (RN, LPN) in another country. If you require additional information please contact our office at international@clpna.com . These instructions will explain the forms in the Application Package; how to complete and submit them. It is recommended that you carefully read these instructions to avoid unnecessary delays. Key points to consider before starting the application process: To be eligible to apply for registration, you must first have been registered in the country where you completed your nursing education program. Completion and submission of each form in the application package is required. English Language Testing Standards should be met prior to applying for registration as the application fee is non-refundable. All documentation must be translated to English prior to submission to CLPNA. When completing forms, print legibly using black ink. You have a period of two years, from the date your application file is opened, to complete the application process and obtain registration with CLPNA. After that two year period you will be required to re-apply.

1. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION

Complete this four page form and submit directly to CLPNA along with the additional information required.

Personal/ Declaration
Complete personal information carefully and clearly, please print. Provide an email address because communications and information will be sent to you by email. Read the questions carefully. If you have answered Yes to any questions, write a brief explanation on the space provided. If any further documentation is required, you will be notified.

Nursing Education
Provide all the information requested regarding your original nursing education. If you have successfully completed additional nursing education, such as courses not originally included in your nursing program, you must provide the information required under the Additional Nursing Education section of the form. This will assist CLPNA in the assessment of your nursing education and experience.

Initial Nursing Registration

Provide all information requested regarding your initial (original) place of nursing registration. You should have originally registered in the same province/state/country where you completed your nursing education. (This is required even if you are not currently registered there.) In the event that there is no nursing board where you studied, you must explain further in the boxes provided under the Initial Nursing Registration section of the form.

Current Nursing Registration

Provide all information requested regarding your current nursing registration. If you are currently registered with the same nursing board as your initial registration, you must provide the information required. If you are currently registered with more than one nursing board, provide the information for each of the nursing boards. If you are currently not registered anywhere, provide the information of the last nursing board you were registered with.

Nursing Employment History

Provide information for all nursing employment in the past five years.

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Additional Application Requirements

Use the checklist provided on page 3 of the Application for Registration to verify what you need to submit.

Registration Declaration
Read carefully, sign and date your Application for Registration prior to submitting to CLPNA.

2. IEN APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE

Submit payment to CLPNA. Options for fee payment ($425) are as follows: Complete the Credit Card Authorization form ($425) Cheque, bank draft, or money order, made payable to CLPNA. (Insufficient funds charges will apply.) Cash or Debit, if paying in person at CLPNA office. (Do not mail) Fees are non-refundable. Ensure fees are in Canadian Funds.

3. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING STANDARDS

CLPNA is committed to protect the public by ensuring nurses can communicate effectively in English to provide safe care to patients/clients. To become registered, you must be fluent in English. Specifically, you must be competent in writing, speaking, listening, and reading according to the standard of proficiency established by CLPNA. The application package includes the English Language Testing Standard scores that are required. (See English Language Standards in your Application Package) Approved English language tests are CELBAN and IELTS. You must pass each individual category, in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. (Overall band scores are not considered.) Examination scores are considered current and valid by CLPNA for two years from the date the test was taken. Applicants whose test results become more than two years old at any time during the application process or prior to registration will be required to provide updated test results. You must submit the original exam results with your Application for Registration for review by CLPNA. (Copies are not accepted.) It is recommended that you do not apply for registration until you have met the passing scores of each category on your test results. (Application fee refunds will not be granted if you apply for registration and then are unsuccessful in meeting the language standards).

4. CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION

Read this consent very carefully. Completed and submit this form with your Application for Registration. By signing this consent you authorize CLPNA to: Obtain any further information that may be required from third parties in order to complete your assessment. Submit a copy of your transcripts to IQAS in order to assess your education credentials. This allows CLPNA to conduct any necessary follow up or further inquire with third parties on your behalf if we feel we require more details are required to process or conduct an assessment of your application.

A file will be opened when the following items have been received by CLPNA: Your completed Application for Registration form, Additional requirements (listed on page 3 of the Application for Registration form), Your Application for Registration fee ($425), Your English Language Exam results (if applicable), and Your completed Consent to Release Information form.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Checking Your Online Profile

Once your application file is open, you will be emailed login information to access the Online Profile. This will allow you to check the status of your application at any time.

Lets continue with the application package. It is now time to provide all documentation regarding your registration, and education.

5. VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION
The purpose of this form is to verify initial and current nursing registration: Initial nurse registration in the country where you obtained your nursing education Current nurse registration in any country where you have worked within the current year and past five years Photocopies and/or faxes of this form from the board(s) will not be accepted. You may need to make more than one copy of the Verification of Registration form, depending on how many board(s) you have been/or are registered as a nurse.

Section 1
Complete this section to authorize the board(s) to provide the necessary registration information to CLPNA. Send the completed form to the appropriate nursing board(s) to complete Section 2.

Section 2
The board will complete Section 2 and mail the form directly to the CLPNA office.

6. VERIFICATION OF NURSING EDUCATION

The purpose of this form to verify you have completed nursing education.

Section 1
Complete this section to authorize the school(s) to provide the necessary information to verify nursing education. Once you have completed this section send the form to your school to complete Section 2.

Section 2
The school will complete Section 2 and mail the forms to the CLPNA office. Please ensure that the documentation submitted to CLPNA has been translated into English if the original is in a different language. Photocopies and/or faxes of this form from the school will not be accepted.

7. REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPTS

The purpose of this form is to authorize your nursing school to send your transcript to CLPNA.

Section 1
Complete this section to authorize the school(s) to provide your transcripts to CLPNA. Once you have completed this section send the form to your school to complete Section 2.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Section 2
The school will complete Section 2 and mail the completed form and transcripts to the CLPNA office. Please ensure that the documentation submitted to CLPNA has been translated into English if the original is in a different language. Photocopies and/or faxes of this form from the school will not be accepted.

We recommend you regularly check the status of your application using the online profile. When your online profile states that CLPNA has received your transcripts you are required to complete and submit the following forms. International Qualifications Assessment Service IQAS IEN Credential Assessment-IQAS Credit Card Authorization form

8. INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SERVICE (IQAS)

The purpose of this form is to authorize CLPNA to release your transcripts to IQAS for education credential assessment. The cost of this assessment is $100. CLPNA will provide your transcripts and proof of name change (if applicable) to IQAS. Upon completion of their assessment IQAS will submit a report to CLPNA which determines whether or not you have a nursing credential that is substantially equivalent to a Diploma credential in Alberta. You do not need to send anything to IQAS.

9. IEN CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT (IQAS) FEE

Options for fee payment are as follows: Complete the Credit Card Authorization form with the payment amount of $100 and submit to CLPNA. Cheque, bank draft, or money order, made payable to CLPNA. (Insufficient funds charges will apply.) Cash or Debit, if paying in person at CLPNA office. (Do not mail.) Fees are non-refundable. Ensure fees are in Canadian Funds.

Lets continue with the application package and finish the process. Now you need to provide information regarding your education competencies and employment history.

10. SELF-DECLARATION OF NURSING COMPETENCIES

The purpose of this form is to verify your specific nursing competencies. Submit the completed form to CLPNA. If you have not completed a specific nursing competency listed in the table, check the Not Applicable box.

11. VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT

The purpose of this form is to verify nursing practice hours that you have acquired in the previous five (5) years. This form has two sections that must be completed. You will need to make more than one copy of the Verification of Employment form, depending on how many employer(s) you have been/or are employed as a nurse.

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Section 1
Complete this section to authorize your employer to provide the necessary information to verify nursing practice hours. Once you have completed this section send the form to your employer to complete Section 2.

Section 2
The employer will complete Section 2 and mail the completed form to the CLPNA office. Please ensure that the documentation submitted to CLPNA has been translated into English if original is in a different language. Photocopies and/or faxes of this form from the employer will not be accepted.

When all forms have been submitted to CLPNA, your Application will be assessed to determine eligibility for registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta. Assessment may take up to 20 business days. You will be notified in writing of the decision. The decision will be provided to you via your online profile and email. It is a mandatory requirement to complete CLPNAs Jurisprudence Examination. If you are eligible for registration, you will be advised to complete an Initial Registration Form and pay a registration fee of $700.00. This fee includes your registration fee to obtain a Conditional Practice Permit and register to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). Should you disagree with the decision, you may request a review. (Fee applies)

12. SPECIALIZED PRACTICE DECLARATION (specialized nursing competencies)

In Alberta, certain areas of practice that are considered specialized nursing competencies. For an individual to work in a specialized area of practice, authorization must be granted by CLPNA. If you do not have a specialized practice area of practice (indicated below), you are not required to complete this form.

CLPNA Specialty Authorization is required for nursing practice in the following areas: Advanced Orthopedics Operating Room Immunization Advanced Footcare

Read the Specialization Information form carefully to determine if you require authorization Submit the appropriate documentation to prove you have completed the required education Please ensure that the documentation submitted to CLPNA has been translated into English if original is in a different language. nd For more information about these specialty areas of nursing practice please view Competency Profile for LPNs 2 edition available under Resources on CLPNAs website.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How does CLPNA assess applications for registration? Determining Substantial Equivalent Competence
Substantial equivalent competence is the term used by CLPNA to describe the combination of education, experience, practice or other qualifications that demonstrates the competence required for entry-to- practice as a LPN in Alberta. CLPNAs assessment of substantial equivalent competence involves the review of educational transcripts, nurse registration verification, other documents which provide information regarding competence to practice. CLPNA looks for evidence that the applicant currently possesses the competencies which will allow the individual to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the LPN. If gaps are identified in education or in currency of practice (nursing hours) on review of the applicant documentation, CLPNA will decide whether additional nursing education will be required before an applicant may pursue further steps in the registration process. Depending upon the nature and extent of any identified gaps, the assigned education may be in the form of one or more nursing courses. However, if the competency gaps are extensive the applicant may be advised to complete a refresher program. Any applicant who is eligible for registration is required to register to complete CLPNAs Jurisprudence Examination before obtaining a Conditional Practice Permit. All applicants are strongly recommended to complete an Orientation to the Canadian Healthcare System course available at http://www.iehpcanada.utoronto.ca/.

Possible assessment decisions are:

The applicant is notified of registration eligibility to obtain a Conditional Practice Permit with the condition to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). The applicant is notified of registration eligibility to obtain a Conditional Practice Permit with conditions to write the CPNRE, and complete a course where an educational deficit in one of maternity or pediatrics has been identified. The applicant is notified that their registration eligibility is deferred until completion of additional nursing education required to address significant gaps in competency or currency of practice before they will be eligible for registration. The applicant is notified that their application is refused because they are not eligible for registration.

Conditional Registration
If you are eligible for Conditional registration you will proceed to apply for a Conditional Practice Permit and register for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) by completing and submitting: Initial Registration form. Proof of successful registration for the Jurisprudence Examination. Proof of education enrolment for identified deficiencies (CLPNA will advise if this is necessary.). Combined registration and CPNRE fee of $700. Conditional Registration is short term; not to exceed one year and may not be renewed. This allows the individual to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while they are given three opportunities to write the national registration examination.

Conditional Registrants will:

Assume accountability for their nursing practice. Have their employer complete an Employer Reference form (provided by CLPNA) after completion of 200 nursing hours. Practice within the policies of the employer. Identify and seek direction in situations when they may require assistance or support. Adhere to the LPN Regulation, Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the profession.

Practice Limitations:
May not work in an environment where there is no other regulated health professional available for direct/indirect supervision or consultation. May not solely act in a formal leadership role or be solely in charge. This does not prevent conditional members from learning the elements of an in charge role as long as they are supported by a preceptor/mentor designated by the employer. May not delegate activities to or supervise another regulated health professional or an unregulated health care aide.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE)

The Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) is the registration entrance examination required by CLPNA. The CPNRE is considered a further measure of competence. The CPNRE is scheduled three times per year on a date in January, May and September in Canada. Information about the examination is available on the CLPNA website at www.clpna.com. http://www.cpnre.ca/ http://www.cpnre.ca/prepguide_e.asp http://www.cpnre.ca/predictor_e.asp http://www.clpna.com/Portals/0/Files/doc_CPNRETestPreparation.pdf NorQuest College offers a two day preparation workshop http://www.norquest.ca/programs/programs_descriptions/prep_cpnre.htm

For more information and further resources contact our International Services Department at international@clpna.com.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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