Steps To Becoming A Nurse In New Brunswick

Aspiring nurses in New Brunswick must meet several requirements to become registered. These include submitting an application form, completing a nursing program at an approved school, and providing proof of legal name. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate current nursing knowledge and skills by meeting specific practice hour requirements, providing references, or completing approved refresher programs. The Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) oversees the regulation and registration process, ensuring that nurses maintain the highest standards of practice and education. To work as a nurse practitioner in the province, individuals must also complete a graduate degree and pass the Canadian Nurses Practitioner Examination.

Graduate from an approved nursing program

To become a nurse in New Brunswick, you must graduate from an approved nursing program. This is a crucial step to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to enter the nursing profession. Here are the key details to guide you through this process:

Understanding Approved Nursing Programs

Approved nursing programs are those that have been carefully reviewed and accredited by the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB). The NANB is responsible for setting the standards for nursing education and approving programs that meet these standards. These programs are designed to ensure that nursing students acquire the essential Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs) for the Practice of Registered Nurses in New Brunswick.

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

In New Brunswick, the baccalaureate degree in nursing is the minimum educational requirement to enter the profession. This degree will prepare you for safe, ethical, and competent practice as a registered nurse. The University of New Brunswick and Université de Moncton are among the educational institutions offering this program.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Another option is to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing, such as the one offered by Brunswick Community College. This program provides the knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care and practice in a dynamic healthcare environment. It covers various domains, including healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual, emphasizing evidence-based practice and informatics.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you aspire to become a nurse practitioner (NP), additional education is required. NPs in New Brunswick must have advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, which they can obtain through NP programs. These programs prepare students to work with clients across their lifespan and provide comprehensive care. The University of New Brunswick and other institutions offer NP programs.

Internationally Educated Nurses

For individuals who have received their nursing education outside of Canada, there is a separate pathway. The NANB outlines the requirements for internationally educated nurses, including providing proof of fluency in English and/or French, demonstrating competence, and completing the Internationally Educated Nurse Application for Registration.

Registration with NANB

After graduating from an approved nursing program, you will need to register with the NANB to practise as a registered nurse in New Brunswick. This process involves creating a NANB profile, completing the necessary applications and modules, submitting required documents, and undergoing a criminal record check. Registration with the NANB is mandatory and ensures that you meet the professional standards for nursing in the province.

Pass the Canadian Nurses Practitioner Examination

To pass the Canadian Nurses Practitioner Examination, you will need to prepare carefully. This exam is a requirement for anyone wanting to register as a nurse in New Brunswick and costs $1,448.66 to take. It is a national, entry-level exam for NPs who specialize in family/all ages/primary health care. The exam is held twice a year and consists of 190-200 multiple-choice questions, taken over a four-hour period.

The exam is split into four categories, with 42 competencies in total:

• Professional Role, Responsibility and Accountability
• Health Assessment and Diagnosis
• Therapeutic Management
• Health Promotion and Prevention of Illness and Injury

You can purchase an exam prep guide from the CNA bookstore, which may help you to pass. You will need to contact the NANB for an application form for the exam. Once you have completed the exam, you will be informed of the results within 4-8 weeks.

You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam, so if you are unsuccessful, you can apply to retake it. If you have a disability that may affect your performance, you can request special accommodations, but this must be done at least two months before the exam.

Apply for registration with the NANB

Once you have successfully completed the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Exam, you are eligible to apply for registration with the NANB as an NP. The NANB will provide you with directions on how to apply for initial registration when you receive your exam results.

The application forms and supporting documents required to apply for registration with NANB will vary depending on the type of applicant. For example, new graduates of an approved nursing school in Canada, or Canadian NPs who are already registered in another province or territory.

To qualify for registration as an NP, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Practised 900 hours in primary healthcare within the last three calendar years
• Practised 300 hours in primary healthcare within the last 12 months
• Graduated from an Approved Nurse Practitioner Education Program within the last three years
• Completed a nurse practitioner re-entry program within the last three years

To apply for registration, you will need to complete the NANB application form and return it to the provided email address. You will then receive an email with instructions to pay the application fee online.

You will need to submit proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or driver's license) to the provided email address. If you are submitting documents under a different name, you must provide documentation to support the name change (e.g. marriage certificate).

You will also need to arrange for letters of good standing from all regulatory/licensing bodies where you currently hold active registration as a nurse practitioner or registered nurse. This includes any countries outside Canada where you are currently registered.

Additionally, you must complete and forward a copy of the Confirmation of Hours of Practice Form to each employer where you have worked during the past three years and arrange for the employer to forward the form directly to the provided email address.

You must also submit a current criminal record check through CSI Screening. This must be sent directly from CSI to the provided email address.

Finally, you will need to complete the Jurisprudence module found under your “My Profile” account on the NANB website.

The application process can take 4-5 weeks, so it is recommended to start the process early. Your application will only be processed once all required documents are received and requirements have been met.

Maintain annual registration and license to practice

To maintain your registration and license to practice nursing in New Brunswick, you must renew your registration annually. The Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) oversees the regulation and registration of advanced practice Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioners (NP). The registration certificate for both Registered Nurses (RN) and NPs expires on November 30 of each year. Practising without valid registration is illegal and is an offence under the Nurses Act.

The annual renewal fee for RNs is $509.45 ($375.00 + $68.00 CNPS + Taxes) and for NPs is $614.68 ($375.00 + $159.50 CNPS + Taxes). The renewal fee varies depending on when you apply for renewal:

• From January 1 – November 30: $509.45 for RNs, $614.68 for NPs
• From June 1 – November 30: $336.95 for RNs, $442.18 for NPs
• From September 1 – November 30: $207.58 for RNs, $312.80 for NPs

To renew your registration, you must provide evidence of having worked a minimum of 1,125 hours as an RN or 900 hours as an NP in a recognised field of nursing in the previous years. RNs must have practised 1,125 hours in the last five years, while NPs must have practised 900 hours in the last three years.

In addition to meeting the required number of practice hours, RNs and NPs must also participate in the annual Continuing Competence Program (CCP). The CCP is a regulatory requirement that helps nurses identify their learning needs and reflect on their accountability as self-regulated professionals.

Join the New Brunswick Nurses Union

The New Brunswick Nurses Union (NBNU) is a labour organization of approximately 8500 Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Licensed Practical Nurses. Members are employed in various healthcare facilities throughout the province of New Brunswick.

Registration with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB)

To become a registered nurse in New Brunswick, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Submission of the required application form.
• Payment of all application and registration fees.
• Successful completion of a nursing program at an approved school of nursing in Canada or the equivalent.
• Proof of legal name (e.g., certified copy of birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate).
• Proof of current nursing knowledge and skills.
• Successful completion of the Jurisprudence module on the NANB website.
• Demonstration of good character through a current criminal record check.
• A letter of good standing from every regulatory/licensing body where the applicant has practised and/or been registered.
• Successful completion of the registration examination.

Licensed Practical Nurse Registration

For initial licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New Brunswick, applicants must successfully complete an approved practical nursing program and pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). For annual renewal of licensure, LPNs must ensure they have maintained a minimum of 1000 active practice hours over the last five years and participate in the annual Continuing Competence Program.

Nurse Practitioner Registration

To become a registered Nurse Practitioner (NP) in New Brunswick, you must first hold an RN license in the province. The minimum educational requirement is a master's degree with a grounding in the theoretical foundation of nursing. The program must include at least 700 hours of relevant clinical practice and cover areas such as advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and health promotion. After completing the program, you must take the Canadian Nurses Practitioner Examination to be eligible for registration with NANB.

Frequently asked questions