B.C. announces changes for internationally educated nurses

As B.C.’s healthcare system continues to face extreme pressures, the province has announced changes for internationally educated nurses with the hopes of getting them into the workforce faster with more ease.

Eligible individuals will no longer have to pay application and assessment fees upfront to work in B.C., with the province noting these costs can total over $3,700.

Instead, the B.C. government says it will cover those fees directly.

BC paying up front the 3700 application/assessment fees for internationally trained nurses to bolster workforce. Also BC nurses returning to workforce $4000 in retraining costs plus a $10000 in bursary. Prov says applies to about 700 ppl each year #bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 9, 2023

Previously, internationally trained nurses would be reimbursed for the application and assessment fees they had paid.

“There are talented and skilled nurses with the right experience who want to practice in B.C. and support high-quality care, but they are kept on the sidelines by an expensive and complicated registration process,” Premier David Eby said Monday. “Whether a nurse was trained in or out of the province, we are ready to welcome those who are ready to care for British Columbians.”

Previously internationally trained nurses could be reimbursed the BC application/assessment fee but Premier @Dave_Eby says that upfront cost was prohibitive for many the prov waving fee removes that barrier. #bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) January 9, 2023

This new system is a long way from what registered nurse Jennie Arceno went through when she came to Canada from the Philippines, and with the new system, she’ll be reimbursed for her initial application and assessment fees.

“It took me one and a half years to get my LPN licence, and three years to obtain my registered nurse license, and that cost me $40,000 in assessment, registration, and tuition fees,” she explained.

The province has also announced it is providing nurses who are returning to work after an absence with financial support. Over $4,000 is being provided to cover things like application, assessment, and other costs for those looking to follow the necessary steps to practice in B.C. again.

Returning nurses will also be eligible for up to $10,000 worth of bursaries for things like additional education needed to return to work.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says removing barriers to get more nurses back into the healthcare system will help ensure access to the services and treatments British Columbians need.

“Our government will continue to take action to recruit and train more healthcare workers to meet the healthcare needs of British Columbians,” he said.

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According to the province, about 700 internationally educated nurses and nurses returning to the workforce are referred to the Nursing Community Assessment Service every year.

In addition to the aforementioned changes, the province says it is also introducing more options for a nurse to complete credential evaluation. An “updated approach” to the English proficiency assessment is also being brought in, using “updated language testing benchmarks.”

The government says the entire process is set to be more streamlined, adding nurses will also be provided “pathways to multiple health-care roles in the nursing family.”

The “new pathway” is set to be launched by the end of this month, and will cut down the overall amount of time it takes to process internationally educated nurses, the province says.

Last spring, the province announced that it was allocating $12 million to help international nurses get licenced in B.C. faster.

B.C.’s labour shortage in the healthcare sector has been amplified over the past few years amid the pandemic.

Aman Grewal, president of the BC Nurses’ Union, says these changes are a positive step forward.

“We know that these nurses bring valuable experience, skills and knowledge to a healthcare system that is in desperate need. We are optimistic these investments to remove barriers for not only IENs but also those interested in returning to practice will encourage qualified nurses to stay in the profession they love and help to provide care to patients across the province,” she said.