How to become a travel nurse in Canada

A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who fills temporary nursing positions at various healthcare facilities and locales, usually through a travel nursing agency. The length of these projects can range from a few weeks to several months.

Travel nurses are given the freedom to select their assignments according to their preferences, including location, specialty, and preferred duration.

They frequently work in healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other facilities where there is a temporary staffing demand because of things like seasonal changes, personnel shortages, or special projects.

Regulatory bodies for Canadian provinces and territory

Alberta: College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA)
British Columbia: College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC)
Manitoba: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM)
New Brunswick: Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB)
Newfoundland and Labrador: College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL)
Northwest Territories: Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANT/NU)
Nova Scotia: College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS)
Nunavut: Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANT/NU)
Ontario: College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Prince Edward Island: College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island (CRNPEI)
Quebec: Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA)
Yukon: Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA)

Qualities of a good travel nurse in Canada

Here are some key qualities of a good travel nurse:

Adaptability: Being adaptable allows you to quickly acclimate to new situations, learn and implement new protocols, and provide high-quality care regardless of the setting.

Strong Clinical Skills: As a travel nurse, you must possess a solid foundation of clinical knowledge and skills. This ensures your ability to provide safe and competent care, even in unfamiliar settings. Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills are crucial for building rapport with patients, collaborating with healthcare teams, and effectively relaying information.

Cultural Competence: Canada is a multicultural country, and as a travel nurse, you may work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Time Management and Organization: Travel nursing often involves juggling multiple responsibilities and adapting to changing schedules. Effective time management and organizational skills help you prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and provide efficient and timely care.

How to Become a travel nurse in Canada

Here are the simplified steps to becoming a travel nurse in Canada in seven steps:

Obtain a nursing degree: Complete a nursing education program from an accredited institution, such as a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Obtain a nursing license: Apply for and obtain a nursing license from the nursing regulatory body in the province(s) where you wish to work. Each province has its own regulatory body, and requirements may vary.
Gain nursing experience: Acquire at least one to two years of clinical experience in your nursing specialty to enhance your skills and marketability.
Research travel nursing agencies: Explore reputable travel nursing agencies in Canada that offer assignments in your desired locations and align with your preferences and career goals.
Apply to travel nursing agencies: Submit applications to the chosen travel nursing agencies, providing accurate information about your qualifications, experience, and preferences.
Complete required training and certifications: Ensure your certifications, such as CPR, are up to date. Additional specialty certifications may be advantageous.
Prepare for travel and contracts: Review and negotiate contract terms with the travel nursing agency, make necessary travel arrangements, and familiarize yourself with Canadian healthcare systems.

Qualifications for being a travel nurse in Canada

To work as a travel nurse in Canada, you need to meet certain qualifications and requirements.

While specific requirements may vary depending on the province or territory, here are the general qualifications for being a travel nurse in Canada:

Nursing Education

You must have completed a nursing education program from an accredited institution. This typically includes a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Nursing License

You must hold a valid and unrestricted nursing license in at least one Canadian province or territory. The license should be in good standing and meet the regulatory requirements of the province where you plan to work.

Professional Experience

While the exact amount of required experience may vary, most travel nursing agencies prefer candidates with a minimum of one to two years of recent clinical experience in their nursing specialty. Some specialties may require more experience.

CPR Certification

You should possess a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is often required, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification may be necessary for certain specialties.

Immunization Records

You must provide documentation of up-to-date immunizations and vaccinations, including Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), and others as required by the healthcare facility or province.

Criminal Record Check

A criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check, is typically required to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. The specific process and requirements may vary by province.

Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the official language of the province where you plan to work. Language proficiency tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), may be required for non-native English speakers.

Work Permits and Immigration

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need the appropriate work permits and immigration documentation to work legally in Canada.

International travel nurses should consult the Government of Canada’s immigration website or seek guidance from an immigration consultant to ensure compliance with regulations.

A final thought on how to Become a travel nurse in Canada

Becoming a travel nurse in Canada can be an exciting and rewarding career path. Remember to stay informed about the specific requirements and processes of the province(s) you are interested in as explained earlier.

Research nursing regulatory bodies, consult with experienced travel nurses, and maintain open communication with travel nursing agencies throughout your journey.

By following these steps, you can embark on a fulfilling career as a travel nurse in Canada, gaining valuable experiences and making a positive impact on patient care across the country.