Tips to avoid application delays
- Get your documents notarized before you apply.
- Keep the original copies of all documents.
- Only submit accepted forms of identification. Do not submit copies of your credit card or social insurance number.
- Make sure all identity copies clearly show your face, name and signature, and that all of the information is clear and visible.
Assessing your application
When we assess your application for registration, we consider the following:
- Nursing education
- We review the NNAS advisory report, which provides information about the comparability of your nursing education to Canadian nursing education programs.
- Good character
- When determining whether you are of good character, we review:
- The circumstances around any previous criminal charges and/or convictions, the results of your criminal record check, and any other information you wish to have considered related to the same, if applicable.
- The completeness, correctness, and accuracy of the information you disclosed on the application form.
- Information related to other application(s) for registration, or previous registration history, if applicable.
- Information related to previous employment, or employment while holding interim registration, if applicable.
- Information from the educational institution, if applicable.
- A self-reflection of the circumstances, learnings, and growth since the events, or actions taken, that indicate a possible lack of good character.
- Fitness to practice nursing
- When determining whether you are fit to engage in nursing practice, we review (if applicable):
- Self-disclosure of a physical or mental ailment, an emotional disturbance or an addiction to alcohol or drugs that could impair your ability to practise.
- Information from previous employer(s) disclosing the same.
- Information regarding any previous registration cancellation or voluntary relinquishment of registration related to the same.
- Information from treating physician(s) or specialist(s) who can provide an opinion as to your current health status, any recommendations for safe entrance into the profession, and your fitness to practise nursing (we only request this information in certain circumstances).
- Information submitted with a Request for Accommodation for the registration exam.
- English language proficiency
- When assessing your English language proficiency, BCCNM reviews:
- Your first language.
- Language test results (if taken). Information from your nursing education institution.
- Information from your employer(s).
- Additional evidence of English proficiency (i.e. references from regulated health professionals)
- Competence
- When determining whether you are competent to practise as a nurse in B.C., we review:
- All relevant nursing practice experience.
- Type of registration
- Continuing education in nursing
- Consolidation of knowledge
- Any periods of non-practice
- Results of the NCAS assessment report (if taken).