Alberta Health Services IEN Information Centre

Registrants of the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) are required to renew their permits annually. Renewal for the 2025-2026 practice year opens on Aug. 1, and the CRNA's Navigation team is hosting a free, optional webinar to help you prepare. Topics include:

• How to complete your application in College Connect
• How to accurately answer the attestation questions
• What is CNPS protection, and why you need it
• And many more commonly asked questions

CRNA is offering the following dates:

• June 25 | 10:00 am MT (Waitlisted)
• July 30 | 10:00 am MT
• August 13 | 10:00 am MT

Sign Up to Attend Here

NCLEX Prep Sessions are available weekly, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Use the links below to register.

• Tuesdays (1030 – 1230 MST)
• Wednesdays (1300 – 1500 MST)
• Fridays (0930 – 1130 MST)

After you register for a session, you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom session.

Attending NCLEX Prep Sessions should be considered supplemental to reviewing your paid subscription to a study source and spending 1-2 hours per day studying from your question bank. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as your schedule allows.

Upcoming pre-arrival education will include three courses through Bow Valley College in Alberta. Included are the following three courses:

• Legal Aspects of Registered Nursing (approximately 15 hours)
• Enhancing Communication Skills in Registered Nursing (approximately 25 hours)
• Canadian Registered Nursing Practice (approximately 25 hours)

These courses are mandatory to set you up for success to practice as a Registered Nurse in Alberta. Each course has an instructor and is completed online. You will receive more information and directions from AHS and Bow Valley when it is time for you to complete the courses.

For more information see the Pre-arrival Education Package.

It is important that you maintain currency of practice in acute care during the process of being hired with AHS. This will ensure an easier transition to acute care in Alberta. Moving to a non-acute care/ambulatory care area will affect your AHS job application as this is not the type of care you will be providing in Alberta.

You need to write & pass NCLEX to obtain full RN licensure. This is your professional responsibility & a mandatory requirement.

Follow the NCLEX Process Map & any instructions we sent you.

Key actions:

• Plan when & where you will take your exam.
• Register & pay for your Authority to Test (ATT) with Pearson Vue as soon as possible (even for Canada). CRNA will then confirm your ATT. You will then be notified & can proceed with booking a test date. Register right away to get a spot, as test bookings fill up quickly.
• When you have booked an exam, email IEN.ACNO@ahs.ca with your exam date & location.
• Update AHS with your exam results.
• Note permit expiry dates & plan for renewal accordingly (see Provisional Permit (GN license) Expiry & Renewal)

If you were given permission to write in Canada:

• Register to write in for Edmonton, Alberta during the “Centralized Orientation Dates” you are given. You are not allowed to extend your stay after orientation to write your exam as transportation to your home community will already have been arranged. See Centralized Orientation Calendar for when to book.
• Send proof of booking to ien.acno@ahs.ca. Proof of booking is required prior to travel.

For more information & guidance, visit the NCLEX Resources on the IEN Information Centre website.

We continue to refine our orientation process based on insights from the experiences of IENs who have already arrived. Key areas identified include:

1. Health Assessments: Canadian nurses are required to independently perform comprehensive health assessments, including physical and systems assessments, which physicians and other providers rely on. This responsibility is not within the RN scope in some countries, leading to challenges for some IENs upon arrival.
2. Medication Administration: Safety and proficiency in all aspects of medication administration (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous) is essential, but challenges some IENs.

We are introducing a virtual simulation platform and a monthly education session to address these gaps. The virtual simulation features lifelike patient avatars and interactive modules to help you practice critical skills and identify knowledge gaps pre-arrival. Completion of assigned modules will be mandatory, and progress will be monitored through the platform.

Key Details & Actions:

• The platform requires several hours of study and practice per week.
• Successful completion of modules before arrival is mandatory.
• Progress reports will be shared, and assessments will continue during orientation.
• Please create your user ID as soon and log into the platform as you receive access details.

This initiative aims to ensure you are well-prepared to meet the expectations of Canadian healthcare systems.

Winter has firmly arrived in Alberta; it is crucial to review the winter wear & budgeting resources if you are arriving in the next few months. Winter clothing is essential to living and working in Alberta. In addition to purchasing winter clothing, there are a number of costs that you will be required to cover upfront.

Financial incentives provided by AHS will not be adequate to cover all your living expenses. It is important you budget and come to Canada with a financial plan. It is recommended that you prepare to bring sufficient funds for at least 1-2 months (a recommended minimum of $2000-$5000+ CAD per person).

• Living in Alberta: Winter Wear
• Living in Alberta: Budgeting

• CRNA allows nurses to hold a provisional permit for 12 months.
• Permits are issued for up to six-month increments. Pay close attention to your provisional license (GN Permit) renewal dates.
• After your 12-month period, AHS may submit your name to CRNA for a 6-month extension if you:
  • have not been able to practice under a GN permit for enough time.
  • are already in Canada and unsuccessful at their first NCLEX attempt, or
  • arrive in Canada right as your 12 months are expiring.
• Note: RN license pay is higher than GN licensure pay.

For more information see: NCLEX-RN and Provisional Permit Instruction Sheet