College of Registered Nurses Announces Second Phase of Updates to Modernize and Streamline Registration Processes 

Progress continues to ensure the expedient handling of applications for registration as a registered nurse in Manitoba while ensuring that expectations of safe registered nursing care continue to be met. Today, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (the College) announced the second phase of its registration modernization work, including details of its expedited pathway for the targeted recruitment of internationally educated nurses, in addition to significant updates to how applicants may demonstrate language proficiency, clinical competency, and return to practice.  

“Following extensive review of our processes, available evidence and consultations with applicants, partners and interest holders, we are moving forward with changes that deliver on our commitment to ensuring patient safety as well as helping to address the significant health human resource challenges in Manitoba,” said Deb Elias, CEO/Registrar. 

As announced late last month, the Manitoba government is leading a recruitment mission in the Philippines to recruit internationally educated nurses and other healthcare providers. Today, the College provided further details on an expedited registration pathway for applicants who are recruited as part of this initiative. 

“We have developed an accelerated pathway for applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment as part of this important recruitment initiative,” noted Elias. “Applicants will be able to complete a significant portion of the application process while still living abroad, and certain processes can be completed simultaneously so that applicants’ time in the assessment process is effectively halved. Excluding the time required to complete any remedial education, we expect to be in a position to determine if the applicant is a candidate for bridging education in as little as 8-10 weeks, which positions Manitoba as a destination of choice for establishing registration as an RN.” 

As part of the modernization efforts, applicants will now have three additional ways to demonstrate English language proficiency, including current or recent registration (within the past two years) as a licensed practical nurse or registered psychiatric nurse in Manitoba, as well as a letter of attestation from a regulated health professional in Manitoba. The latter brings Manitoba in alignment with other provinces who already accept letters of attestation as proof of language proficiency. Notably, the College will require the letter to come from a regulated health professional who has closely worked with the applicant in a clinical setting. 

“Effective communication is a foundational part of registered nursing practice,” said Elias. “Therefore, a clear and well-reasoned language proficiency policy is a top priority for the College. We have continued to add flexibility to how applicants can demonstrate the minimum required level of language proficiency to practice safely based on a growing body of evidence. We are anticipating the results of a national review of further alternative measures to language testing to be delivered later this spring and will look to implement any supported changes as soon as possible.” 

The College also announced that applicants who are required by the College to complete a Clinical Competence Assessment (CCA) will have the option to complete a second CCA if the results of the initial assessment did not meet their expectations. “We have heard from a significant proportion of internationally educated applicants and current registrants about potential test anxiety associated with the CCA,” said Elias. “We believe this change, in concert with the option for qualified applicants to choose to do the full nurse re-entry program at RRC Polytech in the place of a CCA, enhances both the flexibility and equity of the process. Applicants now have more ways than ever before to demonstrate how they meet the minimum requirements for safe registered nursing practice.” 

In a related update, the College has implemented an option for former registered nurses seeking to return to practice to meet the currency of practice requirements for registration. Former registrants who have practiced in the past 2 years and are short 100 hours or fewer of the requirement (450 hours in the past two years, or 1125 hours in the past five years) will now be eligible for conditional registration as an RN while they work to accrue the required hours under the supervision of a Manitoba employer.

“I want to assure the public, applicants, and all registered nurses in Manitoba that the College is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to modernize and streamline the application and registration process in our province,” said Elias. “We have and will continue to make improvements to our processes while never compromising on safety. Our focus will always be on serving and protecting the public interest through a fair, accountable, and transparent approach to registered nursing regulation.”