New Graduate RN

This section is for you if:

  • You are a student or recent graduate of the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BScN) program in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Or

  • You are a student or recent graduate of a Canadian entry-level RN program.

Important notice: You need a licence to work as an RN, including attending employer orientation.

If you graduated from the nursing program in NL or another province/territory, you should apply to the College as an Exam Candidate. After the College approves your application you can apply for a temporary licence to practice, which lets you work before writing the NCLEX-RN® exam.

Application process:

  • Sign up for an account in the College Nurse portal
  • After creating your account, apply as an Exam Candidate.
  • Complete your application:
    • Upload two (2) of the following government issued identification documents, one of which must contain a photo:
      • Passport
      • Driver’s License
      • Birth certificate
      • Permanent resident card
      • Citizenship card
      • Immigration card
    • If your name has changed, upload a legal change of name document or marriage certificate.
  • Submit the College application processing fee ($172.50 CAD includes HST) with your application. Staff will review your application and follow up if you need to submit any additional information. The application fee is non-refundable once the application review process has begun.
  • Confirmation of Program Completion
    • Graduates of a nursing education program within Newfoundland and Labrador, the College will receive confirmation of successful program completion directly from the Office of the Registrar at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
    • Graduates of a nursing education program outside of Newfoundland and Labrador must submit an official transcript from the university where you completed your nursing education. This must be sent directly to the College from the university.
  • Submit a current Criminal Record Check (CRC)
    • You must review the College’s Criminal Record Check information.
    • Only CRCs obtained within the last six (6) months will be accepted.
    • You are encouraged to use the online CRC service provider – CSI Screening – and select the Enhanced Criminal Record Check option. CSI Screening will provide your results electronically to the College within 24-48 hours.
    • If you obtain a CRC through local police or the RCMP, the original hard copy of the CRC must be submitted to the College by mail or in person. If received electronically the College must be able to confirm the document if valid.
    • If you have been convicted of an offence, you must disclose this information to the College and will be required to provide additional documentation.
  • English Language Proficiency (ELP)
    You can meet ELP through completion of a nursing education program or language proficiency testing. Review the English language proficiency requirements to determine if you need to submit a test of English proficiency or if you meet one of the other methods of demonstrating ELP.

Once the College receives all required information, including your CRC and confirmation of program completion, you will be provided with a decision within three (3) business days.

NCLEX-RN Exam

When you submit your application to the College you must also register and pay the NCLEX-RN® exam fee with National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

When the College approves your exam candidate application we will also grant you exam eligibility on the NCSBN site. You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE (exam vendor) for exam scheduling. Be sure to follow the instructions in the ATT email to schedule your exam.

Read more about the approved RN licensure exam, NCLEX-RN®.

Temporary RN Licence

This information is for Exam Candidates who want a temporary licence to practice while waiting to write the NCLEX-RN®.

A temporary licence is valid for four (4) months while you prepare for the NCLEX-RN.

Application process for Temporary Licence:

A temporary RN licence is required to start work, including orientation events and activities.

  • Apply through the Nurse Portal and pay the licensure fee ($156.40 CAD includes HST). Professional Liability Protection fee ($78.20 includes HST) paid directly to Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS).
  • Detailed information on the temporary application process is provided in an email from the College confirming your exam candidate application has been approved.
  • Once the temporary licence has been issued, you will receive an email from the College that your registration change has been approved, and your name will display on the College’s Search for a Nurse. Ensure that you check your licensure status via the public directory to confirm your licence has been issued.

Unauthorized Practice:

Practicing without a valid practicing or temporary licence will result in an Unauthorized Practice Fee of $100 per day worked up to a maximum of $1000 and you will have a referral to the College’s Quality Assurance program where the period of unauthorized practice exceeds seven (7) days from and including the first day of practice. This applies to nursing practice in all domains (clinical, administration, education, and policy/research).

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