RN Resources

Your Guide to Registration, License Renewal & Travel Nurse Career Growth

Whether you’re newly registered, an internationally educated nurse seeking Canadian registration, or an experienced RN looking to maintain your license, this guide covers everything you need. You’ll also find expert tips on resume building and interview preparation—essential steps for any nurse exploring travel opportunities.

Woman traveling looking at trees.
Woman traveling looking at trees.
Woman traveling looking at trees.

Understanding RN Registrations in Canada

Every Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada must be licensed or registered with a provincial or territorial regulatory body. Requirements and processes can vary by region, but generally, you’ll need:

Proof of Education

Completion of an approved nursing program (diploma, baccalaureate, or equivalent).

Successful Exam Completion

Passing the NCLEX-RN (or the former Canadian Registered Nurse Exam, CRNE).

Good Standing & Character

No outstanding disciplinary findings; must submit to background checks and provide references when required.

Proof of Language Proficiency

English or French requirements, depending on the province/territory.

Provincial Registration Basics

British Columbia: The BCCNM (BC College of Nurses & Midwives) handles RN registrations. Reference the Gov.bc.ca site for MSP and additional certification steps.

Ontario: The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) manages registration and licensing.


Alberta: The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) oversees registration.


Quebec: The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) is the licensing body.


And so on for other provinces and territories.

Internationally Educated Nurses

If you trained outside of Canada, you’ll likely need to go through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). This organization verifies your credentials and provides a report to the provincial regulatory body you wish to register with. Check out NNAS.ca for detailed steps.


Tip: Plan well in advance. Verification and registration can take several months, especially if you’re going through the NNAS process.

Where to Renew Your RN License

Where to Renew Your RN License

Each province or territory has its own renewal timeline—often annually. Here’s a general overview:

  • Check Your Provincial Regulatory Body’s Portal: For example, in BC you’d visit BCCNM’s website or in Ontario you’d use the CNO’s online portal.

  • Complete Any Required Declarations: You may be asked to confirm your practice hours, continuing education, and proof of good standing (no disciplinary issues).

  • Pay Renewal Fees: Fees vary by province and are usually paid online. Keep your receipt for tax purposes.

  • Update Personal Information: If you’ve changed your name, address, or phone number, update your profile promptly.

Each province or territory has its own renewal timeline—often annually. Here’s a general overview:

  • Check Your Provincial Regulatory Body’s Portal: For example, in BC you’d visit BCCNM’s website or in Ontario you’d use the CNO’s online portal.

  • Complete Any Required Declarations: You may be asked to confirm your practice hours, continuing education, and proof of good standing (no disciplinary issues).

  • Pay Renewal Fees: Fees vary by province and are usually paid online. Keep your receipt for tax purposes.

  • Update Personal Information: If you’ve changed your name, address, or phone number, update your profile promptly.

RN Registration Directory


BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
900 – 200 Granville St. Vancouver, BC  V6C 1S4
Tel: (604) 742-6200 / 1-866-880-7101
Fax: (604) 899-0794
E-mail: info@bccnm.ca 
www.bccnp.ca
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA)
2066 Retallack Street, Regina SK S4T 7X5
Tel: 1-800-667-9945 / (306) 359-4200
Fax: (306) 525-0849
E-mail: info@srna.org 
www.srna.org
NEW BRUNSWICK
Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB)
165 Regent Street, Fredericton NB E3B 7B4
Tel: (506) 458-8731
Fax: (506) 459-2838
E-mail: nanb@nanb.nb.ca 
www.nanb.nb.ca
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
College of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island (CRNPEI)
53 Grafton Street, Charlottetown PE C1A 1K8
Tel: (902) 368-3764
Fax: (902) 628-1430
www.crnpei.ca
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANTNU)
Box 2757, Yellowknife NT X1A 2R1
Tel: (867) 873-2745
Fax: (867) 873-2336
E-mail: admin@rnantnu.ca 
www.rnantnu.ca
QUÉBEC
Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
4200, boul. Dorchester Ouest
Montréal QC H3Z 1V4
Tel: (514) 935-2501 / 1-800-363-6048
Fax: (514) 935-1799
E-mail: info@oiiq.org 
www.oiiq.org
ALBERTA
College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA)
11120 – 178 Street, Edmonton AB T5S 1P2
Tel: (780) 451-0043
Fax: (780) 452-3276
E-mail: carna@nurses.ab.ca 
www.nurses.ab.ca
MANITOBA
College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM)
890 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB R3M 2M8
Tel: (204) 774-3477
Fax: (204) 775-6052
E-mail: info@crnm.mb.ca 
www.crnm.mb.ca
ONTARIO
College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
101 Davenport Road, Toronto ON M5R 3P1
Tel: 1-800-387-5526 / (416) 928-0900
Fax: (416) 928-6507
E-mail: cno@cnomail.org 
www.cno.org
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN)
120 Western Parkway, Suite 300, Bedford, NS B4B 0V2
Tel: (902) 444-6726 | 1-833-267-6726
Fax: (902) 377-5188
E-mail: info@nscn.ca 
www.nscn.ca
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL)
55 Military Rd, St. John’s NL A1C 2C5
Tel: (709) 753-6040
Fax: (709) 753-4940
E-mail: info@arnnl.ca 
www.crnnl.ca
YUKON
Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA)
204 – 4133 – 4th Avenue, Whitehorse YT Y1A 1H8
Tel: (867) 667-4062
Fax: (867) 668-5123
E-mail: admin@yrna.ca 
www.yukonnurses.ca

Additional Credentialing & Certification Options

Beyond basic registration, Canadian nurses can pursue extra certifications to expand their skill set or validate specialized expertise. Consider:
CNA Specialty Certifications

Offered in areas like Critical Care, Oncology, Gerontology, and more. Renewing these certifications might involve submitting continuing education credits or re-taking an exam.

Advanced Practice Roles

If you aim for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role, additional graduate-level education and exams may be required.


Travel Nurse Resume Tips

Building a compelling travel registered nurse resume involves highlighting both your clinical skills and your adaptability. Here’s how to stand out:

Start with a Strong Summary

Example: “Dedicated RN with 3+ years of experience in Med-Surg, ER, and Pediatrics. Committed to delivering patient-centered care in fast-paced, multicultural settings.”

Showcase Clinical Competencies

List your key skills (IV insertion, telemetry, wound care, etc.) and mention any relevant certifications (e.g., ACLS, BLS, PALS, CTAS).

Emphasize Adaptability & Flexibility

Travel nursing recruiters want to see if you can handle new environments. Mention any float, volunteer, or cross-training experiences.

Include Quantifiable Achievements

Example: “Reduced patient wait times by 20% during peak ER shifts through efficient triage practices.” or “worked in an ER that saw 200+ visits per day”

Highlight Technological Proficiency

Familiarity with different Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems is a big plus.

Resume Format

Keep your resume concise—1-2 pages is ideal. Recruiters and potential employers often skim resumes quickly to assess fit.


Interview Tips for Travel Nurses

Securing a travel nurse position often involves phone or virtual interviews. Set yourself up for success with these tactics:


Research the Facility

Understand their patient demographics, specialty units, and organizational culture.

Prepare Clinical Scenarios

Be ready to explain how you handle common issues like medication errors, conflict resolution, or high-pressure triage.

Demonstrate Flexibility & Soft Skills

Travel contracts value nurses who adapt quickly and work well in team settings. Illustrate your communication style with real-world examples.

Ask Questions

Inquire about nurse-to-patient ratios, orientation length, types of shifts, and housing arrangements (if relevant).

Highlight Cultural Awareness

Especially if you’re applying for rural or remote locations, show you’re open to learning about local communities and customs.


Practice makes perfect. Consider doing a mock interview with a colleague or friend, focusing on scenario-based questions. Our dedicated recruiters will also help you prepare if you need to interview with a facility manager!



Ready to Take Your Nursing Career
to the Next Level?

With the right resources, a supportive community, and the right travel nurse agency behind you, the possibilities in Canadian healthcare are endless. At Select Medical Connections, we’re committed to helping you navigate every stage of your nursing journey.


Apply Now

Ready to Take Your Nursing Career
to the Next Level?

With the right resources, a supportive community, and the right travel nurse agency behind you, the possibilities in Canadian healthcare are endless. At Select Medical Connections, we’re committed to helping you navigate every stage of your nursing journey.


Apply Now