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CRNA Reports Positive Impact

July 17, 2023 (Edmonton, AB) — On April 4, 2023, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) added new pathways that enable internationally educated nurses (IENs) to seek fair, fast, standardized, and transparent licensure in Alberta.

“In the three months since launch, the CRNA has increased the number of nurses registered in Alberta," said Joy Peacock, CRNA CEO and Registrar. "Many applicants have been working in Alberta in other health-care roles; and now their competencies and skills are being assessed for licensure as a registered nurse."

  • 3,101 applicants have received permits since April 4, 2023, from all application types.
    • 1,579 of the 3,101 permits issued were IENs that applied via new substantial equivalence pathways.
  • In previous permit years (October 2018 to September 2022), the CRNA received 582 applications from IENs using the substantial equivalence pathway.

Today, in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS), the CRNA is launching a Supervised Practice Program (SPP) that allows registered nurse applicants, who meet the eligibility requirements, to gain necessary hours of practice required to maintain a permit.

"A global clinical workforce shortage is well established. To address Alberta's shortage, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working collaboratively with the CRNA in the creation of a Supervised Practice Program (SPP) to support former nurses returning to practice. We applaud this innovate approach to optimize the delivery of health care for Albertans." — Fadumo Robinson, Associate Chief Nursing Officer & Collaborative Care Lead, Alberta Health Services (AHS)

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The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) governs and regulates registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified graduate nurses, graduate nurses, and graduate nurse practitioners under the Health Professions Act in Alberta.