Return to Registered Nurse Practice Certificate

Program candidates include: individuals required by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) to complete courses, or a program of study, to either gain re-instatement of licensure or initial registration in BC; and those who have previously been registered by a Canadian provincial regulatory authority.

The courses (theoretical, laboratory and practice) are intended to reacquaint participants with substantive knowledge, values and skills to support nursing practice decisions and actions within the context of an evolving Canadian health care system. In addition, the courses aim to inspire and support professional growth, which is integral to the maintenance of continuing competency.

This program of study is grounded in the Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners (BCCNM, 2022), the scope of Practice for Registered Nurses: Standards, Limits and conditions (2021), as well as the Competencies in the Context of Entry-level Registered Nurse Practice in BC (BCCNM, 2021) and the individual participants’ situatedness and continuing competency plan to promote their readiness to return to practice.

Candidates for this program should have previously been registered as a nurse through a provincial nursing regulatory body and must not have been in practice as a registered nurse for the past five to 10 years. Individuals interested in the program, but have been away for Canadian nursing practice for more than 10 years, can apply for an individual assessment by the nursing Program and Course Lead for Open Learning.

Prior to program admission, these individuals may be required to complete additional course work or individualized pre-requisites before registering into a course. In such cases and where feasible, an individual learning plan is to be developed in consultation with the nursing Program and Course Lead for OL, as this will aid student advising and success.