B.C. fast-tracking U.S.-trained nurses amid rise in applications

VICTORIA — Premier David Eby says British Columbia’s new streamlined process for registering nurses trained in the United States means some applicants could be approved to work in the province within days.

Eby told reporters Monday the process previously took up to four months on average.

“The uncertainty that’s currently present in the United States related to the Trump administration presents a significant opportunity for British Columbia,” he said.

Eby said B.C.’s support for science and reproductive rights, along with its universal public health-care system, is prompting more health-care professionals to consider careers north of the border.

The province announced in March it would fast-track credential recognition for U.S.-trained health professionals. Nurses can now apply directly to the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives without going through a third-party organization for assessment.

“With the uncertainty and chaos happening south of our border, we have an unprecedented opportunity to attract skilled health-care workers interested in moving to Canada,” Health Minister Josie Osborne said in a March 11 statement.

Eby said applications from U.S.-trained nurses are up 127 per cent since the changes took effect. A total of 177 nurses have applied under the new system, and 113 have been granted registration.

“President Trump’s loss is British Columbia’s gain,” Eby said, addressing prospective health-care workers.

He added that the province will have more to share soon on efforts to attract physicians. Licensing for doctors is overseen by a different regulatory body.

Osborne said the government is working with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. on bylaw changes aimed at speeding up the licensing process for U.S.-trained doctors.

She said a targeted marketing campaign is expected to launch early next month in several western U.S. states in a bid to recruit more health-care professionals to B.C.