I took a hiatus from nursing practice and I am now considering reactivating my licence and applying for a nursing job. How can I meet currency of practice in order to be eligible for licensure?
If you are either an LPN or RN, you must meet one of the following currency of practice options to be eligible for licensure in Nova Scotia:
- Current licensure in another Canadian jurisdiction
- Nursing practice within the last three licensing years (Note: the licensing year runs from November 1 to October 31)
- A minimum of 320 hours of practice within the last five licensing years
- Successful completion of a re-entry program, bridging education, or other education determined appropriate by CEO, within the last five licensing years
- Successful completion of a competence assessment within the last five licensing years
If you are an LPN or RN who has practised within the last 10 licensing years but do not meet any of the above currency options, you may be eligible for a conditional licence with conditions and restrictions.
If you are an LPN or RN who has not practised within the last 10 licensing years and do not meet any of the above currency options, you are not eligible for a conditional licence and must successfully pass the required registration exam to qualify for a practising licence.
To learn more about this requirements, including how to re-establish currency of practice, click here.
If you are an NP, you must meet one of the following currency of practice options to be eligible for licensure in Nova Scotia:
- Current licensure as an NP in another Canadian jurisdiction
- Practice as an NP in the past three licensing years
- Passed the NP exam in the past three licensing years
NPs who do not meet any of the above currency options will be referred to the Registration and Licensing Committee.
How do I know if my nursing practice hours worked prior to my hiatus are sufficient to allow me to reactivate my licence?
For nursing practice hours to count, you must have held a nursing licence when you worked these hours. Only hours accumulated in a role that requires nursing knowledge, education, and meets the legal definition of nursing services can be counted towards your nursing practice hours. The Nursing Practice Hours Assessment Tool will assist you in determining if you can count your practice hours as nursing practice or if you need additional clarity from NSCN on your individual role.
For additional information on currency of practice, see the following resources:
If you have any questions regarding the licence reactivation process, please contact registration@nscn.ca. For further information on anything contained within this practice support tool, please contact an NSCN Practice Consultant at practice@nscn.ca.
