- Criminal Record Background Search -
Requirements for Nursing Jobs in Canada
A criminal record background search is required for all nursing jobs in Canada.
Criminal records searches can be completed through the local office of the
RCMP or local police force.Your criminal records research file will
be forwarded directly to the regulatory nursing organization.
The process of criminal records research is in place in the Canadian health care system to
protect the public
so that the regulatory nursing organization is made aware of any past criminal actions that could affect your
ability to provide safe, ethical nursing care.
CPIC is the abbreviation for Canadian Police Information Center
Remember
A CPIC criminal record background search has a expiry date! If you already have a
report but apply for your nursing license after it has expired you will need to pay the fee and have the search done again in order to supply
an updated file.
When you apply for nursing jobs in Canada you will not be required to submit the results of the criminal
record searches to the employer.
The employer is aware that having a
nursing license means that the
criminal record check has already been completed.
Once your criminal record background search is completed and has been accepted by the nursing regulatory
body, your application for your nursing license can be processed. When you obtain your nursing license you
do not have to pay for any more criminal records searches as it is done as part of your annual renewal of
registration.
If something questionable should show up on your annual Canadian criminal records search
your nursing license may not be renewed.
Remember that the primary goal of the requirement for criminal records searches is to keep the Canadian public safe.
Nursing jobs in Canada require close interaction with vulnerable populations such as children,
the elderly, or the sick and disabled.
The framework of public accountability within the Canadian
health care system requires that processes are in place to make sure that these vulnerable populations
can receive care with a minimum of risk.
The nursing profession is not the only profession whose members are subject to criminal
records searches. Other professionals in a position of public trust are also required to
have a clear criminal records check. This would include school teachers, social workers, pharmacists, physicians and police officers
just to name a few.
Even if you are in not in a paid position but work as a volunteer with vulnerable populations,
under provincial legislation a clear criminal records search would be required.
How do you get a criminal record background search for nursing jobs in Canada?
Go back to A Nursing License in Canada is Required for All Types of Nursing
