Franck Boulasladj is full of praise for Quebec, which welcomed him. “No regrets! I will not return to work in France,” says the 43-year-old nurse. There he found the professional development that he lacked in France. “I wanted to develop professionally and Quebec offered me that,” explains Eight years after his arrival, he is now a nursing consultant for the orientation and development of nursing staff and the integration of nurses qualified outside Canada in Estrie.

He even had the opportunity to complete his education and complete two graduate micro-programs, one in “Health Sciences Education” at the University of Sherbrooke and the other in Management of “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace” at the University of Quebec at Rimouski.

His regret? That France does not offer these professional development opportunities.

Prospective visit

Nothing led this nursing graduate from Vienne (Isère) to choose his professional path in Quebec.

“I had a private nursing practice in Lyon since 2007, which worked very well,” he explains. However, while in Paris, he came across the Quebec Days recruiting event and heard about Recrutement Santé Québec (RSQ). It takes several months before he takes the first steps and applies.

All he knows from Quebec is the mixed experiences of a French friend, a nurse, who only stayed in the province for a year. In March 2014, when winter was still approaching, he came to spend ten days with friends. He has a crush on Estrie, between town and country.

A year later he crossed the Atlantic with a closed work permit in his pocket.

“You have to inform yourself before emigrating, know which region you want to live in, how you feel here with children or a spouse, that’s important,” recommends the nurse.

An easier route between France and Quebec

The Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Diplomas (ARM), signed between France and Quebec in 2008, has facilitated the journey of French immigrants. “It adds value to the migration project and is very helpful for French nurses,” explains Mr Boulasladj. For countries without ARM, the competency recognition process is slightly different under the regulations of the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ). A nurse may first have to complete an integration internship in order to receive a permit to practice the nursing profession (CEPI). She then has to take the religious examination in order to be able to work as a nurse.

To facilitate his integration, Franck returned to hospital in France for six months to “regain the hospital reflexes”, since work in home care is organized differently.

“Nurses who have provided home care and have a lot of experience have developed skills outside of the hospital; They therefore have good knowledge to apply for a local Community Service Center (CLSC), Family Medicine Group (GMF) or home care,” explains the consultant.

Prepare well before use

Franck recommends emigration candidates to prepare before applying. For example, the role of the nurse in Quebec differs from that in France. There is more responsibility in assessing the physical and mental status of users, checking for risks and communicating them to patients.

“We immediately see the ill-prepared nurses, those who have not visited the website of the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ) to understand the role of a nurse in Quebec and its reserved activities,” continues the health expert.

“You must change your glasses when you arrive in Quebec,” recommends Franck Boulasladj.

In fact, the work organization, the distribution of roles and the type of care are different. The work shifts (day, evening, night) are not the same as in France, where 12-hour day or night cycles are more common in hospitals.

In addition, the devices and medications have different names due to their proximity to the USA.

“Quebec is not an extension of France! »

The French immigrant, now a Canadian citizen, also recommends future candidates put their prejudices aside.

“Quebec is not an extension of France! “, calls he.

According to him, one has to expect disorientation problems when immigrating. Because Quebec is North America, even if we speak French there. He himself took the time to discover the language and culture, learn it and rebuild his network.

“We give up our old codes, we are a little naked. Some can’t stand it and go home,” complains the nurse.

He also recommends preparing well and informing yourself about the steps to be taken: “It is a new country with different laws and rules, with a different way of working.”

Today Zack (the Quebecer) and Chaussette (the Frenchwoman), Franck’s two cats, are spending happy days in Estrie with their nursing advisor for the integration of nurses qualified outside Canada.

“I encourage all nurses who want to develop their careers to come to Quebec and do so,” he concludes.