Does the credential process really take up to 6months?
>> for me , YES, you know the result after 6 months; it does not mean that u r qualify to the exam!! If u r not qualified, u need to take courses which will take longer time

How long is required for sufficient preparation for the written component of PNE
>> I started revision 2 months before exams. from my opinion, if u r a recent graduate, it is good!! Take the exam before u start forgetting the stuff u learn from school XD

Does one realistically need to be working to pass the clinical component of the exam?
>> it's better to work in clinical setting before u have the clinical exam. I practiced / mentally rehearsed when I treated the patients. I was dreaming of doing clinical exam the few nights before PCE ( I am not joking!!!)

How is hospital work in Canada structured?rotations?
>>all hospitals are public. there are specific teams e.g. stroke, complex care, medical, rehab....etc; rotation is not very common; but u still have chance to change team if there is interna posting

hope it helps