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$1.5 Million Funding Boost for University-Led Consortium to Address Ontario’s Ongoing Demand for Registered Nurses

February 24, 2022
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Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium receives funding to update competency-bridging program for internationally educated nurses

Dr. Kirsten Woodend, in the Trent Nursing Simulation Lab, with Nursing students (2017)
Dr. Kirsten Woodend, in the Trent Nursing Simulation Lab, with Nursing students (2017)

A $1.5 million funding boost from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, will support the University-led Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium (OIENCC) in updating its successful competency-bridging program of study for internationally educated nurses to help address the Province’s demand for registered nurses.

Trent University is a key partner with OIENCC, which aims to support internationally educated nurses (IENs) in their journey to become registered nurses in Ontario. The Consortium consists of partners and expertise from Trent University, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University, the Health Leadership and Learning Network  at York University, and Continuing Education at the University of Windsor.

“The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing participated in the creation of this Consortium in 2014, to address the need for a pathway for internationally educated nurses to utilize the credentials and experience earned in other countries, and support these nurses to become registered in order to practice their professions in Ontario,” explains Dr. Kirsten Woodend, associate professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. “This collaboration and the additional funding will allow us to play a key role in addressing the demand for nurses across the province.”

A statement from the consortium Program Management Working Group explains “COVID-19 has compounded the challenges IENs face in becoming Registered Nurses in Ontario. It has also increased the demand for IENs to work in our healthcare system to meet the diverse needs of our population. This funding for a flexible program is a timely response by the Government as the need to address these challenges becomes more pressing.”

IENs are essential to create a diverse workforce responsive to the expanding healthcare needs of Canada’s multicultural population. The competency-bridging program of study, supported by Careerspace at Trent University, is designed to help IENs meet the College of Nurses of Ontario's nursing education requirement, the College of Nurses of Ontario's evidence of recent practice requirement, and become eligible to write the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The components of the program of study will include: an orientation to the program of study; two English language, communication, and culture of nursing in Canada courses; seven competency-based courses; three simulation lab courses; two clinical placement courses; and a transition to professional practice course that includes employment supports.

“The Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium is thrilled to continue to support IENs through a flexible program that helps them transition to practice in Ontario. IENs provide valuable skills and expertise for Ontarian’s healthcare,” said Ayesha Bhatti, program manager of the OIENCC.

For more information about the competency-bridging program of study visit rncompetencies.ca. Applications will be accepted through the website until April 3, 2022.

About Trent University

One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.

About the Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium

In 2014, Dr. Elaine Santa Mina, associate professor in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Ryerson University, Dr. Kirsten Woodend, RN, associate professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing at Trent University, Dr. Linda Patrick, associate professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Windsor, and Dr. Pat Bradley, professor emerita in the School of Nursing at York University, came together through the Council of Ontario Universities Programs in Nursing to explore a consortium approach to meet the competency based educational needs of IENs. A consortium approach was chosen in order to draw on province-wide expertise in IEN education, align with existing offerings, and to provide access and flexibility for IENs across the province.

Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca

Find other stories about: Career Centre, Nursing

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