Speaker
Description
Abstract
Background
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is committed to building our culture by empowering and inspiring our staff. In February 2022, SHN partnered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and Ontario Health (OH) to introduce the Supervised Practice Experience Program (SPEP) within the organization. This initiative aims to assist Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who require clinical hours to obtain CNO registration under the supervision of an experienced nurse. A focused group was arranged which included past and current SPE candidates to determine the ongoing challenges they experienced as they transitioned into independent clinical practice.
Purpose
The purpose of the focus group was to assess current gaps in the SPE program, determine the
needs of internationally educated nurses and how SHN can help improve the SPE program to
ensure IENs have a smooth transition into their nursing careers.
Method
10 IENs participated in the focus group study. Using a survey, the IENs were asked 10
questions about the supports they continued to need and the challenges they faced as they
transitioned into their nursing careers.
Results
IEN needs were identified through the focus group study. Based on those needs, SHN had the
opportunity to collaborate with an external partner- 369 Global. 369 Global (in collaboration with
Computek College) facilitated an 8-week virtual course that aimed to help transition IEN’s into the
Canadian health care system. Key topics included: Financial literacy, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion,
Civic Engagement and Communication. The preliminary overall feedback from participants was very
positive- 25/25 candidates stated they would recommend this program to other IENs. In June 2024, SHN
had their first cohort of 25 participants graduate the program. The next steps will include a thorough
evaluation of the program and planning for a second cohort at SHN to enroll in Global 369.
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is this work related to:
Embracing Cultural Diversity in Health Care: Developing Cultural Competence
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Ekta Singh, BScN, RN, MScN
Minette MacNeil, BScN, RN, MN
Keywords
Assessing the needs of IENs
| Organization Name | Scarborough Health Network |
|---|
