A $1.5 million funding boost from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will help address the province’s demand for registered nurses by preparing internationally educated nurses to launch careers in Ontario.

The University of Windsor is a key partner in the Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium, which provides a competency-bridging program as a pathway to practice in the province.

Nursing professor Linda Patrick participated in the creation of the consortium in 2014, working with Jennie Atkins, executive director of Continuing Education, to create a pathway at the University of Windsor.

“The program supports internationally educated nurses to become registered in Ontario and use the credentials and experience earned in other countries,” says Dr. Patrick. “This additional funding is incredibly timely and will allow us to play a key role in meeting the demand for nurses.”

These professionals contribute to a diverse workforce responsive to the healthcare needs of Canada’s multicultural population, she notes.

The consortium consists of partners and expertise from Continuing Education at the University of Windsor, Trent University, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University, and the Health Leadership and Learning Network  at York University.

The competency-bridging program of study is designed to help graduates 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.

For more information, visit rncompetencies.ca. Applications will be accepted through the website until April 3.