A Brampton hospital is making strides to integrate more internationally educated nurses (IEN) into its workforce. William Osler Health System launched a Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) program two years ago to help IENs who are going through the nursing registration process and need to satisfy two of the requirements: evidence of practice and language proficiency. RN Manpreet Gill took part in this program and says it helped her get licensed and land a “dream job.” She described the experience to the Brampton Guardian (May 12) as “…very different than back in India. Here we are using different equipment. Osler gave me the opportunity to learn the hospital structure and how to work (as a nurse) in Canada.” Her experience is not indicative of every IEN’s experience in Ontario. RN Emil Patricio, who currently practises in Guelph, had to travel to Alberta and pay $7000+ out of pocket to be licensed before moving back to Ontario. “People from the Philippines are known for health care…our education there as a nurse is very comprehensive,” he said, acknowledging that he was disappointed by the challenges he faced. Patricio spent a decade volunteering at local hospitals and working as a PSW while working towards his recertification. RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun acknowledged that although RNAO is not the regulatory body, she apologizes “…on behalf of the profession to every single internationally educated nurse who is going through hurdles that are absolutely preventable.” RNAO continues its support and advocacy for IENs, and created a discounted category of membership – IEN associate – for those who reside in Canada but are not yet registered to practise. (CTV News, June 5)