Nursing
Supporting Internationally Trained Nurses
St. Michael's Hospital has been developing specific programs
to help new immigrants with international education and experience
join the Canadian workforce since 2000. A leader in the field, our
expertise has influenced government and regulators to improve policies
and programs to enable internationally educated immigrants to gain
work in their profession.
Working in partnership with government, regulatory bodies, educators and others, we have inspired new models of hiring practices not only in Canada but worldwide. Our mentoring program for internationally educated professionals has been replicated across the country and our publication “Making Connections – A New Model of Mentoring for Internationally Trained Professionals” is used around the globe to guide mentoring programs for internationally educated professionals. Most recently our success was recognized when we received the 2006 Immigrant Success Award presented by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) .
We recognize the value of integrating internationally educated employees, particularly nurses. Internationally educated nurses bring a wealth of skills beyond the clinical. They speak other languages and understand different cultures which reflect the diversity of our local community and the city of Toronto. They contribute to the strength of our health care system, chiefly as integral members of the health-care team and ensure optimal care for our diverse patient population.
Advocating for and mentoring internationally educated professionals is one way in which we can better prepare them for today’s complex health environments. We continue to build a partnership with the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, which provides a variety of services for internationally educated nurses. The services help them gain the knowledge and experience needed to better ensure success when they write their exam at the College of Nurses of Ontario.
We provide, through our partnership with the CARE Centre, a wide range of opportunities for CARE participants, including job shadowing, work related learning opportunities and employment to graduates from the CARE Centre who achieve their license to practice nursing in Ontario.
We continue to provide mentoring opportunities for a range of internationally educated professionals and are a key leader in providing internship opportunities at the hospital in partnership with CareerBridge.
