Enhancing the Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium Competency-Bridging Program of Study: Evaluation of a Competency-Based Approach to Meet Registered Nurse Practice Registration Requirements
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| Title: | Enhancing the Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium Competency-Bridging Program of Study: Evaluation of a Competency-Based Approach to Meet Registered Nurse Practice Registration Requirements |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kirsten Woodend, Ayesha Bhatti, Patricia Bradley, Elizabeth Manafo, Linda Patrick, Elaine Santa Mina |
| Source: | Journal of Teaching and Learning. 2026 20(2):138-155. |
| Availability: | Journal of Teaching and Learning. 401 Sunset Ave. Faculty of Education, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9B 3P4. Tel: 519-253-3000 Ext. 4068; e-mail: jtl@uwindsor.ca; Web site: https://ojs.uwindsor.ca/index.php/JTL |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Nurses, Nursing Education, Competency Based Education, Certification, Foreign Countries, Consortia, Program Effectiveness, Transitional Programs, Foreign Workers |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| ISSN: | 1492-1154 1911-8279 |
| Abstract: | The effective integration of internationally educated nurses (IENs) into healthcare organizations is essential for the sustainability of our healthcare system. The IEN program was initiated in 2017, with an enhanced program of study commencing in 2018. To assess the relevance, design, and effectiveness of this enhanced IEN program, the evaluation reviewed existing program documents and conducted interviews with 34 key informants across three evaluation domains: relevance, design, and effectiveness. The revised IEN program of study remains pertinent. There remains a need for programs and initiatives that help IENs bridge competency gaps to practice as registered nurses (RNs). From a design perspective, the program of study met the needs of IENs and successfully reached its target audience. The program proved effective; it achieved the expected outcomes and was delivered efficiently. Students and graduates reported that the courses were well-structured, comprehensive, and taught by competent instructors. Stakeholders and program participants agreed that the program offers culturally appropriate, ethical practice and exposes students to diverse nursing contexts. The enhanced program of study effectively addresses the needs of IENs by providing an accessible, flexible, and high-quality pathway for RN licensure. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508208 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The effective integration of internationally educated nurses (IENs) into healthcare organizations is essential for the sustainability of our healthcare system. The IEN program was initiated in 2017, with an enhanced program of study commencing in 2018. To assess the relevance, design, and effectiveness of this enhanced IEN program, the evaluation reviewed existing program documents and conducted interviews with 34 key informants across three evaluation domains: relevance, design, and effectiveness. The revised IEN program of study remains pertinent. There remains a need for programs and initiatives that help IENs bridge competency gaps to practice as registered nurses (RNs). From a design perspective, the program of study met the needs of IENs and successfully reached its target audience. The program proved effective; it achieved the expected outcomes and was delivered efficiently. Students and graduates reported that the courses were well-structured, comprehensive, and taught by competent instructors. Stakeholders and program participants agreed that the program offers culturally appropriate, ethical practice and exposes students to diverse nursing contexts. The enhanced program of study effectively addresses the needs of IENs by providing an accessible, flexible, and high-quality pathway for RN licensure. |
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| ISSN: | 1492-1154 1911-8279 |
