New initiative for internationally educated nurses supports transition to work in Ontario
Jan. 13th, 2015 3:50 pm | Posted in: News
Every year, internationally educated nurses bring valuable knowledge and experience to Ontario health care organizations. To support those who are newly registered in the province, and are looking to gain experience or a full-time position, the Ontario government has launched the Nursing Career OrIENtation (NCO) Initiative.
“Many nurses who studied abroad are eager to find a job,” says Zubeida Ramji, Executive Director, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses. “The NCO Initiative provides eligible nurses with the opportunity to apply and compete for permanent, full-time employment and supports their transition into practice in Ontario.”
Through the NCO Initiative, employers receive up to 26 weeks of funding for a temporary, full-time nursing position that is over and above their regular staffing complement. Nurses receive an extended orientation and one-on-one training to better develop their skills. Nursing opportunities are available across a variety of sectors, including: acute care, long-term care, home care, community care, primary care and public health.
“The NCO Initiative doesn’t just benefit these nurses – there are advantages for employers, too,” says Ramji. “It supports efforts to recruit and retain nurses, and helps level the playing field for all organizations, regardless of their size, including the ones in rural and northern areas.”
Eligible internationally educated nurses include those who have never worked in a paid nursing position in Canada before, and have received their General Class Registration from the College of Nurses in Ontario (CNO) within the last six months.
Internationally educated nurses who would like to register in Ontario can learn more by visiting health force.ca
