Episode 4: Internationally Educated Nurses

The shortage of healthcare professionals is an important issue both provincially and nationally. However, growing concerns have arisen over the numerous internationally educated health professionals who are voicing their struggles to become either re-certified or are unable to practice their profession due to delays in registration. This podcast is hosted by Madison Cook, RN, BScN and features Edward Cruz, RN, CCNE, BN, MScN, PhD who discusses the current challenges, solutions, and opportunities faced IENs transitioning to practice in Canada. Edward has been a Registered Nurse in Ontario since 2006. He is currently employed at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada as an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Nursing, teaching in both the Undergraduate and Graduate programs. Earlier in his career, Edward Cruz worked as a float pool nurse (nursing resource team) at a community hospital in Ontario and at a shelter for homeless men. Subsequently, in 2008, he found part-time work as a clinical instructor at a community college in Toronto and soon thereafter, was able to secure a full-time teaching position. Later, he became a coordinator of bridging programs for IENs where his passion on this topic emerged. Edward’s other interests are nursing education, interprofessional collaboration, as well as refugee and immigrant health. Most of his projects have centered around IENs, including his master’s thesis. Edward has also authored and co-authored articles focused on IENs. In Ontario, the largest project he engaged in was a collaborative project led by Pat Marten-Daniel of George Brown College, where five other bridging program providers contributed. This was funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration for 3 years spanning from 2014 to 2017.