Original Article

Internationally Educated Nurses’ Experiences With an Integrated Bridge Program

Lynda Atack, RN, PhD; Edward V. Cruz, RN, BN, MEdM; Janet Maher, PhD; Sandra Murphy, RN, PhD

  • The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
  • August 2012 - Volume 43 · Issue 8: 370-378
  • DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20120615-62
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Abstract

Background:

Countries around the world are experiencing a current and projected ongoing shortage of nurses. Internationally educated nurses are an underused, valuable human resource that could reduce the nursing shortage. A bridge program, with several innovations bundled into one program, was developed specifically to meet the needs of internationally educated nurses.

Methods:

A qualitative study using interviews was conducted with internationally educated nurses. Data were collected in the first semester, at the end of the program, and after nurses started work.

Results:

Although knowledge of the health care system is critical, an understanding of the adopted country’s educational philosophy is also important. Occupation-specific language training and ample clinical time are essential for program success and for helping participants to secure employment.

Conclusion:

“One-stop shopping” bridge programs that provide a range of curricular supports for internationally educated nurses are essential to support this pool of highly skilled nurses in preparing for practice in their new home.

Dr. Atack is Professor and Dr. Murphy is Dean, School of Community and Health Studies; Mr. Cruz is Coordinator, Internationally Educated Nurse Bridging Program; and Dr. Maher is Senior Researcher, Applied Research and Innovation Centre, Centennial College, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

This research was funded in part by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.

The authors are grateful for the collaboration and support of the Centennial College Applied Research and Innovation Centre and the nurses who participated in this study.

Address correspondence to Lynda Atack, RN, PhD, Professor, School of Community and Health Studies, Centennial College, P.O. Box 631, Station A, Scarborough, ON M1K 5E9, Canada. E-mail: latack@centennialcollege.ca.

Received: November 03, 2011
Accepted: May 08, 2012
Posted Online: June 22, 2012

doi: 10.3928/00220124-20120615-62

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