CARE Centre’s IEN Connector – Summer 2017
IEN Connector Stories Summer 2017
Meet Our New CARE Centre Staffers
Ismail El Assaad, RN, Case Manager
CARE Centre is pleased to announce that two new case managers and an office records coordinator, all nurses, have joined the CARE Centre staff. Member IEN Ismail El Assaad, RN, the 2012 Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award-winner, is the new case manager in the London office. Ismail continues to work as a critical care nurse at London Health Sciences University Hospital.
Grace Felix, RPN, Case Manager
Member IEN Grace Felix was recently working in Atlantic Canada as an RPN, and returns to Ontario as a case manager in the Brampton office. CARE Centre has also received funding to hire Ronelca Joseph as File Management Clerk to assist in digitizing CARE Centre’s records. Ronelca, who also has a nursing background as an RPN, joins front office assistant Vanesta Dieudonne in keeping CARE Centre running smoothly. Welcome All!
CARE Centre’s 2016 – 2017 Annual Report Now Online
Dhan Sahi, RPN
CARE Centre’s newest annual report is now available to read or download on the website (posted under the “About Us” section). “Having marked its 15th anniversary year and now in its 16th year of service, CARE Centre has served thousands of IENs and has positively affected system-wide change for IENs’ integration to the Ontario healthcare workforce,” said Executive Director Dr. Ruth Lee. “CARE Centre’s case management model is unique in the supports IENs can access in Ontario and is the most client-centred program available. We are delighted to have several IENs working as case managers, some of whom are members who completed their registration with us.” Case managers in the regional offices are available for individual information sessions by appointment.
Deputy Minister Congratulates Latest Cohort of CARE Centre IENs
Case Manager Michelle Gordon, Valedictorian Aaron Antonio, RN, CARE Centre Executive Director Dr. Ruth Lee, Alexander Bezzina, Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, 2016 IEN of the Year Kareen Tacderas, RN, and Case Manager Lourdes Vicente.
On June 19th, CARE Centre celebrated the achievement of 113 IENs for passing their nursing registration exams and completing the bridging program. A special guest at the event was Mr. Alexander Bezzina, Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, CARE Centre’s government funder. Mr. Bezzina shared his appreciation for IENs and wished them the best for their careers. “Our IENs become members for life when they join CARE Centre, so they are always part of the family as we support them in continuing milestones,” said Executive Director Dr. Ruth Lee. “This year we had graduate Aaron Antonio give the valedictorian speech, and one of last year’s Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award-winners, Kareen Tacderas, also offered words of encouragement and inspiration. IENs overcome incredible barriers and challenges to pursue their dream of nursing in Ontario and we are grateful for the continuing support of the Ministry for funding CARE Centre and sharing our vision of a more inclusive nursing workforce for Ontario.”
It’s a Small World After All
Lina Hassan
Attending a recent Newcomer Expo, CARE Centre Communications Specialist Tina Novotny took part in a group exercise where attendees introduced themselves to the person sitting next to them. Who should Tina meet but Lina Hassan, an IEN recently arrived from Dubai, where she was acquainted with member IEN and former CARE Centre instructor Rola Moubadder, who now teaches in her home country.
Rola Moubadder
“You know, when I first planned to pursue my nursing license in Canada I was confused and feeling lonely, I didn’t know how and where to start,” said Hassan. “I connected with Rola while still in Dubai. Rola gave me a lot of support and information on how to start and told me not to give up. And she said ‘Go to CARE Centre, you’ll be in safe hands!’ CARE Centre staff are people who support others deep from their hearts with a passion to help.” Thanks Rola! Thanks Lina!
Windsor-area Member Featured in Magazine
Randa Al Hassani, RN
CARE Centre member IEN Randa Al Hassani was profiled in a Windsor magazine called Biz X in honour of National Nursing Week 2017. Randa told editor Deborah Jones, “I chose to immigrate to Canada as it is the best country in the world with outstanding education and healthcare systems. Being a nurse here is a great honour to me. CARE Centre supported me by setting up an action plan to successfully complete all the necessary steps to qualify as a registered nurse in Ontario. My case manager helped me gain employment by critiquing my resume, teaching me interview skills and providing a Canadian reference. My employers and co-workers give me great support and being part of a team that improves the quality of life for our seniors every day, I consider that an amazing role.” Read the whole article here. (Article is on page 17.)
PASS Member IENs Bring the Global Village to Canada
Unnati Christian and Ronald Thakor
CARE Centre’s Pre-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS), funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has released data about international participants since the start of the fiscal year April 1, 2017. In three months there have been 51 new IENs registered with PASS, out of a total of 204 since the launch of the program in January 2016. The greatest number apply from the Philippines, with India the second-spot country. Many of the IENs are heading to Quebec, with Ontario the second-ranked destination province. Although PASS has an extensive referral network of government and private agencies, many IENs find out about PASS by searching out the website or by visiting the PASS Facebook page. The PASS IENs are predominantly female at 75%, but the 25% of male IENs is significantly higher than the ratio of domestically educated nurses, which can be a single-digit percentage or rarely higher than 10 percent. “Nursing is a much-less gendered profession in other parts of the world than in North America,” said PASS Program Co-ordinator Meghan Wankel. “Gender is just another element of the desirable diversity that IENs bring to Canadian healthcare.”
IEN Connector Fall 2016 Edition
Meet our New Brampton Case Managers
CARE Centre’s Peel Region office in downtown Brampton now has two full-time case managers serving clients.
Natolina Marius-Springer
Natolina Marius-Springer is a CARE Centre member RPN, on her way to obtaining her RN, who worked as a nursing instructor in St. Lucia. “Having been on the IEN journey in Ontario, I can relate to our clients’ needs on a very personal basis,” said Marius-Springer. “There are many steps in the registration process, and using my knowledge and experience to help others is very rewarding.”
Junlex Doydora
Junlex Doydora is originally from the Philippines where he worked as a bank officer, having later completed his nursing studies and RN registration in Ontario. He has worked as an RN both in Canada and the USA. “Jun” has also experienced coming to Canada as an immigrant shifting careers from banking to nursing. “After a first career I was called to the nursing profession. I started as a PSW, became an RPN and now an RN. I want to spread the message to our clients that through hard work, sacrifice and perseverance, one can succeed.”
The Brampton office holds regular group information sessions. Please visit the CARE Centre website to register: https://care4nurses.org/events/
CARE Centre Member IEN Joins Board of Directors
Hameed Zahedi, RN, BSN
We are pleased to welcome Hameed Zahedi, RN, BSN, to the second CARE Centre member IEN seat on the board of directors. Janet Kwanza, RN, is the other IEN member serving on the board. Hameed currently works as a Psychiatric Nurse at the Dundas West Medical Clinic. He was registered with the CNO in 2015 and presented at the CARE Centre’s Conference for IENs that year. He did his nursing education and was licensed in the U.S. and was awarded a Nightingale in Nursing certificate for his achievements. His work experience is in medical-surgical and mental health nursing. Prior to immigrating, Hameed was a university professor in Iran in the field of second language education and linguistics.
CARE Centre Welcomes Master’s Student
Jennifer Cheng, RN
Jennifer Cheng is collaborating with CARE Centre Professional Practice Lead Ruth Wojtiuk as preceptor on a project to complete her Master of Nursing Degree in Health Policy and Education at Ryerson University. Jennifer has been a registered nurse for over five years and currently works full time on the multi-organ transplant unit at SickKids. During her placement, Jennifer will be focusing her research on the Observational Job Shadowing (OJS) Program to gain insight on the program through the lens of the expert nurse in order to expand placements. Jennifer hopes that her findings will allow IENs to have greater opportunities to discover the diverse areas of nursing available and gain workplace experience. “Once again CARE is pleased to provide a placement opportunity for a Ryerson Masters nursing student,” said Wojtiuk. “This initiative represents a “win-win” partnership affording CARE the opportunity showcase IENs and to gain enhanced program insights while supporting a nursing leader of tomorrow in achieving their educational goal.”
Announcing the 2016 Joan Lesmond IENs of the Year
Viral Pandya, RPN, winner of the 2016 RPN IEN of the Year Award
CARE Centre thanks board member Ella Ferris, RN, MBA, recently retired from St. Michael’s Hospital, who again chaired the Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards committee to select outstanding members to be recognized for their achievements. There were seven nominees for each nursing designation, and the committee had a strong field of contenders to consider.
Kareen Tacderas, RN, winner of the 2016 RN IEN of the Year Award
Viral Pandya, who works at ParaMed, is the RPN IEN of the Year. Kareen Tacderas, who works at Humber River Hospital, is the RN IEN of the Year. Both will receive their awards in a November presentation. Many thanks to committee members Dr. Ruth Lee of McMaster University; Dianne Martin, CEO of RPNAO; Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of RNAO, and last year’s award recipients Rupali Krishna, RN, and Alex Lamsden, RPN. CARE Centre Executive Director Dr. Sue VanDeVelde-Coke joined the committee this year.
PASS Attends National Immigration Meeting
Newly arrived PASS participants Salima Mithany and Christina Lehman
On September 27 PASS Coordinator Meghan Wankel attended the Planning for Canada Consultative Conference in Ottawa. Planning for Canada, an amalgamation of the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) and Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) provides pre-arrival services to Canada-bound immigrants in 5 regional and 40 satellite offices across the globe. While attending the conference Meghan connected with two newly-arrived PASS participants, Salima and Christina from Pakistan and the United States, who had recently settled in Ottawa. Meghan had a wonderful time connecting with the IENs to hear about their experiences in PASS and arriving in Canada. Salima Mithany and Christina Lehman were very excited to build their networks in Ottawa as they work towards licensure. As of publication, 100 IENs have accessed services through PASS since January 2016.
CARE Centre Presents at NNAS Conference
CARE Centre Professional Practice Lead Ruth Wojtiuk and Case Manager (and inaugural IEN of the Year) Loy Asheri
The National Nursing Assessment Service hosted its inaugural conference on October 18th and 19th in Toronto. CARE Centre Professional Practice Lead Ruth Wojtiuk and Case Manager (and inaugural IEN of the Year) Loy Asheri presented on CARE Centre’s Competency Assessment Supplement (CAS) program, which helps IEN RPN candidates present their clinical qualifications and experience to the College of Nurses of Ontario to fulfill competency requirements. Ruth and Loy joined a roster of speakers examining healthcare human resource policy, change management and nurse leadership.
Current Course Offerings at CARE Centre
CARE Centre has collaborated with expert nurses and learning specialists to develop signature programs designed to meet the particular needs of IENs seeking registration in Canada. While some are restricted to CARE Centre members, others are open to all interested candidates. Please see links below for details on current offerings and view the What We Do section of the website for more general information.
CELBAN Preparation Workshop
Competency Assessment Supplement (CAS) Workshop
- Toronto CAS Workshop – Click here for more information
- Brampton CAS Workshop –
*NEW* Effective Communication Strategies for Nurses
*NEW* RPN Exam Preparation & Review Course
CARE Centre Case Managers are now available to meet with IENs in the offices of community partners around the Greater Toronto Area!
CARE Centre Case Managers are now available to meet with IENs in the offices of community partners around the Greater Toronto Area. These co-located offices are listed below. For information on service hours and to speak with a case manager to book an appointment, please call CARE Centre’s main phone number at 416-226-2800.
North
c/o COSTI
3100 Rutherford Road
Vaughn
Central
c/o Kababayan Multicultural Centre
1313 Queen Street West, Suite 133
Toronto
c/o Touchstone Institute
902-80 Bloor St. West
Toronto
East
c/o Access Employment
Dorset Park Hub
1911 Kennedy Road, Suite 105
Scarborough
IEN’s challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic
疫情下當局加速認證海外註冊護士 — Sep 16, 2020 (ON)
新冠疫情令前線醫護人員人手持續緊張, 加上省府宣布調派500名護士到各學校協助防疫工作, 令護士人手更見不足. 究竟在疫情下, 省府或監管當局有否放寬或加速吸納持有海外資歷的註冊護士, 以解燃眉之急呢? 專訪協助海外受訓護士獲取本地專業資格的國際受訓護士中心行政總監李濃歡博士。
A message from CARE Centre’s Executive Director, Dr. Ruth Lee
Dear Valued CARE Centre Members,
Happy Nursing Week!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honour of the 200th anniversary of the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale’s birth. The theme of this year’s National Nursing Week (May 11 – 17) is Nurses: A Voice to Lead — Nursing the World to Health. During this very challenging time of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are once again demonstrating heroism in nursing the world to health. I am writing with utmost respect and highest regard for your courage, expertise, and commitment to nursing and care to our community in this unprecedented time.
At CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, we endeavour to support you on your journey of integration into the Canadian Health Care system and excel in your career. We take pride in your success, as your success is our success!
To allow you access to reliable information related to COVID-19, we have created a special section on our website to provide you with official websites and resources that you may find helpful. You will also find profiles of many of your peers who are currently at the frontline of combating COVID-19. With generous support from many outstanding nursing leaders, we are pleased to bring you a series of free online professional development webinars, and clinical skills related workshops with nominal cost. Our members only job board also features multiple career opportunities in all sectors of healthcare services in Ontario. I invite you to visit our new and refreshed website to find out more.
Take care, stay safe, and keep in touch – together we’ll overcome!
With admiration and gratitude,
Ruth Ruth Lee, RN, MScN, PhD
Executive Director
Gallery of Heroes
This year’s theme for National Nursing Week 2020 “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health” is so relevant to our current COVD-19 global pandemic. We are proud of all our IENs for stepping up and contributing to the success of our healthcare system as we continue to fight the virus. We are proud of your leadership and dedication. On behalf of CARE for Nurses, thank you very much for keeping Canada safe!
Press Release: 2019 Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award
2019 Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award Call for Nominations Press Release
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
Announces the Call for Nominations for the
2019 Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards
The Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award was established in 2011 and is presented every year to outstanding internationally educated nurses (IENs) who are members of CARE Centre. The award was named in honour of the late Dr. Joan Lesmond, a nurse leader who championed diversity and inclusiveness. CARE Centre announced the 2019 Call for Nominations during National Nursing Week May 5th – 11th. The nomination kit and more information are available at: www.care4nurses.org/ienaward.
The deadline is Monday, September 16th, 2019.
“We’re proud to launch the 2019 IEN of the Year Awards in conjunction with National Nursing Week to highlight IENs’ contributions to health care in Canada,” said CARE Centre Executive Director Ruth Lee. “Our Internationally Educated Nurses reflect the diverse population in the Canadian Mosaic and bring global experience to the healthcare workplace. Every year we have an incredible field of candidates to consider, and all our member IENs should feel proud of achieving a nomination. The IENs awarded the recognition are exceptional in their dedication to nursing and patient care, and have extraordinary stories about the challenges they faced on their journey to relaunch their career in Canada.”
The 2018 Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) IEN of the Year Award was presented to Anna Ke, an IEN from the Philippines who is a professional practice leader at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care. Novlette Delisser-Francis, a staff nurse working at Carbonear General Hospital in Newfoundland, won the 2018 RN Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award.
Over 4,000 nurses from more than 100 countries have accessed services and supports at CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses since 2001. CARE Centre is a not-for-profit professional organization funded by the Government of Ontario. CARE Centre provides IENs with the one-on-one case management, language and communication skills, exam preparation, professional development, mentoring and networking to be successful in the nursing profession. CARE Centre recognizes the value of nurses with diverse education and experience and is committed to advocating for their full contribution to Ontario’s health care system. CARE Centre for IENs is a registered charity (Charitable Number 84420 5948 RR0001). To learn more about CARE Centre and its work, please visit www.care4nurses.org.
**Please note our new address
For more information please contact:
Cory LeBlanc
Administrative Coordinator
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
128A Sterling Road, Suite 202
Toronto, ON M6R 2B7
416-226-2800, ext. 228
Upcoming January/ February CARE Centre Events
CPR – Level HCP Health Care Provider
Certification Workshop Toronto
Download PDF HERE
Date: January 18, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 2 pm (30-min. break)
Location: CARE Centre (Toronto Office) 128A Sterling Road
Instructor: Lisy John, a certified First Aid and CPR instructor through St. John
Ambulance, and a certified BLS instructor through Heart and Stroke Foundation
Basic Life Support or BLS is mandatory for all medical professions.
This session covers:
* High-quality CPR for adults, children and infants and its impact on survival
* Appropriate use of AED
* Choking relief for adults, children and infants
* Ventilation techniques
* Opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies
You will receive certification in C.P.R. – Level HCP
Fee: $60.00
Payment: Cash, MasterCard or Visa
Registration: “First come, first serve” basis only.
DEADLINE: Friday, January 11 at 4pm
Fees are non-refundable after January 11, 2018
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221. . Deadline to register January 18, 2019
CPR – Level HCP Health Care Provider
Certification Workshop Peel
Download PDF HERE
You will receive certification in C.P.R. – Level HCP
Date: January 25, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 2 pm (30-min. break)
Location: CARE Centre (Peel office)
Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care
5510 Mavis Road, Mississauga
Instructor: Lisy John, a certified First Aid and CPR instructor through St. John Ambulance, and a certified BLS instructor through Heart and Stroke Foundation
Fee: $60.00
Basic Life Support or BLS is mandatory for all medical professions.
This session covers:
* High-quality CPR for adults, children and infants and its impact on survival
* Appropriate use of AED
* Choking relief for adults, children and infants
* Ventilation techniques
* Opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies
You will receive certification in C.P.R. – Level HCP
Payment: Cash, MasterCard or Visa
DEADLINE: Friday, January 18 at 4pm Fees are non-refundable after January 18, 2018
Contact: Bradley to register at 416-226-2800 ext. 221
IENCAP /OSCE Preparation
Download PDF HERE
$550
In-class – 6 weeks starting from March 7 – 08:30 am – 5pm
Location: 128A Sterling Road, Toronto Suite 202
Deadline: February 26, 2019 at 4pm
CAS Workshop for IENs
Download PDF CAS Flyer January 2019 Toronto
Date & Time: February 1, 8, 15 – 2019; 9am – 2:30pm
Location: Toronto office – 128A Sterling rd, Suite 202
Registration Deadline: Tuesday January 22 at 3pm
Fee: $150 (Fees are non-refundable after January 22, 2019)
Contact: Bradley to register at 416-226-2800 ext. 221
Networking for Nurses
Download PDF HERE
Date & Time: February 15 2019; 10am – 12pm
Location: Online
Registration Deadline: Tuesday January 22 at 3pm
The traditional methods of managing the job search and moving ahead in an organization are becoming less applicable to today’s society. The most successful workers are those who understand how to leverage their skills and qualifications through effective networking. This free online workshop, will explore various networking tools, with a focus on LinkedIn’s capacity to boost your professional visibility.
Fee: Free!!
The workshop will be facilitated by:
Dr. Ruth Lee, Executive Director of Care and Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University
Mehrzad “Nicholas” Ghadiri, B.A. Expert Hurman Resources and eLearning Specialist
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221.
Networking for Nurses
Go-to-meeting Only – February 15, 10:00 am – 12 noon
The traditional methods of managing the job search and moving ahead in an organization are becoming less applicable to today’s society. The most successful workers are those who understand how to leverage their skills and qualifications through effective networking. This free online workshop, will explore various networking tools, with a focus on LinkedIn’s capacity to boost your professional visibility.
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221.
IEN Orientation
Download PDF HERE
Date & Time: February 1 2019; 10am – 12pm
Location: 7700 Hurontario Street, Unit 601, Suite 100 Brampton Ontario L6Y 4M3 st
To register please call: 905-457-4747 Ext. 3013 or email us: nic@tcet.com
ECG 1 and 2
$50
In-class only – February 1st – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Location: 5510 Mavis Road, Main Floor, Peace Corner Room, Mississauga
ECG – Electrocardiography is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker. This workshop will focus on the anatomy of the heart, the cardiac cycle, the correct lead placement for a 12-lead ECG, assessing an ECG tracing, Normal Sinus Rhythm, Atrial Arrhythmias, Ventricular arrhythmias, AV and Blocks, Bundle Branch Blocks, Injury/ Ischemia/ Infarcts.
NB: Clients are encouraged to register in the Observational Job Shadowing Program (OJS) if you are interested in extending the learning you received in class. The OJS placement will last 3 full shifts and will be offered in an acute setting. Please note that you will be exposed to all the nursing activities that happen during the shift. This will also be your chance to network and ask any questions you may have to the expert nurse.
A certificate of participation will be issued upon completion.
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221. . Deadline to register January 25, 2019
WoundCare 1 and 2
$50
In-class only – March 1st – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: 5510 Mavis Road, Main Floor, Peace Corner Room, Mississauga
By the end of this workshop you will be able to
*Identify and differentiate the different types of wounds :Pressure Ulcer, Skin Tears, Venus Leg Ulcer, Arterial Ulcer, Diabetic Foot Ulcer
*Describe the stages of wound healing
*Apply dressings and various wound products for different types of wounds
NB: Clients are encouraged to register in the Observational Job Shadowing Program (OJS) if you are interested in extending the learning you received in class. The OJS placement will last 3 full shifts and will be offered in an acute setting. Please note that you will be exposed to all the nursing activities that happen during the shift. This will also be your chance to network and ask any questions you may have to the expert nurse.
A certificate of participation will be issued upon completion.
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221. Deadline to register February 22nd , 2019
Developing and Launching Your Careers for RPNs
Free
In-class only and go-to-meeting – March 8th – 10:00 am – 12 noon
Location: 128A Sterling Road, Toronto Suite 202
RPNAO presents the Career Directions program that has been customized by professional development experts Gail Donner and Mary Wheeler as a guide for RPNs to use as they travel along their career journeys. It provides RPNs with an opportunity to review their career to date; learn strategies to assist in making future career decisions; and learn how to develop a career plan. Professional practice coordinator Norma Tomlin will provide an overview of this valuable program to help launch your nursing career path
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221.
ECG 1 and 2
$50
In-class only – April 12th – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: 128A Sterling Road, Toronto, Suite 202
ECG – Electrocardiography is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker. This workshop will focus on the anatomy of the heart, the cardiac cycle, the correct lead placement for a 12-lead ECG, assessing an ECG tracing, Normal Sinus Rhythm, Atrial Arrhythmias, Ventricular arrhythmias, AV and Blocks, Bundle Branch Blocks, Injury/ Ischemia/ Infarcts.
NB: Clients are encouraged to register in the Observational Job Shadowing Program (OJS) if you are interested in extending the learning you received in class. The OJS placement will last 3 full shifts and will be offered in an acute setting. Please note that you will be exposed to all the nursing activities that happen during the shift. This will also be your chance to network and ask any questions you may have to the expert nurse.
A certificate of participation will be issued upon completion.
Register Now: Be sure to contact your case manager before signing up. To register call Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221. Deadline to register April 5th, 2019
CELBAN PREPARATION AND ORIENTATION
Download PDF HERE
$495
In-class only – March 20th to May 15th (9 weeks) – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: 128A Sterling Road, Toronto, Suite 202
Register Now: If you are not a CARE Centre member or do not have a Case Manager , please contact l Bradley at 416-226-2800 x 221.
When registering, please make sure to correctly spell your first and last
names. Please also provide your preferred email address and
telephone number. You will receive your BLS card by email. If you have
HSF ID number, please do provide on registration.
If not, please go to web site -Create New Account-National
Resuscitation Portal-Heart and Stroke and create a new account and
provide the HSF ID number to Bradley.
CARE Centre’s IEN Connector Winter 2018
Dear Friends and Members of CARE Centre,
It’s that time of year when we reach out to our shared community in the cause of IENs to thank everyone for their continuing commitment. To our partners, thank you for your collaboration in preparing IENs for nursing career success. To our Pre-Arrival Supports and Services members, and to our CARE Centre member IENs, thank you for your passion for nursing in Canada and for working with our Case Managers to achieve your dreams. Please enjoy our winter edition of The IEN Connector. We wish everyone safe, relaxing and happy holidays, and wish you all the best in 2019!
From All of Us at CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
2018 Joan Lesmond IENs of the Year
Left: Novlette Delisser-Francis; Right: An Na Ke
In the seventh edition of the Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards, the selection committee once again had a field of highly deserving nominees to consider. This year’s winners are Registered Nurse Novlette Delisser-Francis, an IEN from Jamaica now working in acute care for Eastern Health in Newfoundland, and Registered Practical Nurse An Na Ke, an IEN originally from the Philippines who practiced nursing in Taiwan for many years, now working at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto. “I am truly humbled at receiving the Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award in the RN category,” said Delisser-Francis. “I was surprised that I was selected knowing that the other nominees are very much as capable as I am in such a noble profession. Nursing is my calling and my passion.”
“Winning the Joan Lesmond award is a huge recognition and a great honor for an IEN who struggled to fit in and be able to achieve professional goals in such a competitive environment,” said Ke. “Being an awardee makes me feel special and blessed. It motivates me to continue giving inspiration to my fellow IENs and to continue spreading love to my patients.”
“CARE Centre is grateful to all the members of the selection committee for their commitment to celebrating IENs in Ontario healthcare, especially the long-serving chair, Ella Ferris,” said Executive Director Ruth Lee. Along with Dr. Lee and last year’s winners Derrick Ntungwe and Gaynor Quieros, nursing leaders Doris Grinspun , Lesley Hirst, Shannon Holcomb, Pat Martin, Elaine Santa Mina, Annette Weere (substituting for Dianne Martin) and Lucia Yiu served on the 2018 committee.
PASS Participation Increases
The Pre-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) team has prepared a half-year report for the funder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and it has been a period of substantial enrollment and results. In the last six months, 195 IENs joined the online program on their journey to nursing in Canada. The majority of referrals to PASS come through the federal government’s overseas Prepare for Canada offices. The majority of clients are emigrating from The Philippines, followed by India and Nigeria. IENs from all over the world, from Mauritius to Macedonia, Nepal to Norway, are benefitting from PASS’ customized offerings. “It’s incredibly gratifying to be part of these nurses’ edification as they get ready to build a new life in Canada,” said Meghan Wankel. “Getting to know them as a case manager, I can attest to how much Canadian patients and families are going to benefit from their knowledge and skills when they return to their nursing careers.” The Canadian Nurses Association mentorship program is very popular with PASS member nurses. Featured in the photo are Jeannie Hare, an Alberta-based mentor who is a champion of rural nursing, and PASS mentee Oneikah Richards, a nurse from St. Vincent and the Grenadines who completed her PhD and was a nursing professor in St. Vincent. They are celebrating Richard’s new RN position in the far north of Alberta.
Learning from Leaders at CAMH
CARE Centre staff and member IENs recently had a tour of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, learning about the history of the institution and its storied buildings, and finding out about the significant expansion currently underway. A recognized world-leader in addictions and mental health care and research, CAMH also sets standards for workplace diversity and inclusion. Dr. Rani Srivastava, CAMH Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice, delivered a presentation to the tour group and CAMH staff members on Cultural Competency in the Healthcare Workplace. CAMH is one of CARE Centre’s Observational Job Shadowing Partners. Read more about the program in the next story!
OJS Partners Offer IENs Insight
One of CARE Centre’s cornerstone programs is Observational Job Shadowing (OJS), giving member IENs the chance to share several shifts with expert nurses in a variety of nursing settings. “For all of the studying and clinical practicing our nurses do, OJS is the real eye-opener for them,” said OJS Lead and Hamilton Case Manager Lourdes Vicente. “It’s invaluable for them to witness first-hand how the Canadian healthcare system works in real time.” CARE Centre’s OJS partners include acute and long-term care employers, as well as community nursing organizations. CARE Centre is grateful to partners such as Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre that have supported numerous OJS placements. Pictured are Expert Nurse Tanya Rahim-Juttlah and member IEN Raya Balagtey at the Dorothy Macham Home site. Find out more about the OJS program and partners on our website at https://care4nurses.org/what-we-do/observational-job-shadowing/
CARE Centre’s New Brampton Location
CARE Centre has moved to a new location in Brampton very close to Main and Queen Streets. Our new location is at 12 Church Street East on the third floor inside the Fortis Law Practise building. CARE Centre also sees clients in Peel Region at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, 5510 Mavis Road, Mississauga. CARE Centre has two case managers serving IENs in the region: Grace Felix and Natolina Marius-Springer (pictured). To attend an information session at Brampton’s Centre for Education and Training or other locations, visit the events section of our website.
CARE Centre’s Holiday Hours
Please be advised that CARE Centre will be closed for the holiday period from Tuesday, December 25th through Tuesday, January 1st. We wish all our member nurses and colleagues the very best of the festive season and hope you have a safe and happy holiday with your family and friends. Join us in 2019 for a new slate of programs and workshops and the re-launch of our website with many new features. Happy New Year too!
We Have Moved in Brampton!
Effective immediately, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses’ Brampton office will be operating at our new location:
12 Church Street East
3rd floor
Brampton, Ontario
L6V 1E9
CARE Centre also sees clients in Peel Region at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, 5510 Mavis Road, Mississauga, L5V 2X5. For more information call (416) 226 2800 ext. 221 or email info@care4nurses.org. You can check for upcoming information sessions in various locations by clicking on the Events tab. We’re looking forward to serving you at our new location in Brampton!
CARE Centre’s IEN Connector – Summer 2018
CARE Centre’s 2017 – 2018 Annual Report is Now Available
CARE Centre’s annual report includes the latest data on member IENs, highlights of the year and lots of smiling faces! In her Message from the Executive Director, Dr. Ruth Lee thanked the wider community supporting internationally educated nurses as CARE Centre’s partners: “We are grateful to all the organizations we work with and who provide opportunities to our member IENs: the employers, regulators, professional associations, academic institutions, settlement agencies, local immigration partnerships and others. When we share our strengths in the cause of IEN advancement, everyone benefits.”
Convention and Conference Update
Executive Director Ruth Lee attended the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) convention in Ottawa mid-June focusing on the theme: From Insights to Impact: It Starts with Nursing. Pictured are CARE Centre member IEN Adela Belisario, RPN, a complex continuing care nurse at Baycrest Health Sciences, who presented at the conference, and former CARE Centre case manager, Norma Tomlin, now a Professional Practice representative at the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. Earlier in the year, Ruth attended the Partners in Education and Integration of Internationally Educated Nurses conference in Montreal, where she presented with Pre-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Coordinator Meghan Wankel on PASS’ mentorship program with the CNA, pairing newcomer IENs with CNA member nurses across the country.
Member IEN featured in Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Congratulations to our Hamilton-area member IEN Sashani Brown-Gowdie, RN, the “poster nurse” for her employer St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s #GETLOUD campaign in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week in May. As the largest health centre serving the communities of west Toronto, St. Joseph’s Health Centre has a comprehensive range of supports and services for thousands of people living with mental illness. St. Joe’s Mental Health and Addictions program has grown to include both inpatient and ambulatory services for patients of all ages. Brown-Gowdie works in the Youth Wellness Centre with the Youth Mobile Team. Find out more here.
CARE Centre in the Media
CARE Centre thanks the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario for including the organization in it magazine RNAO Journal. In broadcast news, Executive Director Ruth Lee and London-area member IEN Rebecca Leung appeared on OMNI TV’s Chinese-language (Mandarin and Cantonese) news magazine in a two-part report discussing CARE Centre and IENs’ contributions to nursing in Ontario, particularly in the face of an increasing nursing shortage in the province. Watch part one here. Watch part two here.
Deadline or Submissions to the 2018 Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards is September 15th
There is still plenty of time for CARE Centre member IENs to complete a nomination form for the Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards, where one RN and one RPN is recognized for their outstanding dedication to nursing. Candidates must have been employed at least one year, and may self-nominate, receive a nomination from workplace colleagues or families and patients, or other supporters. CARE Centre founded the award in 2011 for its 10th anniversary, named for the late nursing leader who championed IENs. So far, 11 member nurses have received the honour. More information is available at www.care4nurses.org/ienaward
CARE Centre’s Language Programming
CARE Centre has a new video on YouTube about Language and Communication for Nurses (LCN) programming, including iCELBAN assessments and CELBAN exam preparation. Instructor Cara Malla is a language specialist who hosts the video and oversees LCN curriculum at CARE Centre. “CARE Centre’s LCN courses offer opportunities for nurses from all over the world to develop their communications skills and build confidence in the way they communicate,” says Malla. Nurses in the Pre-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) program can access these nursing-specific language courses and have a huge advantage in re-establishing their nursing careers.” Watch the video here.
