Adona Agcaoili, a dedicated nursing graduate from the Philippines, is determined to fulfill her dream of working as a nurse in Canada. Despite working as a personal support worker in Ontario since 2017, she continues to strive towards becoming a registered nurse in the province. However, recent changes by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) have made the process more challenging for internationally educated nurses like Agcaoili.
The CNO’s updated “Evidence of Practice” (EOP) requirement now demands applicants to demonstrate recent paid nursing experience, posing a significant hurdle for many aspiring nurses. This change has left individuals like Mark Anthony Gravoso, co-chair of the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), concerned about the impact on their career aspirations and personal commitments.
Internationally educated nurses, including Heidilyn Oroñgan and Joenna Mae Pahilanga, are facing uncertainties and obstacles in meeting the new requirements set by the CNO. While some are exploring alternative pathways to fulfill the EOP criteria, others are contemplating the feasibility of pursuing a nursing license in Ontario.
The CNO emphasizes that adequate EOP is crucial for ensuring public safety in the healthcare system. They defend the changes as necessary for streamlining the registration process and enhancing oversight of nursing practices in Ontario. In response, the IFCNA advocates for fairness and urges the CNO to consider the challenges faced by internationally educated nurses in meeting the new requirements.
Despite the hurdles, Agcaoili, Pahilanga, and Oroñgan remain resolute in pursuing their dreams of contributing to Ontario’s healthcare sector. They are determined to overcome the obstacles and fulfill their aspirations of serving the community as qualified nurses.