Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) in Toronto now have a new resource hub to enhance their skills and receive mentorship. Located at Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, this initiative is a collaboration between the Filipino IENs Society of Canada and CRD College.
Mark Gravoso, founder of the Filipino IENS Society of Canada, highlighted the significance of this hub as a safe and supportive space for IENs. It offers a platform for networking, skill refresher courses, and confidence-building opportunities, particularly beneficial for those who have been away from practice.
The hub welcomes IENs preparing to enter the Canadian workforce, individuals seeking skill enhancements, and those pursuing additional certifications. Grace Lanceta, director of CDR College, emphasized the focus on providing micro-trainings for personal support workers and skills development sessions for nurses and IENs.
Gravoso and Lanceta, who previously conducted workshops across the city, are pleased to have a permanent location for their programs. They aim to address the challenge of Canadian work experience for IENs by offering mentorship, practical training, and workshops through experienced facilitators.
Highlighting the community spirit among IENs, Lanceta mentioned the volunteer work and support provided by Canadian nurses who were once IENs themselves. These mentorship efforts play a vital role in assisting IENs in navigating the Canadian healthcare system.
The hub operates on weekdays, excluding Wednesdays, and will host the upcoming workshop “IEN Nursing Skills Essentials” on October 17.
