Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses - Complex Care

Description

In this program, Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) enhance their knowledge and understanding of nursing practice in complex care environments in Ontario by developing their theoretical and clinical skills. Individuals with complex care needs often suffer from combinations of multiple chronic conditions, mental health problems, drug interactions and social vulnerability. Using an interprofessional approach, students focus on the application and evaluation of advanced theories and practices related to ethical and legal issues, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, mental health nursing practice, complex health challenges, clinical decision making, communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity. Experienced nursing faculty use a variety of active learning methods, including simulation labs and a practicum placement to assist IENs to consolidate their understanding of healthcare in Canada and the nursing profession in Ontario.

In order to provide a quality practicum placement, students will be placed in a variety of settings. Students are required to provide their own transportation for the practicum.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment opportunities in a variety of health care settings, which may include acute care facilities, long term care and community care.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. conduct comprehensive assessments to plan individualized care supporting health promotion and disease prevention in complex environments;
2. integrate evidence-informed research, theory, and critical inquiry within the context of the Canadian health-care system to inform nursing practice and advance clinical judgement;
3. model personal and professional responsibility, accountability, self-regulation, and ethical practice as a nurse when caring for clients and their families to meet Canadian nursing regulatory standards, practices, and legislation;
4. communicate effectively, and in a culturally competent manner, with clients, peers and other members of the interprofessional health care team at the level required of a health care professional in a therapeutic context to improve health outcomes for patients;
5. assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care across the lifespan and within the continuum of care;
6. influence positive change related to social justice, health equity, and public policy at the individual, organizational, and healthcare system levels;
7. outline local community and provincial health care system resources and options to support decision-making and the implementation of nursing interventions;
8. establish education objectives to support career growth as a nurse in Ontario;
9. advocate for client, self and the nursing profession by implementing strategies to provide safe and quality nursing care;
10. implement culturally sensitive nursing care that honours human dignity, respects diversity and embraces different ways of being in a Canadian context;
11. collaborate with the interprofessional team to make decisions and problem solve patient issues to promote optimal client care.

External Recognition

Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario is a legal requirement to practice nursing in Ontario and is subject to the regulations and restrictions of this governing body. Completion of this program does not guarantee College of Nurses of Ontario registration. Students who have completed nursing education outside of Canada and wish to practice in Ontario should visit the College of Nurses of Ontario website https://www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/new-applicants1/outside-canada/ for information.

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Intake suspension Fall 2025 and Winter 2026

Fall Intake (Orangeville)

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026

Winter Intake (Barrie)

• Sem 1: Winter 2026
• Sem 2: Summer 2026

Admission Requirements

Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in nursing. 

Selection Process

• post-secondary degree in nursing from an accredited nursing education program;
• current registration with the nursing regulatory body in their home province/state and or country; (i.e. letter, membership card, etc.); 

Language Proficiency Requirement

The English proficiency requirement can be met through:

• IELTS with an overall score of 6.5

For further information, refer to Georgian’s English Language Proficiency policy 2.5 at: https://georgiancollege.ca/admissions/policies-procedures 

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Additional Information

Students must have up-to-date immunization records in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Students must also have a valid mask fit test, BLS CPR and Standard First Aid. Students are to use the Clinical Preparedness Permit to document completion of these clinical requirements.

Completion and submission of this permit is required in order to ensure placement in clinical and field placement facilities.

Students will be placed in a variety of agencies in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to the placement site.

Graduation Requirements

10 Program Courses
1 Clinical Placement

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester. The passing weighted average for promotion through each semester and to graduate is 60%.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
CCNI 1000	Introduction to Complex Care Nursing	42
CCNI 1001	Nursing as a Profession	56
CCNI 1002	Advanced Pharmacology	56
CCNI 1003	Professional Communication in Nursing	42
CCNI 1004	Advanced Health Assessment	70
CCNI 1005	Complex Care Nursing Skills	70
	Hours	336
Semester 2
Program Courses
CCNI 1006	Complex Disease Management	56
CCNI 1007	Mental Health Nursing	42
CCNI 1008	Nursing Examination Preparation	42
CCNI 1009	Clinical Reasoning in Nursing Practice	42
Clinical Placement
CCNI 1010	Complex Care Practicum	112
	Hours	294
	Total Hours	630

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of one year (as stated above) may take a maximum of two years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.