RN Bridging Program helps to add more nurses to PEI health system
A group of nurses with international credentials or Canadian credentials that required upgrading are getting the qualifications they need to work as registered nurses in PEI after completing a bridging program.
The RN Bridging Program offered by the provincial government helps participants build on their previous nursing education in order to meet PEI’s current nursing qualifications, through a mixture of courses and practice work.
“This program assists internationally educated nurses who have already shown their commitment to nursing and want a career as an RN in our province’s health system, and at the same time helps us continue to increase nursing numbers to support the healthcare needs of Islanders.”
- Health and Wellness Minister Ernie Hudson.
Maricris Lamano trained and worked as a nurse in the Philippines for 10 years before she moved to PEI. She graduated as part of the first group in the RN Bridging Program and says she would encourage other internationally trained nurses to see if they are eligible for the program.
“When I first came here, I was a bit sad that I wasn’t able to work as a registered nurse, but now I’m living my dream and working as a nurse in PEI,” Lamano says. “I can use my education to help people here and the RN Bridging Program was very important in allowing me to do this. The people I work with have been very good to me too.”
Each participant may also be eligible to receive up to $3,750 in funding for tuition cost.
A total of 19 nurses in two cohorts have completed the program since it began in the spring of 2019.
Applicants must contact the College of Registered Nurses of PEI (CRNPEI) and be referred to the program by the college.
The RN Bridging Program is supported by Employment and Social Development Canada through a partnership between the provincial Departments of Health and Wellness and Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture.
Media contact:
Ron Ryder
Department of Health and Wellness
902-314-6367
rrryder@gov.pe.ca