The internationally educated nurse

Internationally educated nurses (IENs) come from a wide range of educational programs around the world and bring a variety of skills and abilities to Canada. This article highlights what is known about this group of diverse individuals, includingdemographic information, in an effort to help nursing colleagues understand and acknowledgethe challengesthat IENs face, as well as the contributions they can make to our healthcare system. There are many IENs already resident in Canada whose skills and experience are not being used to their potential. They face a number of challenges as they prepare for licensure. Language and cultural differences often complicate this process. However, studies show that IENs, on the whole, tend to be an experienced group of nurses with good retention and job satisfaction rates, which ultimately contribute to their success as employees. Balanced against our obligations to these nurses to smooth the path to licensure is the important commitment that our professional colleges and associations have to ensure that practitioners of nursing are in the best position to practise safely. The process of integration and transition into practice in a new culture can be overwhelming for the IEN. Unfamiliar technology differences in cultural behaviours, attitudes and roles, as well as the often significant differences in healthcare systems, and adjustments to language expectations and the specialized language of nursing make the process of integration and adjustment difficult. Programs are needed that introduce IENs to the culture of nursing in Canada, incorporate well-integrated language training satisfy theory and practice deficiencies and bridge, where necessary, to the baccalaureate entry to practice requirement. In addition, important psychosocial, economic and personal supports, aswell as links to educational and employment opportunities, are important components of any program.