Transition to Practice Programs to Support Successful Integration of Internationally Educated Nurses in Nova Scotia

To promote the successful integration of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) in Nova Scotia, innovative transition to practice programs have been implemented in two sectors of care-acute care hospitals and Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities. These programs use didactic learning, skills and simulation labs, clinical placements, and mentorship to support IENs in building knowledge of system-specific roles, processes and technologies, and confidence enacting entry-level nursing competencies. From 2024-2025, the hospital-based program supported 69 IENs transitioning into registered nurse roles at Nova Scotia Health, and the LTC-based program supported 34 internationally educated registered nurses transitioning into licensed practical nurse roles across employers, fostering effective, timely and positive transition experiences among IENs and employers. Lessons learned include leveraging intersectoral partnerships, integrating multiple interactive learning modalities, ensuring appropriate matching and early exposure to future home units, increasing employer awareness of IEN pathways, ongoing supports and engagement, and supporting cultural competency, inclusivity, and adaptation.