Attracting and keeping internationally educated nurses

Today on Chats on Change, Karen sits down with Sue Smith, the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. Sue talks about the history of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, its role in nursing regulation, and its efforts in creating a unified nursing regulator in 2019. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during this transformative process and the importance of open communication.The episode then delves into recent initiatives undertaken by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, particularly the groundbreaking move in 2023 to expedite licensure for internationally educated nurses from seven designated countries, including India, the Philippines, the UK, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Nigeria. This innovative approach aimed to address the growing shortage of nurses in Nova Scotia. Sue Smith highlights the significant response to this initiative, with over 19,000 applicants, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with key partners, including employers and government agencies, to streamline processes and facilitate the integration of internationally educated nurses into the workforce.The podcast sheds light on the college's ongoing efforts to improve the application process, enhance communication, and address the diverse needs of nurses entering Nova Scotia. Sue Smith also discusses the impact of these initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the college facilitated the return of over 500 retired nurses to support vaccination efforts. The conversation underscores the commitment to ensuring a strong and diverse nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of Nova Scotia.