Recruiting More Nurses to Support PEI Healthcare System

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is taking significant strides to address its nursing shortage through innovative programs aimed at integrating internationally educated nurses (IENs) into the healthcare system. The Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada (TRNC) program, which launched in May 2024, has emerged as a pivotal initiative in this effort.

The TRNC Program

The TRNC program is a 14-week intensive course designed specifically for IENs, equipping them with the essential education, skills, and training necessary to practice nursing in Canada. This hybrid program combines online theoretical learning with in-person lab sessions and clinical practicums, ensuring alignment with Canadian nursing standards and regulations.

Since its inception, the TRNC program has successfully graduated 34 nurses, with 21 additional learners currently undergoing training. The program has completed four out of seven planned intakes for 2024, demonstrating its capacity to meet the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in PEI.

Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane expressed pride in the graduates, stating, “Their hard work and dedication demonstrate the high caliber of internationally educated nurses who are joining our healthcare system”. The ongoing monthly intakes promise a steady influx of new talent into the sector.

Alternative Pathways: RN Bridging Program

For those IENs who cannot participate in the accelerated TRNC pathway, PEI offers the RN Bridging Program. This alternative route provides additional training to help internationally educated nurses meet Canadian standards. To date, this program has successfully graduated three nurses, with its next intake scheduled for January 6, 2025.

Minister McLane emphasized the importance of these programs in enhancing the diversity and strength of PEI’s healthcare workforce: “These programs are part of the ongoing recruitment efforts to decrease current vacancies in the healthcare system”

Expanding Educational Opportunities

In addition to these training initiatives, the Government of PEI has increased enrollment capacity at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) School of Nursing by 23% since 2021, boosting available seats from 80 to 98 nursing student positions annually. This expansion reflects a commitment to educating more registered nurses to effectively support the healthcare system.

The combination of the TRNC and RN Bridging Programs, alongside increased educational opportunities at UPEI, represents a comprehensive approach to mitigating nursing shortages in PEI. These initiatives not only facilitate the integration of skilled IENs into the local healthcare landscape but also ensure that PEI is well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of its population now and in the future. As Minister McLane noted, these efforts are crucial for building a sustainable healthcare system that can adapt to changing demands and challenges.