INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES HELPED TO WORK IN SASKATCHEWAN

Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson and SIAST representatives today announced a new initiative that will assist internationally educated nurses to practice in Saskatchewan. The Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses program will begin this fall.

"Orientation to Nursing in Canada is an innovative approach for meeting the province's need for nurses," Atkinson said. "There are presently more than 1,500 students enrolled in the province's nursing education programs, an increase of 50 per cent since 2000. Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses is an innovative program that complements the Saskatchewan government's efforts to increase the number of nurses in Saskatchewan."

"The Orientation to Nursing in Canada program, which is being implemented this fall, will provide internationally educated nurses with training in such areas as the Canadian Health System, theory related to drug therapy in Canada and assistance in preparing to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam," SIAST Dean of Nursing Netha Dyck said. "The majority of the courses can be delivered by distance allowing students to begin training in their country of origin before moving to Canada."

Of the students enrolled in nursing programs, 1,202 are in the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan, 191 are training to be practical nurses, and 164 are in continuing nursing education programs.

The province annually invests $19.4 million for the delivery of nurse education through SIAST, regional colleges, the Dumont Technical Institute, the University of Saskatchewan and the First Nations University of Canada. Since 2000, the government has provided $3.2 million in bursaries to over 1,000 nursing students.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609