Globalization and Integration of Internationally Educated Nurses: A Comprehensive Analysis

This book is a guide for stakeholders in nurse migration at a time when the shortage of nurses is a global crisis and the underutilization of Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) a major factor. Each chapter offers perspectives on the migration processes and pathways impacting IEN integration in Canada, USA, Finland, Australia & the UK—top destination countries. Through a comparison of strengths and obstacles, we learn what works for the purpose of global replication. Issues considered include:

·       Decision factors when choosing a destination country or a second migration

·       Licensing processes

·       Strategies to assist in navigating the licensure process and achieving sustained employment

·       Actions stakeholders need to adopt to support retention and ethical recruitment

·       Solutions and recommendations for streamlining migration and integration.

This book focuses holistically on integration measures that impact IENs—families, workforce, healthcare, economies, and migration—as well as government and international immigration policies, such as those of the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nurses.

Rola EL Moubadder RN, MQM, CNE is the Program Manager at CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (CARE Centre), an organization that supports IENs pre- and post-arrival to relaunch their careers in Canada. With 27 years of diverse experience in healthcare quality, clinical informatics, and nursing education, Rola has held roles including education consultant, professor assistant, facilitator, and quality consultant in Canada and abroad. She holds a Master’s in Quality Management from the University of Wollongong and a BScN from the American University of Beirut. A passionate and inspirational nursing leader, Rola is committed to mentoring nurses, influencing policy, and advancing inclusive, equitable, and people-centered healthcare. She recently co-authored a chapter in Mentoring in Nursing through Narrative Stories Across the World (SpringerLink, 2023), highlighting CARE Centre’s role in supporting IENs through mentorship.

Ruth Wojtiuk RN, BScN, MEd

Ruth Wojtiuk’s six-decade nursing career spans community/acute care, administration, and teaching. In her role as Professional Practice Lead at CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses she supports IENs within the federally funded pre-arrival PASS Program and the provincially funded STARS Program on their journey to registration and employment. CARE Centre initiatives focus on addressing the multiple challenges faced by Internationally Educated Nurses as they prepare for licensure and workforce re-entry while supporting health care employers to create an inclusive, welcoming workplace environment. Co-author of “Transition of Internationally Educated Nurses into Practice: What We Need to Do to Evolve as an Inclusive Profession over the Next Decade” Nursing Leadership Volume 34, Number 4 • 2021.

Ruth Lee, RN, BScN, MScN, PhD 

Dr. Ruth Lee is the Executive Director of CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses and Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University School of Nursing. Prior to joining CARE Centre 8 years ago, she was the Chief of Nursing Practice, Hamilton Health Sciences, for thirteen years where she led the Internationally Educated Nurse Integration Project. Ruth’s clinical and administrative expertise spans many roles in various healthcare settings. Her academic work is on culturally competent practice, leadership, and health human resources planning including the retention of internationally educated nurses into the Canadian healthcare system. Ruth was honoured a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario for her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession in 2018. She is also a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her impact and commitment to the nursing profession and health care.