The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides and Collège Lionel-Groulx proudly announced the graduation of the first five participants from the Nursing Integration Program for Internationally Educated Nurses. This program awards a college studies certificate (AEC) and marks a significant milestone in integrating these professionals into the Quebec nursing profession.
Since winter 2023, the five graduates, originating from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, have been residing in Sainte-Thérèse. They are now candidates for nursing practice and are employed at the Saint-Eustache Hospital. Their next goal is to pass the Quebec Order of Nurses examination and obtain their professional nursing licenses. In pursuit of this objective, they are supported by the CISSS teams.
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Recruiting internationally educated nurses is part of the strategy to address the shortage of nursing staff. “These professionals have quickly become integral members of our teams. We are proud of their academic journey, engagement, and determination over the past few months. We wish them continued success and a promising career with us,” stated Julie Delaney, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides.
Philippe Nasr, the General Director of Collège Lionel-Groulx, emphasized the program’s alignment with the college’s mission and values, saying, “This AEC is a concrete way to promote knowledge sharing and advancement, fostering professional and personal development.” He added, “This collaboration allows us to maintain our leadership in higher education, engage socially within our region, and provide a meaningful and enriching experience for these students.”
The project’s success, a key driver for training and integrating future nurses in the Laurentides, was made possible through concerted efforts among various partners, including the community organization Accès Accueil Action Basses-Laurentides. Local municipalities and regional county municipalities (MRCs) also played a crucial role in facilitating their integration, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting these internationally educated professionals as they transition into their new roles within the Quebec healthcare system.
