1. THE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS for Internationally Educated Nurses
Ann Mann RN MN
Karen Sigouin, RN. MEd
Kelly McKnight, RN, MSc
National Nursing Assessment Services Conference
October 18th & 19th 2016
PRESENTED BY:

2. In October 2009…Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia (CPLNNS) received funding from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration… a partnership was formed to develop and implement a program: The ``PATHWAY TO SUCCESS for INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES`` (IEN).
Pathway to Success for LPN IENs – October 2016

3. The Foreign Qualification Recognition was based on establishing processes that “verified that the knowledge, skills, work experience, and education, obtained outside of Canada was comparable to the standards set by Canadian professionals”
Knowledge
Education
Skill
Work Experience
The partners truly believe that knowledge, skill, work experience and education obtained outside of Canada is valuable and must be assessed against Canadian standards to meet a labour market need in our small province.
The partners embraced the opportunity to apply the FQR principles in meeting the labour market needs in Nova Scotia.
Pathway to LPN Licensure for IENs – October 2015

4. IT TAKES A VILLAGE…
By working together we built the resources and capacity to support the IENs transition to the role of an LPN in Nova Scotia.
NSCC and CLPNNS realized that we had a very unique relationship between an educator and regulator… we truly shared our resources and were committed to ensuring that this program would meets the real needs of IENs.
Pathway to Success for LPN IENs – October 2016

5. PATHWAY TO SUCCESS for IENs
The TEAM developed three unique courses which focused on the expectation that LPNs practice safe, competent and ethical care in a
diverse practice environment.
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS for IENs
Introduction to the LPN Scope
of Practice in
Nova Scotia
Review of Concepts and Competencies for IENs
CPNRE Preparation
The Review of Concepts and Competencies is a nine week online course that is facilitated by nursing faculty;
The Introduction to the LPN Scope of Practice is a four day face to face workshop 4 day workshop facilitated by nursing faculty;
The CPNRE Preparation is a one day workshop developed around the national examination for LPNs in Canada (CPNRE).
Anecdotal stats of those who have taken the Pathway … the IENs have high success rates compared to those who have not taken the courses.
The feedback form the IENs is very positive.

6. Review of Concepts and Competencies for LPNs Course Length = 60 hours
Delivery Method = Online   
Course #2
Introduction to the LPN Scope of Practice in Nova Scotia
Course Length = 24 hours
Delivery Method = Face to Face
Course #3
Canadian Practical Nurses Registration Examination (CPNRE) Preparation
Course Length = 6 hours
Delivery Method = Online/ Face to Face
Course #1
This course is a review of the concepts and competencies for LPN-IENS including:
pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, mental health nursing,
maternal-child nursing, therapeutic communication, documentation and professional
practice theory that is relevant to LPN practice in Nova Scotia.
Course #2
This course helps IENs to better understand the role and responsibilities of LPNs in Canada.
With a focus on critical thinking, professional judgement and decision making. The course material is presented through interactive discussion, case studies, practice tests and simulated questions.
Course #3
This course helps the IEN prepare to write the national registration examination for
LPNs through a simulated testing experience.
2/25/2010
Pathway to LPN Licensure for IENs - Ann Mann, CLPNNS

7. After the NNAS Advisory Report ….
CLPNNS Completes Substantive Equivalent Assessment (SECA) Process…
CLPNNS makes a fair, transparent and consistent registration and licensure decision
IEN Applicant is deemed
substantively equivalent
IEN completes CLPNNS Application Process
CPNRE
IEN Applicant
is deemed
partially equivalent…
Remedial Education
IEN Applicant
is deemed not substantially equivalent…
Formal
Re-Entry Education

8. The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia (CLPNNS) in collaboration with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) has determined the critical elements of a Substantive Equivalency Competency Assessment (SECA) ensuring a fair, transparent and consistent process… 
Recognition
Learning
Prior
2/25/2010
Pathway to LPN Licensure for IENs - Ann Mann, CLPNNS

9. The SECA is a three phased approach to assess
Entry Level Competencies (ELC) which reflect the
practice of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia.
FINAL DECISION
PHASE #3
PHASE #2
The SECA is a three phased approach to assess Entry Level Competencies (ELC)
which reflect the practice of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia.
The SECA outlines the requirements of the theory and clinical elements of practise.
CLPNNS completes a review
of the IENs NNAS Advisory
Report as well as other
relevant documents to
determine eligibility…
CLPNNS determines if the IEN requires further assessment …
Referred to NSCC for SECA …
CLPNNS determines if the IENs is not eligible …IEN can appeal the decision …
FINAL DECISION
When the IEN is required to address unmet elements …additional remedial education or clinical competence assessment may be required .
PHASE #1

10. Prior to 2009, CLPNNS processed less than 5 IEN applications a year;
Since 2010, CLPNNS processes approximately 50 IEN applications per year;
CLPNNS supports approximately 25 IENs to licensure each year;
This year (2016) represents our seventh consecutive year of funding via NSOI;
CLPNNS has licensed 145 IENs as LPNs of whom 98% remain in practice in Nova Scotia.
Our IEN success rate on the CPNRE remains high for our first time writings
at 96% which is comparable to the Nova Scotia graduates.
How do we do that ?? Well remember its takes a” village”
Pathway to LPN Licensure for IENs – October 2015

11. Thank-you!