Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN)

 Are you an internationally educated nurse?  
 Do you want to practice nursing in Ontario?

The Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) Certificate program has been designed to integrate your pre-existing skills and knowledge as a nurse into the Canadian context of Canadian nursing culture, language proficiency, and Ontario practicing standards required to successfully complete courses, gain registration and sustain your nursing employment. An individualized program of study will be created for each participant in accordance with CNO Letters of Direction.

The BIEN curriculum enables nurses to meet the regulatory requirements of the College of Nurses of Ontario for registration in the general class and eligibility to write the examination for registration as an RN or RPN in the province of Ontario. Graduates required to show proof of English fluency with the College of Nurses of Ontario will satisfy the English fluency requirement.*

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration is funding this initiative to develop accessible, IEN-centered courses that focus on bridging the cultural and language gaps many internationally educated nurses face in Ontario.

Eligibility:
To access tuition-free individualized program of study; internationally educated nurses shall provide:

• Letters of Direction from the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Eligibility as Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons
• Proof of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 6 or higher if English is a second language

Note: Students must write a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre prior to the class start.

*English fluency requirements subject to change per College of Nurses of Ontario.

For an appointment, please contact bien@fanshawec.ca or call 519-667-2392

Note: For clinical placements students must provide evidence of good health, which will include a medical review, immunization and T.B. test, a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate, a police check, and a mask fit test. Contactbien@fanshawec.ca.  

MINIMUM CERTIFICATE REQUIRMENT:

* Future Offerings (W - Winter 2013 , S - Spring/Summer 2013, F - Fall 2013)
**Delivery (Blended - Online/InClass)  
TBA - To Be Announced

ADDITIONAL COURSES:

Students must successfully complete the required theory courses prior to clinical placement.  Placement will take place in London, consolidation hours can be completed in London or surrounding area.

NOTE: For clinical placements students must provide evidence of good health, which will include; a medical review, immunization and TB test, First Aid and CPR for health care providers, a criminal screen and a mask fit test.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Every day and Professional Situations (EASL-9003)
The depth of this course includes learning all major areas of the English language:  speaking, comprehension, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and cultural awareness.  Participants can choose topics of interest ranging from interpersonal communication skills for everyday situations to professional interactions such as client/business relations, conducting effective meetings, presentations, business negotiations, policies and business calls.  Various levels challenge participants to become more confident and comfortable conversing fluently in the English language.

Communication in Nursing (COMM-3045)
Designed to help internationally educated nurses strengthen English communication skills. You will demonstrate both theoretical and practical application exercises reflective of communication activities nurses face in the context of the Canadian medical setting.

Healing & Episodic Health Challenges (NRSG-1047)
This course focuses on experiences with health and healing during episodic health challenges with individuals and families. Learners will discuss basic concepts of healing and illness and the impact of medical and surgical interventions. Collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, health teaching and health promotion will be emphasized as students learn about caring modalities.

Health & Transitions (NRSG-1048)
This course has a focus on normal developmental transitions across the lifespan including concepts of chronicity, loss, grief, end of life care and holistic care. Meanings of health, family and community will be examined as well as the impact that language and culture has on each. The healthy childbearing family and individuals with mental health challenges and illness will be addressed.
*This course is not being offered during Fall 2012

Laboratory Practice 1 & 2 (NRSG-1049 and NRSG-1050)
This lab course provides the opportunity to learn assessment techniques and clinical skills in a simulated setting in preparation for clinical practice. Skills taught are correlated to nursing theory. Students will learn the principles and knowledge underlying nursing techniques in order to develop safe and effective nursing practice when planning and carrying out care. Collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving and relevant health teaching will be emphasized.

Nursing in Ontario (NRSG-6028)
This course examines professional nursing from a broader perspective. It provides an introduction to the theoretical and ethical foundations of nursing and examines current issues challenging the health care system, policy development, trends, and the reform to the delivery of health care in Canada. Legal and ethical concepts are addressed as well as the role and influence of the registered nurse and registered practical nurse with regard to health care policy, political process, leadership and creating change in order to foster client and societal health.

Pharmacology (PHRM-1040)
An emphasis is placed on the study of medication, medication administration and drug actions in the human body. The course will focus on nursing assessment, interventions, age-related considerations and patient education for each drug classification. Students will develop critical thinking skills in relation to drug therapy and in certain health conditions.
*This course is not being offered during Fall 2012

Nursing Informatics (HLTH-1139)
Add computer skills necessary for nursing to your resume! This course provides an introduction to the Windows-based operating system, word processing, email, and internet applications. Learn about standards related to data security, privacy and confidentiality, computerized patient monitoring systems and devices, Tele-health, and nursing informatics.

Nursing Pre-Readiness Assessment 1 (NRSG-1059)
This course is designed to help internationally educated nurses assess their nursing knowledge and will facilitate learning of healthcare practices in Canada.  This course will provide you with a foundation of knowledge and support you in nursing theory courses, clinical placement and the licensing exam.  Successful completion of this course will allow you to move onto Nursing Pre-Readiness Assessment 2.

Nursing Pre-Readiness Assessment 2 (NRSG-1060)
Nursing Pre-Readiness Assessment 2 will build and expand on the knowledge gained from Nursing Per-Readiness Assessment 1.  This course will Facilitate learning of the healthcare practiced in Canada and provide you with a foundation of knowledge and support you in nursing theory courses, clinical placement and the licensing exam.

Clinical (HLTH-1146) & Preceptorship (HLTH-1147)
Clinical placements give you hands-on practice and experience in different healthcare settings. You will learn about the Canadian healthcare system and apply your nursing skills to clinical practice. You will be placed on one or more supervised and preceptored affiliated clinical sites. Sites include acute and long term care facilities. Placement is individualized and based on clinical availability. Please contact bien@fanshawec.ca for further inquiries.