Monday, May 19, 2008

New National Fund to Support Internationally Educated Nurses - Canadian Nurses Foundation Announces RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund

OTTAWA, May 16 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) and RBC together are celebrating National Nursing Week, May 12-16, 2008, by establishing the RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund. This new $25,000 fund enhances RBC's commitment to diversity by supporting the integration of internationally educated nurses into Canada's health-care system.

Administered by the Canadian Nurses Foundation, the RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund will provide bursaries to internationally educated nurses or IENs. These bursaries will subsidize the cost of bridging programs, including language training, enabling IENs to practise in Canada.

"Diversity is definitely a competitive advantage in Canada, and we believe that organizations, cities and businesses that leverage diversity will be more sustainable over the long haul," said Shari Austin, vice-president and head, Corporate Citizenship, RBC. "Nursing is critical to Canada's health-care system, which is why RBC is honoured to provide this $25,000 donation to the Canadian Nurses Foundation to establish the RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund."

In 2006, IENs represented 7.5% of Canada's registered nurses, or 19,836 nurses, with the number of IENs applying for licensure increasing three-fold in many jurisdictions in recent years. CNF and CNA recognize the right for individuals to migrate but do not support the unethical recruitment practices of nurses.


For further information: Jonelle Istead, Canadian Nurses Foundation,
1-800-361-8404 ext.204, jistead@cna-aiic.ca

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