Demetrios Nicolaides is the Minister of Advanced Education in Alberta. He joined Tee recently to talk about the $ 15 million in new spending to reduce barriers for internationally trained nurses.
” We have learned that there are many internationally educated nurses who are unable to practice at their skill level either because of long wait lists or financial barriers to getting accredited here in Alberta.”
“When we announced the $15m new investment, we heard of a recent graduate; she had come to Canada from Nigeria. She had to wait five years to get into Mount Royal University. Even though she was a trained nurse in Nigeria, she could not practise at full skill level.”
“The funding is a commitment for $15m planning to spend in the upcoming budget. The budget will be debated. Should it be passed and approved, it will find more space for students, and it will create a new bursary made available for internally educated nurses from any country of origin. It is open and available to any internationally educated nurse.”
“We are reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses to come to Alberta. This is truly a ‘win-win’ for our province and will help us train more nurses to keep our healthcare system strong now and in the future.”
“They will be eligible to receive $30k over five years to help them cover tuition, books, and living expenses. These supports are available for internationally educated nurses”.
“With the new bursary, we are also including a return of service agreement. For every $6k received, they have to commit to providing one year of service in Alberta.”
” We recently completed negotiations with nurses over salaries. We were able to provide increases to nurses in that capacity. We are looking to retain the best and brightest in our great province”.
“We have a lot of support for individuals participating in the post-secondary sector. There are student grants, loans, and scholarships. There are supports available for students at whatever stage they are in.”
