BCNU welcomes removal of 250-hour practice reference requirement for IENs

For over two years BCNU has advocated for the change resulting in the College of Registered Nurses of BC's (CRNBC) March 13, 2013 decision. Previously the onus to assist IENs was on the health employers of the province, who were not always uniform in their dealings with IENs trying to fulfill their 250-hour requirement. In fact, certain unscrupulous employers agreed to "supervise" IENs only if they volunteered or in extreme cases, were asked to pay for the "privilege."

As an original stakeholder in consultations with CRNBC, BCNU believes the removal of a redundant step is a positive change toward addressing the shortage of nurses in BC. Despite this, IENs in BC still face numerous challenges prior to successfully gaining their license to practice nursing. BCNU remains committed to working with its members and governing bodies to maintain safe patient care while proposing solutions to the chronic understaffing and other workload issues that stem from the current shortage of nurses working in BC.

Applicants who will be affected by these changes will be informed by June 1, 2013.