Hemat Elgendy says she came to Canada from overseas last June to achieve her dreams.
One of those dreams came true Tuesday when she officially became a registered nurse on P.E.I. She was one of 34 graduates from the Transition to Registered Nursing in Canada (TRNC), which gives internationally educated nurses the essential education, skills and training required to practise in Canada.
“I feel very happy and this is a major step in my life,” she said.
“My thoughts I’m feeling is kind of like, ‘This is not to be the end, and I hope I can do more. And I hope that I can achieve all my dreams in Canada.'”
Elgendy worked for 16 years as a nurse in a surgical unit in Egypt. She hopes to work in a similar role on P.E.I.
Since May 2024, the 14-week TRNC program has been a key initiative in helping internationally trained nurses integrate into the P.E.I. health-care system, said Health Minister Mark McLane.
To date, four of seven planned intakes for 2024 have been completed, with 34 graduates and an additional 21 learners currently progressing through various stages, receiving tailored education in Canadian nursing practices, regulations and patient care standards.
Addressing nursing shortage
For those nurses who can’t take the accelerated pathway for licensing through the TRNC program, the RN Bridging Program is an alternative for internationally educated nurses needing additional training to meet Canadian standards.
