SPEP-RN: If youβre an internationally educated nurse (IEN) working toward full registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP-RN) could be your most important next step. This program lets you demonstrate your nursing competence in a real clinical setting β with supervision, mentorship, and career-building support.
β What is the SPEP-RN?
The SPEP-RN is a short-term, supervised clinical placement designed to help internationally educated nurses meet specific requirements to become fully registered in Ontario. Itβs offered through partnerships between the CNO and approved healthcare organizations across the province.
π Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the SPEP-RN in 2025, you must:
- β Have completed your nursing education (assessed by CNO)
- β Meet language proficiency (IELTS/CELBAN)
- β Be deemed eligible by the CNO for SPEP (youβll receive confirmation by email)
π Program Duration
- 200-400 clinical hours
- Flexible options β can be completed part-time or full-time
- Can be spread over weeks based on organizational availability and your schedule
π₯ CNO-Approved SPEP-RN Hospitals Hiring in 2025
π Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre β Toronto
- πΉ Specialties: Trauma, critical care, medical-surgical, mental health
- π Sunnybrook Careers β SPEP Opportunities
π University Health Network (UHN) β Toronto
- Includes Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- πΉ Specialties: Oncology, cardiology, transplant services, surgical care
- π§ Email: PBEnursinglearner@uhn.ca
π St. Michaelβs Hospital (Unity Health Toronto)
- πΉ Specialties: Cardiology, critical care, general medical nursing
- Fully affiliated research hospital and trauma center
π William Osler Health System β Brampton & Etobicoke
- πΉ Specialties: Pediatrics, geriatrics, maternity care
- π§ Email: rita.soni@williamoslerhs.ca
π Attach: CNO eligibility email + your resumeπ Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS)
- Includes Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster Childrenβs Hospital
- πΉ Specialties: Pediatrics, oncology, surgical services
- π§ Email: HHSIENProgram@hhsc.ca
π Lakeridge Health β Durham Region
- πΉ Specialties: Cancer care, rehabilitation, mental health nursing
- π§ Contact: bcarling@lh.ca (Bronwen Carling)
π The Ottawa Hospital
- One of the largest hospitals in Canada
- πΉ Specialties: Oncology, emergency care, rehabilitation
- π§ Email: nnjie@toh.ca (Ndolo Njie-Mokonya, IEN Coordinator)
π Trillium Health Partners β Mississauga & West Toronto
- πΉ Specialties: Maternity care, geriatrics, emergency services
- π SPEP Opportunities β THP
π How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide):
- β Get Approved by CNO β Make sure you have received your SPEP eligibility letter/email.
- π― Choose a Hospital β Pick one based on your interests and location.
- π§ Submit Application β Send your resume + CNO email to the correct contact above.
- π¬ Prepare for Interview β Brush up on Canadian healthcare knowledge and soft skills.
π‘ Tips for Success in Your SPEP Placement
- π Know CNO Standards: Understand patient safety, ethics, and professional conduct.
- π Stay Organized: Use time wisely β punctuality and documentation matter.
- π©Ί Be Proactive: Ask questions, accept feedback, and reflect on your learning.
- π€ Seek Mentors: Your preceptor can guide your career β build a strong relationship.
- π¬ Strengthen Communication: Practice active listening, report accurately, and collaborate well with teams.
π Related Resources
- SPEP-RN: CNO approved organizations 2024 – brandednurses
- SPEP-RN INTERVIEW: Best way to Ace the Supervised Placement Experience Partnership Interview 2024 – brandednurses
- Supervised Practice Experience Partnership
π Final Thoughts
Completing your SPEP-RN placement in a CNO-approved healthcare organization is one of the final steps toward becoming a fully licensed Registered Nurse in Ontario. Itβs your chance to gain local experience, receive mentorship, and prove your readiness for safe, ethical, and high-quality patient care.
π― Take the first step today β your RN license is within reach!