The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership SPEP-RN program is a key initiative by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and Ontario Health. It offers internationally educated nurses (IENs) and non-practising nurses an opportunity to demonstrate their current nursing knowledge, skill, and judgment in a supervised clinical setting. In 2025, the program continues to support nurses on their journey toward registration as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Ontario.
What Is the SPEP RN Program?
The SPEP is designed for applicants who have already met most CNO requirements but need to demonstrate practice experience or currency. It helps bridge the gap between international education and Canadian practice expectations.
Participants work in Ontario healthcare organizations under the supervision of experienced nurses. The program provides valuable clinical exposure while meeting registration requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SPEP-RN , you must:
- Have applied to the CNO for registration as an RN or RPN.
- Receive a letter from the CNO indicating that you are eligible for SPEP participation.
- Meet all other requirements, such as language proficiency and identity verification.
- Be authorized to work in Canada (valid work permit or permanent residency status).
Key Benefits of SPEP-RN
- Hands-on Canadian experience: Gain direct exposure to Canadian healthcare systems and documentation practices.
- No extra tuition fees: Funded by Ontario Health, making it accessible and affordable.
- Career advancement: Helps meet CNO’s evidence of practice requirement and opens doors to full registration.
- Confidence building: Work in real hospital or long-term care settings under supervision, strengthening your competence and communication.
Application Process
- Receive an invitation – CNO identifies eligible applicants and sends an email inviting them to participate in SPEP-RN.
- Select your partner organization – Ontario Health matches you with a participating healthcare employer based on your experience and preferences.
- Sign agreements – You and the employer complete required paperwork, including confidentiality and supervision agreements.
- Start your placement – The placement typically runs for a few hundred hours, depending on your category (RN or RPN).
- Submit evaluation – After completion, your performance report is sent to CNO to finalize your registration process.
Where You Can Do Your SPEP-RN
SPEP placements are available in various healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals (acute care, rehabilitation, medical-surgical units)
- Long-term care homes
- Community health centers
- Mental health facilities
Examples of Ontario hospitals participating include:
- The Ottawa Hospital
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- London Health Sciences Centre
List of SPEP RN Organizations (2025)
| Organization | Region / City | Contact / Email | Additional Notes / Program Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) | Hamilton, ON | spep@hhsc.ca (application) (Hamilton Health Sciences); HHSIENProgram@hhsc.ca | HHS participates in the SPEP program. Applicants must complete SPEP Application Form, send required documents including CNO SPEP eligibility, resume. (Hamilton Health Sciences) |
| University Health Network (UHN) | Toronto, ON | PBEnursinglearner@uhn.ca (University Health Network) | UHN offers SPEP with a minimum of 140 supervised hours. Learners are assigned preceptors and coaching throughout the placement. (University Health Network) |
| Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre | Toronto, ON | Careers / SPEP Program page (no direct email listed) (Sunnybrook); general contact: questions@sunnybrook.ca (Sunnybrook) | Sunnybrook offers a SPEP program for IENs or nurses returning to practice, with supervised practice, simulation, preceptor support. (Sunnybrook) |
| William Osler Health System | Brampton / Etobicoke, ON | hr.recruitment@williamoslerhs.ca (for general careers) (williamoslerhs.ca); public sources also mention rita.soni@williamoslerhs.ca as SPEP-contact in listings. | Osler participates in nursing recruitment; may host SPEP-RN placements. Confirm with their professional practice or IEN unit. (williamoslerhs.ca) |
| St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) | Toronto, ON | — | Listed in SPEP-RN organization lists. |
| Lakeridge Health | Durham Region, ON | bcarling@lh.ca (Bronwen Carling) | Named in SPEP-RN hospital listings. |
| The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) | Ottawa, ON | nnjie@toh.ca (Ndolo Njie-Mokonya, IEN / SPEP Coordinator) | Listed as a SPEP-RN hospital. Confirm with TOH professional practice / IEN department. |
| Trillium Health Partners (THP) | Mississauga / West Toronto | — | THP’s careers page mentions SPEP and “Nurse Learner – SPEP” roles in job postings. (ca.indeed.com) |
Tips to Prepare for Your SPEP RN
- Revise your nursing fundamentals: Review topics such as medication administration, infection control, and patient safety.
- Practice documentation skills: Learn how to document electronically in systems like Epic or Meditech.
- Improve communication: Use therapeutic communication techniques and familiarize yourself with SBAR handover formats.
- Stay professional: Arrive on time, follow protocols, and demonstrate respect and accountability.
After Completing the SPEP RN
Once your supervising organization submits your evaluation to CNO, and it meets the standards of safe, competent, and ethical practice, CNO updates your registration status. Many nurses receive their registration number soon after successful completion.
This pathway not only brings internationally educated nurses closer to registration but also ensures that Ontario’s healthcare system continues to benefit from skilled professionals.
Conclusion
The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) is a vital opportunity for nurses seeking registration in Ontario. It builds confidence, enhances clinical knowledge, and ensures readiness for safe patient care. By participating in SPEP 2025, internationally educated nurses can take a meaningful step toward becoming fully licensed professionals in Canada.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not represent official advice from the College of Nurses of Ontario or Ontario Health. Always refer to official sources for current program updates.