If you are an internationally educated nurse (IEN) planning to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ontario, the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP-RN) may be one of the final steps toward registration. Many nurses receive a letter from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requiring them to complete supervised practice before meeting registration requirements.
One of the most common questions applicants ask is: Which hospitals and healthcare organizations accept SPEP-RN candidates?
This guide provides an updated list of CNO-approved SPEP-RN organizations in Ontario, application contacts, placement opportunities, eligibility requirements, and practical tips to help you secure a placement successfully.
What is the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP-RN)?
The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership is a College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)–approved program designed for internationally educated nurses (IENs) who need to meet specific practice requirements to obtain Registered Nurse (RN) registration in Ontario.
Through the SPEP-RN program, internationally educated nurses demonstrate their clinical competence, professional judgment, and nursing skills in a supervised healthcare setting. This ensures that nurses meet Ontario’s healthcare standards, safety expectations, and nursing practice requirements.
The SPEP-RN is often recommended by the CNO when an applicant’s previous nursing experience or education does not fully meet Ontario’s entry-to-practice requirements.
Who Needs the SPEP-RN Program?
The SPEP-RN program is suitable for:
- Internationally educated nurses (IENs)
- Nurses educated outside Canada
- Applicants assessed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as eligible for SPEP
- Nurses needing additional supervised practice hours before RN registration
Eligibility Requirements for SPEP-RN (2026)
To apply for the SPEP-RN program, you must meet the following criteria:
- ✔️ Completion of recognized nursing education
- ✔️ Meet CNO language proficiency requirements (IELTS / CELPIP)
- ✔️ Be assessed by the CNO and deemed eligible for SPEP
- ✔️ Hold valid documentation from CNO confirming SPEP eligibility
⚠️ Important: You cannot apply to hospitals without official CNO SPEP eligibility confirmation.
Duration of the SPEP-RN Program
- ⏱️ Total Hours: Approximately 400 supervised practice hours
- 🕒 Flexible options:
- Full-time
- Part-time (depending on organization availability)
The duration may vary slightly depending on:
- Hospital policies
- Specialty area
- Individual learning needs
CNO-Approved Organizations Commonly Offering SPEP-RN Placements in Ontario
Note: Availability of SPEP-RN placements may change based on organizational capacity, staffing needs, and agreements with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Applicants should contact organizations directly to confirm current placement opportunities.
| Organization | City | Main Clinical Areas for SPEP Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre | Toronto | Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency, Medical-Surgical |
| University Health Network (UHN) | Toronto | Transplant, Oncology, Cardiac Care, Medicine |
| St. Michael’s Hospital | Toronto | Critical Care, Emergency, Trauma, Medicine |
| William Osler Health System | Brampton | Medical-Surgical, Emergency, Acute Care |
| Trillium Health Partners | Mississauga | Maternity, Medicine, Surgery, Geriatrics |
| The Ottawa Hospital | Ottawa | Emergency, Oncology, Critical Care, Medicine |
| Hamilton Health Sciences | Hamilton | Pediatrics, Oncology, Critical Care, Medicine |
| Lakeridge Health | Durham Region | Rehabilitation, Medicine, Surgery, Emergency |
| Niagara Health | Niagara Region | Emergency, Medical-Surgical, Mental Health |
| London Health Sciences Centre | London | Trauma, Critical Care, Cardiac Care |
| Windsor Regional Hospital | Windsor | Emergency, Medicine, Surgery |
| Kingston Health Sciences Centre | Kingston | Acute Care, Oncology, Critical Care |
| Grand River Hospital | Kitchener | Medicine, Surgery, Emergency |
| Humber River Health | Toronto | Acute Care, Digital Health, Medical-Surgical |
| Mackenzie Health | Richmond Hill | Medicine, Surgery, Emergency, Critical Care |
| North York General Hospital | Toronto | Community Care, Medicine, Surgery |
| Michael Garron Hospital | Toronto | Acute Care, Medicine, Emergency |
| Joseph Brant Hospital | Burlington | Medicine, Surgery, Emergency |
| Halton Healthcare | Oakville, Milton, Georgetown | Acute Care, Maternity, Surgery |
| Scarborough Health Network | Toronto | Emergency, Critical Care, Medical-Surgical |
CNO-Approved Organizations for SPEP-RN in Ontario
List of CNO-approved healthcare organizations offering the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP-RN) in Ontario.
1. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook is one of Canada’s largest academic health sciences centres, known for trauma care, cardiac services, and neurosurgery.
SPEP Opportunities:
- Critical Care
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health
2. University Health Network (UHN)
UHN includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. It is globally recognized for oncology, transplant, cardiology, and surgical services.
SPEP Opportunities:
- Oncology
- Surgical Services
- Cardiology
📧 Email: PBEnursinglearner@uhn.ca
Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) – UHN
Healthcare & Long-Term Care Careers | Extendicare Careers Canada Jobs
3. St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto)
St. Michael’s Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Centre and a major teaching hospital serving Toronto’s urban population. It is also home to one of the largest Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinics in North America.
SPEP Opportunities:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care
- General Medical Nursing
4. William Osler Health System
William Osler Health System includes Brampton Civic Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital. It serves a highly diverse population and offers comprehensive care.
📧 Contact: rita.soni@williamoslerhs.ca
📌 Application Instructions:
- Forward your CNO SPEP eligibility confirmation email
- Attach your updated resume
- You will be contacted with further updates
SPEP Opportunities:
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Maternity Care
5. Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS)
Hamilton Health Sciences is a network of six hospitals, including Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster Children’s Hospital.
📧 Email: HHSIENProgram@hhsc.ca
SPEP Opportunities:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Oncology
- Surgical Services
6. Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health serves the Durham Region and is well known for rehabilitation, cancer care, and mental health services.
📧 Contact: Bronwen Carling
Email: bcarling@lh.ca
SPEP Opportunities:
- Rehabilitation
- Cancer Care
- Mental Health Nursing
7. The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest hospitals, offering advanced care in oncology, cardiology, rehabilitation, and emergency services.
📧 Contact: Ndolo Njie-Mokonya
Email: nnjie@toh.ca
📌 Requirement: Proof of CNO SPEP eligibility is mandatory.
SPEP Opportunities:
- Oncology
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency Nursing
8. Trillium Health Partners
Serving Mississauga and West Toronto, Trillium Health Partners provides care across multiple specialties.
SPEP Opportunities:
- Maternity Care
- Emergency Services
- Geriatrics
As an internationally educated nurse who completed the nursing registration process in Ontario, I found that obtaining a SPEP placement required persistence, follow-up emails, and preparation for interviews. Some organizations respond quickly, while others may take several weeks. My recommendation is to contact multiple approved organizations rather than waiting for a response from only one hospital.
My Experience Completing SPEP-RN at The Ottawa Hospital
As an internationally educated nurse, I completed my SPEP-RN placement at The Ottawa Hospital in the Transitional Care Unit. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and it helped me gain confidence in the Canadian healthcare system.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my placement was documentation. Canadian nursing documentation standards were different from what I was accustomed to, and I had to learn how to chart accurately, communicate effectively within the healthcare team, and follow hospital-specific policies and procedures. However, with guidance from my preceptors and continuous practice, I became comfortable with the documentation process by the end of my placement.
The most important lesson I learned was how to work effectively in a Canadian hospital environment. I gained a better understanding of patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teamwork, professional accountability, and evidence-based nursing practice. The SPEP experience helped me transition from being a student of the system to becoming a confident nursing professional.
Advice for Future SPEP-RN Candidates
Based on my experience, I would like to share the following tips with internationally educated nurses:
- Always ask questions. Do not be afraid to seek clarification when you are unsure.
- Avoid being overconfident. Take time to learn and understand the process before performing tasks independently.
- Practice new skills under the supervision of your charge nurse or preceptor until you feel comfortable and competent.
- If you make a mistake, inform your charge nurse or preceptor immediately. Transparency and patient safety are priorities in Canadian healthcare.
- Before performing any procedure, review the policies and guidelines of the specific hospital where you are completing your placement.
- Learn first, then apply your knowledge in practice.
- Share your previous nursing experience with your preceptor. Your experience is valuable and can help build professional relationships.
- Regularly ask for feedback from your preceptors and use it as an opportunity for growth.
- Be patient with yourself. Adjusting to a new healthcare system takes time.
- Focus on improving your clinical skills, communication abilities, critical thinking, and self-confidence throughout the placement.
- Remember that SPEP is a learning opportunity. Your goal should not only be to complete the required hours but also to become a safe, competent, and confident nurse in the Canadian healthcare environment.
My SPEP-RN placement was a significant step in my nursing journey, and the knowledge and confidence I gained continue to support my professional practice today.
How to Apply for SPEP-RN with CNO-Approved Organizations
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register with the CNO
Ensure your CNO assessment is complete and you have written confirmation of SPEP eligibility. - Choose Your Preferred Organization
Select hospitals based on your clinical interest and career goals. - Submit Your Application
Apply directly through hospital emails or professional practice departments. - Prepare for the Interview
Some organizations conduct interviews to assess:- Clinical knowledge
- Communication skills
- Understanding of Ontario nursing standards
Common SPEP Application Mistakes
- Many internationally educated nurses delay their registration because of avoidable mistakes:
- Applying before receiving CNO eligibility confirmation.
- Sending an outdated nursing resume.
- Applying to only one healthcare organization.
- Not following up after submitting applications.
- Failing to prepare for SPEP interviews.
- Not understanding Ontario nursing standards and documentation requirements.
- Applying to multiple organizations and keeping all documents ready can improve your chances of obtaining a placement more quickly.
Tips for Success in Your SPEP-RN Placement
✔️ Be proactive in learning – Ask questions and seek feedback
✔️ Improve documentation skills – Charting is critical in Ontario
✔️ Understand CNO standards – Ethics, professionalism, and patient safety
✔️ Build strong communication skills – Interdisciplinary teamwork matters
✔️ Seek mentorship – Learn from your preceptor and supervisors
Is SPEP-RN paid?
Most of the organizations may offer paid opportunities, while others provide supervised placements without employment. Applicants should confirm directly with the organization.
How many hours are required for SPEP-RN?
The required hours depend on the learning plan and organizational requirements. Always follow the instructions provided by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the placement organization.
Can I choose any hospital for SPEP-RN?
No. You must apply to organizations that participate in the SPEP program and are willing to accept learners.
Does completing SPEP guarantee a nursing job?
No. Completing SPEP helps meet registration requirements, but employment decisions are made separately by healthcare organizations.
Can internationally educated nurses apply for SPEP-RN?
Yes. SPEP-RN is commonly used by internationally educated nurses who need to demonstrate nursing competence and evidence of practice before registration.
Conclusion
Finding a SPEP-RN placement can feel challenging, but many internationally educated nurses successfully complete the program each year and move closer to becoming Registered Nurses in Ontario. Start by obtaining your CNO eligibility letter, prepare a strong nursing resume, and apply to multiple approved organizations. The sooner you begin networking and submitting applications, the greater your chances of securing a placement and advancing your nursing career in Canada.
✨ Good luck on your SPEP-RN journey in 2026!
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