Are you an internationally educated nurse (IEN) looking to become a Registered Nurse in Ontario? The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP-RN) is your essential pathway to meeting the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requirements. This program allows you to gain valuable clinical experience in a supervised setting while demonstrating your readiness for Ontario’s healthcare environment.
🌍 What Is the SPEP-RN Program?
The SPEP-RN is designed for IENs who need to meet specific nursing practice or evidence-of-competence requirements set by the CNO. This structured placement helps you apply your nursing knowledge and skills in real-time, under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the SPEP-RN program, you must:
- Have completed your nursing education (BScN, GNM, or equivalent).
- Meet the CNO’s language proficiency requirements.
- Receive a formal eligibility confirmation letter from the CNO for the SPEP.
⏳ Program Duration
The SPEP-RN placement typically requires 400 hours of supervised practice. Most healthcare organizations offer flexible scheduling—so you can choose part-time or full-time options based on your availability.
🏥 CNO-Approved Organizations Offering SPEP-RN
Some top healthcare organizations in Ontario that offer the SPEP-RN:
1. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre – Toronto
Focus Areas: Critical care, mental health, medical-surgical
Specialties: Trauma, neurosurgery, cardiac services
🔗 Sunnybrook Careers – SPEP
2. University Health Network (UHN) – Toronto
Focus Areas: Oncology, transplant, cardiology
Hospitals: Toronto General, Princess Margaret
📧 Email: PBEnursinglearner@uhn.ca
🔗 UHN IEN Program
3. St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto)
Focus Areas: Cardiology, critical care, medical units
Specialties: Urban health, advanced cardiac care
🔗 Unity Health SPEP
4. William Osler Health System – Brampton & Etobicoke
Focus Areas: Pediatrics, geriatrics, maternity
📧 Email: rita.soni@williamoslerhs.ca
📎 Attach your CNO confirmation + resume
🔗 William Osler IEN Info
5. Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS)
Focus Areas: Pediatric nursing, surgical services, oncology
📧 Email: HHSIENProgram@hhsc.ca
🔗 HHS IEN Program
6. Lakeridge Health – Durham Region
Focus Areas: Rehabilitation, mental health, cancer care
📧 Contact: Bronwen Carling – bcarling@lh.ca
🔗 Lakeridge IEN Program
7. The Ottawa Hospital (TOH)
Focus Areas: Oncology, rehabilitation, emergency care
📧 Contact: Ndolo Njie-Mokonya – nnjie@toh.ca
🔗 TOH IEN Program
8. Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga & West Toronto
Focus Areas: Maternity, geriatrics, emergency
🔗 Trillium SPEP Program
CURRENT SPEP-RN PROGRAM OPENING IN ONTARIO..APPLY NOW 2025
April 7, 2025, SPEP-RN Markham, ON • Full time
2. SPEP-RN: TRILLIUM HEALTH PARTNERS CAREERS:
Nurse Learner – Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) – Trillium Health Partners Careers
3. Supervised Practice Experience Partnership – Temporary Full-Time – 2025-SB-01032025 (2025-SB-01032025) Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre – Toronto, ON, Canada (Apply on INDEED or direct on hospital website)
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Careers and Employment | Indeed.com
4. SPEP-RN/RPN Extendicare – Oshawa ON
SPEP-RN job with Extendicare Canada Inc. | 2128721
5. Nursing Student (SPEP) – West Oak Village
Nursing Student (SPEP) – West Oak Village job with Axium Extendicare Ltc Ii Lp | 2134500
6. Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP), Temporary Full-time, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
7.Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP), Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll, Ingersoll, ON N5C 1B8
📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Check Your Eligibility:
Ensure you’ve received the SPEP eligibility letter from the CNO. - Choose a Hospital:
Pick a facility based on your nursing interests or career goals. - Send Your Application:
Contact the organization directly via email. Include your CNO eligibility confirmation and updated resume. - Prepare for Interviews:
Some hospitals may request an interview—be ready to discuss your clinical skills, professionalism, and understanding of Ontario’s healthcare practices.
🌟 Tips for Success in Your SPEP-RN Placement
- Be Proactive: Take initiative in learning opportunities, especially around documentation and communication.
- Know the CNO Standards: Understand key areas like professionalism, ethics, and patient-centered care.
- Build Relationships: Establish good rapport with your preceptors and mentors.
- Polish Your Soft Skills: Focus on time management, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Completing the SPEP-RN is a significant milestone in becoming a licensed nurse in Ontario. By choosing the right healthcare setting and preparing well, you can build confidence, demonstrate your skills, and move one step closer to your nursing dream in Canada.
📢 Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility, choose a CNO-approved organization, and start your SPEP journey today. Your future as a Registered Nurse in Ontario awaits!