In Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on May 24-25, the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) hosted a transformative Clinical Skills Workshop that marked a significant milestone in supporting Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) transitioning into the Canadian healthcare system. This event was part of the Nursing Week celebrations in Canada, providing valuable education, mentorship, and community-building opportunities for IENs looking to enhance their clinical competence and confidence.
The event was graced by the esteemed Consul General Angelica Escalona from the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, who added her voice to the important conversations surrounding nursing education and professional development for Filipino healthcare workers. Her presence highlighted the deep commitment of the Philippine government to supporting the Filipino nursing community abroad, especially in a critical sector like healthcare.
A powerful lineup of speakers, including Dr. Freida Chavez, Professor Emerita at the University of Toronto, and news anchor Ms. Cherie Mercado-Santos, contributed to the success of the workshop. Their insights not only inspired but also reinforced the importance of cultural competence, compassion, and leadership in nursing practice.
What made this event even more special was the fact that all facilitators were also IENs themselves—educators and professionals from various organizations—who generously shared their knowledge, skills, and success stories. This peer-to-peer approach offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with role models who had once walked the same path and could relate to the challenges of integrating into the Canadian healthcare system. Their shared experiences made the learning environment both authentic and empowering, demonstrating the power of giving back to the community.
The Clinical Skills Workshop brought together 110 participants from across Ontario, eager to learn, grow, and support one another in their professional journeys. Co-chaired by Irene Cecilia Azurin, an IEN and educator from the University Health Network, the event focused on bridging the practice gaps for IENs, helping them navigate the transition into Canadian healthcare settings with greater ease and confidence.
As IFCNA President Mark Gravoso remarked, “When IENs support IENs, transformation happens. This Clinical Skills Workshop is more than just training—it’s a continuous cycle of support where experienced mentors are paying it forward.”
Participants were not only exposed to clinical skills development but also immersed in discussions on building confidence, fostering collaboration, and breaking down barriers within the healthcare community. The workshops were designed to be hands-on, interactive, and inclusive, ensuring that every attendee had the opportunity to develop key competencies while also building a network of support among peers.
Through training sessions on simulated patient care scenarios, Canadian healthcare standards, and nursing leadership, the workshop empowered IENs to enhance their clinical practice. The sense of unity and camaraderie was palpable, with participants sharing experiences, offering support, and celebrating one another’s successes.
The event demonstrated that healthcare education is not just about knowledge—it’s about community, collaboration, and lifting each other up. As Filipino nurses, IENs have long been recognized for their resilience, dedication, and deep-rooted sense of care. This workshop reflected those values, creating a space where Filipino nurses could come together to learn, grow, and share in a collective mission of excellence in patient care.
The IFCNA Clinical Skills Workshop was a clear testament to the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, education, and the advancement of nursing in Canada. With initiatives like this, IFCNA continues to pave the way for Filipino nurses to lead, excel, and influence the future of healthcare, both within Canada and globally.
This meaningful gathering has not only helped improve the clinical competency of Filipino nurses but has also created a sustainable network for future collaborations and partnerships. The workshop’s success further reinforces the idea that with collaboration, compassion, and mentorship, IENs can break through any barriers to success and create an inclusive, high-quality healthcare community.
