39 nurses trained outside of Canada are seeing their registrations with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) expedited.

The nurses had successfully completed the The Bridging Pathway for Internationally Educated Nurses (BPIEN) program at Red River College but have been unable to register with the College of Registered Nurses due to testing delays caused by COVID-19.

Specifically the nurses have been unable to complete English language tests because the test are currently unavailable due to current public health orders. In order to be licensed internationally trained nurses need to successfully complete the test.

“Nurses are critical in our fight against COVID-19. Finding a way to safely allow these internationally educated nurses to enter into the nursing profession right now will address some of the strain our health-care system is facing,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “With today’s announcement, we are strengthening Manitoba’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The minister reached out to the CRNM in an effort to work together to allow these nurses to practice as either graduate nurses or on a temporary full registration.

CRNM has contacted the nurses to follow through with their registrations. So far 15 of those nurses have now been registered and are now working in health settings.

The nurses will still need to complete the English language test once it becomes available.

© News4.ca 2020