Nursing and Internationally Educated Nurses

Nursing Careers at the Ottawa Hospital

The Ottawa Hospital offers opportunities in nearly every specialty and subspecialty, and has opportunities for Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Educators, Occupational Health Nurses, and more. Our nurses are passionate about providing quality, safe and compassionate care to our patients, their families and our community. This commitment to excellence is exemplified through a culture that promotes accountability, teamwork, compassion, and respect. As a nurse at The Ottawa Hospital you will make a real difference in the lives of people throughout Eastern Ontario.

Endless Opportunities: Engagement, Education and Internships

Nurse engagement is a priority at The Ottawa Hospital. Nursing at The Ottawa Hospital involves various roles, The various specialties, and clinical areas allow allowing for a variety of knowledge, skills, and expertise to be developed and refined throughout your nursing journey with us.

Funded opportunities, in support of your evolving nursing career, can be supported through on-going education and internal internships. These are available to our nurses to promote professional development and growth, and to help you achieve your nursing education goals. Our Nursing Internship opportunities consolidate new clinical nursing knowledge and skills in a supportive learning environment – while in a temporary, 12-week, supernumerary positions – for you to qualify for future nursing opportunities on select units.

At The Ottawa Hospital, our goal is to ensure you feel supported, valued, and included at every stage of your nursing career.

Start Your Nursing Career at the Ottawa Hospital Now!

Nursing Graduates

Our Nursing Education team provides an extensive orientation about nursing practice at The Ottawa Hospital, as well as a wide range of education sessions to help you establish a solid foundation as you begin your nursing career. We have several supports and resources to further enhance your successful transition into nursing practice, clinically and socially, including Nurse Educators, Orientation Buddies, and Clinical Nurse Experts.

Welcoming Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), celebrates the diverse backgrounds and cultures of our nursing staff. With Canada’s population projected to be 38.2 per cent to 43 per cent diverse by 2041 (Statistics Canada, 2022), a culturally competent workforce is essential. Our Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) play a crucial role in enhancing patient experiences and ensuring positive hospital stays.

Supporting IEN Integration

TOH is a leader in helping IENs gain recent practice experience through our Supervised Practice Experience Program (SPEP). Over 150 IENs have completed SPEP at TOH and are now licensed nurses in Ontario. We have successfully supported nurses from the Middle East, Asia, South America, Africa, and the United Kingdom in safely returning to professional practice. Our tailored approach, preceptor workshops, and in-house expertise ensure a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.

Important note: TOH does not offer employment or practice hours for IENs needing employment offers for immigration or temporary license purposes. For more information on IEN onboarding or SPEP, please contact Dr. Ndolo Njie-Mokonya at nnjie@toh.ca.

IEN updates from the college of Nurses Ontario

 As of April 1, 2025, there are significant changes to the licensing pathway for all IENs. Please visit the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) website for more details.

Program Successes

In the past three years, the retention rates for IENs completing the SPEP program were 74 per cent in 2022, 77 per cent in 2023, and 45 per cent in 2024. These nurses continue to contribute positively to patient care and grow professionally through our internal programs. Several IENs in full-time positions now work in specialty units and serve as mentors to new SPEP candidates.

The Ottawa Hospital is an equal opportunity employer

Last updated on: May 14th, 2025