Background: Tailored and responsive programs are essential for integrating and retaining internationally educated nurses (IENs). The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) program in Ontario supports IENs in their transition. The University Health Network in Ontario developed a customized SPEP program to facilitate a two-way integration into practice, engaging IENs and practice leaders.

Method: The advanced practice nurse educator (APNE) team leveraged continuous evaluation approaches to develop and refine the program, using a combination of surveys and focus groups with IENs and leaders (e.g., managers, APNEs and preceptors). Core components of the evidence-informed and adapted SPEP program include onboarding workshops, structured learning pathways, IEN and preceptor handbooks and a community of practice that incorporates peer support from successfully transitioned IENs.

Findings: Evaluation results show improvements in IENs' critical thinking, communication, clinical reasoning and judgement. However, limited clinical experience among many IENs led to curricular adjustments emphasizing nursing fundamentals through case-based learning aligned with organizational values. Ongoing support from dedicated SPEP APNEs, particularly with prior experience as IENs, has been key to successful implementation.

Conclusion: This data-informed, adaptive approach has enhanced IEN integration into the workforce and offers a practical model for nursing leaders and educators designing transition programs in dynamic healthcare settings.

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