07/24/2026
The Nova Scotia Internationally Educated Nurses Conference (NSIENN) welcomed nurses and health care representatives from across the province from July 23–24, 2026 in Halifax and was themed Re-Imagining IEN Integration in Nova Scotia and Beyond.
The attendees, who participated in person and virtually, were welcomed by The Honourable Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer of Canada.
A panel discussion titled Policy Conversation: IEN Integration Beyond Licensure featured NSNU president, Janet Hazelton; Annette Elliot Rose, Nova Scotia Health Chief Nurse Executive & Vice President, Clinical Performance & Professional Practice; Jennifer Best, Senior Director, Legislative Services and Deputy Registrar, NSNMR; and Ron Garcia, International and Campus Recruitment Lead, Shannex. They shared their views and ideas on a coordinated and collaborative approach to IEN integration.
NSNU’s OH&S Advisor, Heather Matthews provided a presentation on understanding occupational health and safety. Other NSNU reps in attendance included Donna Gillis, NSNU 1st VP, Natalie Nymark, VP IWK and Anne Boutilier, Central Vice-President who managed NSNU’s exhibit, fielding questions throughout the conference.
The event featured partner speeches, networking, the annual NSIENN awards ceremony, research discussions, panel insights, and networking.
Congratulations to the organizers on this inaugural event.
