In response to rising demands and staffing pressures, Shared Health Diagnostic Services partnered with RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) to enhance communication skills among frontline staff. Since fall 2023, more than 140 employees have participated in a customized workshop series designed to address real communication needs in Manitoba’s healthcare environments. 

Supporting Healthcare Teams Through Tailored Training 

The initiative, called the Workshop Series for Employees of Shared Health Working in Diagnostic Services, features three interactive workshops: 

• Communicating Effectively with Patients and Families 

• Communicating Effectively with Coworkers and Other Health Professionals 

• Reflecting on Communication Skills and Planning for the Future 

Each session is aligned with workplace realities and supports professional development. Workshops are delivered in a blended format: two hours of asynchronous online learning, followed by a 1.5-hour live virtual session on MS Teams, and a 30-minute written reflection. This structure provides flexibility while still allowing for collaboration and application. 

The final series of workshops wrapped up on June 18, 2025, marking the conclusion of 20 successful sessions delivered across the province. 

Real Impact on Communication Confidence 

Participants include staff from across the province—lab professionals, diagnostic imaging technologists, and clinical support workers—who have responded positively to the experience. 

“I used to think that doctors had all the right answers. Now I realize that no one knows us better than ourselves. Voicing concerns—whether as a patient or employee—leads to better care.” 
— Diagnostics worker, HSC 

“The concept of assertive communication really stood out. I realized I’m more assertive than I thought, and that confidence is something I can continue to build.” 
— Diagnostics worker, Thompson General Hospital 

Strengthening Manitoba’s Healthcare System 

This workshop series is the latest in a long-standing partnership between Shared Health and CNI to support internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) and improve system-wide communication. 

“Shared Health Diagnostic Services sees IEHPs as a significant source of qualified employees,” said Joanne Goldstone, Senior Clinical Education and Training Specialist at Shared Health. “Our work with RRC CNI has provided insight into the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Courses like these support IEHPs in finding personal success while meeting the needs of the employer.” 

Lasting Benefits for Staff and Teams 

According to Joanne, the workshops gave staff the confidence and skills to navigate challenging conversations and improve teamwork—particularly for employees from diverse language or cultural backgrounds.  

“The sessions created a safe space to practice real-life communication scenarios,” she said. “Staff shared that they now feel more equipped to handle tough conversations, ask for clarification, and collaborate more effectively.” 

While long-term results are still developing, early feedback suggests that participants are more mindful of their tone, word choice, and communication style, laying the foundation for stronger, more inclusive healthcare teams. 

Interested in Partnering? 

CNI invites other healthcare organizations across Manitoba to consider similar collaborations. Whether adapting existing workshops or developing new offerings, these partnerships help organizations invest in staff, improve retention, and strengthen communication at all levels. 

To learn more about tailored training solutions for your healthcare team, contact the CNI team at hesp@rrc.ca. 

On 21st of February, we hosted a webinar called Collaborating with Specialized Supports on the 21st. The session featured three guest speakers who provided valuable insights into the roles of various members of collaborative healthcare teams.

Attendees learned about the common challenges faced by patients and clients needing specialized support, how to recognize those in need, and the resources available to assist them, including community resources, assistive tools, and relevant legislation. The speakers also shared communication tips and strategies to support patients and clients effectively, covering topics such as social work, spiritual health, and communicative devices.

Standardized Patients Workshops

Introduced last Fall, continued to gain popularity. This term, we doubled the number of sessions and offered them online at various times to accommodate different schedules. The workshops were so popular that registration filled up within 24 hours.

One student reflected on the experience, stating, “Reflecting on the experience of speaking with a simulated patient, I found it incredibly valuable. It allowed me to practice gathering a detailed history of the patient’s condition step by step. I felt confident in my understanding of the patient and ensuring he understood me. This experience also highlighted some areas where I need improvement… Overall, it was a meaningful learning opportunity.”

Upcoming March Activities

Standardized Patients Workshops

In March, we will continue with the Standardized Patients Workshops due to their high demand. Additionally, we will offer three online Enhanced Skills for CELBAN workshops, providing multiple time slots to fit students’ busy schedules. The workshops will cover Writing Opinion Letters, Talking about Current Health Issues, and Writing Narrative Reports.

Launching Two New Courses

We are also launching two core courses for Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs): Intercultural Competence for Health Professionals and Communication for Collaborative Practice. These courses are designed for IEHPs with CLB levels of 7 and 8. 

Learn more about the CIEHP Program.

Webinar Guest Speakers

On March 14th, we will host the final Health Guest Speaker Webinar Series of the term, focusing on Communicating with Patients/Clients Across the Lifespan. Three guest speakers will discuss how to communicate effectively with young children, youth, teenagers, older adults, and those at the end of life. The webinar aims to help IEHPs develop a deeper understanding of the chall

What is the CIEHP Program? 

The Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professionals (CIEHP) Program is specifically designed to help internationally trained health professionals overcome common challenges when entering the Canadian workforce. Whether you have just arrived in Canada or have been here for some time, our program equips you with the critical communication skills, cultural awareness, and professional insights needed to thrive in Manitoba’s diverse healthcare settings. 

Key Benefits and Features 

Enhanced Communication Skills 

• Improve your spoken and written English for healthcare settings. 
• Develop the ability to communicate with patients, colleagues, and supervisors effectively. 
• Learn sector-specific terminology and best practices to ensure clarity and precision. 

Cultural Competency and Workplace Readiness 

• Gain an understanding of Canadian workplace culture, patient care standards, and professional expectations in health services. 
• Practice workplace scenarios and role-plays, guided by experienced instructors and industry experts.  

Customized Career Guidance 

• Receive personalized feedback to address specific gaps in your language skills. 
• Work with dedicated advisors who provide mentorship, support, and pathways to certification or licensure. 
   
   

Networking Opportunities 

• Meet established professionals and industry leaders in local healthcare. 
• Engage in career fairs and events that connect you directly with potential employers. 

Flexible Learning Options 

• Benefit from flexible schedules and online learning 
• Access resources and support from anywhere, fitting your busy schedule. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does this program provide or replace licensure? 
A: No. While CIEHP helps strengthen your communication and cultural understanding, it does not confer professional licensure. Instead, it lays a strong foundation for future steps like licensing exams, bridging programs, or additional certifications. 

Q: Can I take this program while working? 
A: Yes! We offer flexible learning formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—so you can balance your studies with work and personal responsibilities. 

At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration, we believe in building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare sector that benefits from newcomers’ expertise and supports them to reach their full potential. Take the next step in advancing your career or strengthening your team. 

Q: Will CIEHP solve all my licensing requirements? 
A: While the program strengthens your communication skills and cultural understanding, it does not grant licensure. However, it can help you better prepare for future steps like exams, bridging programs, or credential evaluations. 

Q: Is the program delivered online or in-person? 
A: We offer flexible delivery class times and online to accommodate working professionals and shift schedules. 

Ready to discover how the CIEHP Program can set you on a path to success? 
Reach out today for more information and let us help you unlock new opportunities in Manitoba’s dynamic healthcare landscape. 

Embracing this guidance, Laila adjusted her daily life to facilitate language learning, including changing all her devices’ language settings to English and attending online classes. She began volunteering with public health nurses at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), which offered her valuable insights into Manitoba’s healthcare system and improved her language proficiency. She also took on housekeeping and cooking jobs to support her family and advance her journey, aiding in her permanent residency application.  

In the spring of 2021, Laila enrolled part-time at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), progressing through various English language courses. She culminated her studies with the Communication for Health Professionals (CHP) program, which provided her with essential knowledge about Manitoba’s healthcare system, cultural nuances, and effective communication strategies.  

Reflecting on her experience, Laila noted, “Red River College has played an important role in my academic development and professional growth, whether through the healthcare communication programs or the Nursing Re-entry Program (NREP).”  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laila contributed to public health efforts by administering vaccines to the community as an immunizer for Shared Health. Her hands-on experience during this critical period honed her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of public health initiatives.  

By 2022, Laila achieved the required English proficiency to begin the nursing credential validation process with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM). She diligently gathered and submitted all necessary documents, a process she found both time-consuming and stressful.  

In 2023, after her credentials were assessed, she was referred to take the Clinical Competence Assessment (CCA). This assessment was pivotal, reinforcing her confidence in her nursing abilities and highlighting areas for adaptation to the Canadian context.  

Following her CCA, she was instructed which courses to take through RRC Polytech’s Nursing Re-entry Program (NREP) in 2024. This program further enhanced her confidence and prepared her for the Canadian healthcare environment. On January 31, 2025, Laila reached a significant milestone by receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) license in Manitoba.  

She delivered a presentation on Feb. 5, 2025, to CNI health students, sharing her journey and offering guidance to those pursuing similar paths. Her story serves as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the impact of resilience and the importance of a supportive community.  

Throughout her journey, Laila faced challenges such as language barriers, a lack of information about the credentialing process, and limited support networks. She immersed herself in English to overcome these obstacles, sought volunteer opportunities, and connected with others in similar situations. She even created a WhatsApp group for Brazilian nurses in Manitoba, fostering a community of support and shared experiences.  

Laila’s story shows us perseverance, resilience, and the significance of community support. She emphasizes that “success is not a coincidence. It is the result of discipline, resilience, and persistence in following a purpose, of course, surrounded by people who support you.” 

Winter Term Courses In January, we kicked off four online courses:

• Communication for Health Professions
• Pronunciation for Health Professions
• CELBAN Module – Speaking
• Communication for Internationally Educated Nurses

We wish all students success in their occupation-specific language courses for healthcare, supporting their personal and professional growth.

Wednesday Health Guest Speaker Webinar Series

On January 22nd, Sheila Betker, Leadership Development Consultant with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and an instructor at the University of Manitoba, led a webinar titled Leadership Across Cultures: Understanding Canadian Practices in Healthcare in Manitoba. Key takeaways included:

• Insights into cultural characteristics influencing leadership and organizational behaviour in Canada.
• Tools and techniques to foster collaboration in culturally diverse workplaces.
• A deeper appreciation of the LEADS framework to enhance leadership impact in healthcare.

The session featured expert-led discussions, real-world examples, and interactive engagement opportunities.

Upcoming Events in February

Focus Group Session 

On February 28th, CNI is hosting a focus group inviting students enrolled in health-specific language courses to share their perspectives on how we can best address their needs. Compensation is provided for participants. If you wish to have your voice heard, please contact akassymova@rrc.ca to sign up.

Live Online Webinar 

We are shifting our webinar schedule in February to a live online session on Friday, February 21st, from 10 am to 12 pm. The topic will be Collaborating with Specialized Supports. Early registration is now open, and those unable to attend live can sign up for an asynchronous option to access the recording. Registration is open to any CNI student, current or past. Register here.

Standardized Patients Workshops 

Our Standardized Patients workshops, which received excellent feedback last semester, will continue in February. These practical workshops allow students to practice with live actors who have experience in being standardized patients. Early registration is now open for the following dates:

• Wednesday, Feb 26, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
• Thursday, Feb 27, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Monday, March 3, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Wednesday, March 5, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Why attend? These workshops are invaluable for internationally educated health professionals to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in a controlled, supportive environment. If interested, please email akassymova@rrc.ca.

March Course Launch

In March, we are launching core courses for the Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professions program for students with CLB 7/8. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Heidi DeFehr at hdefehr@rrc.ca.

We look forward to a productive and engaging month ahead!

November Highlights:

Standardized Patients Workshop Series

We continued our Standardized Patients Workshop series in November, providing students with hands-on opportunities to practice patient-centred health history interviews. These workshops simulate real-world scenarios to help participants enhance their communication skills in the Canadian healthcare setting.

“Patient-centered health history taking has been the most effective way of obtaining health history from people who feel unwell. Many patients may hide vital information about their health if the most efficient and effective approach is not used. Personally, history taking has been a big challenge for me, but these opportunities for continuous learning and persistent practice are making me better,” said Ama Apea Bah.

Enhanced Skills for CELBAN Workshop

This workshop focused on strengthening skills for the CELBAN exam, with a particular emphasis on narrative report writing. It was a valuable session for those preparing for the CELBAN exam and for anyone aiming to excel in writing effective narrative reports.

Guest Speaker Webinar: Culturally Safe Care for Indigenous Patients

Our third Guest Speaker Webinar featured Elder Paul Guimond and Chantal Wahteeshkin RN BN, Manitoba’s first Indigenous Nurse Navigator. They shared profound insights into culturally safe care for Indigenous patients, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in health history taking.

December Preview:

Special Standardized Patients Workshop

In the first week of December, students in the Communication for Internationally Educated Nurses courses will participate in a dedicated workshop with a professional actor. This session is designed to refine patient interview skills in a supportive, realistic environment.

Holiday Wishes

As the holiday season approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to you all. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with joy, success, and the achievement of your goals. May all your dreams come true in the place you now call home – Canada.

Health Guest Speaker Webinar: Indigenous Perspectives of Health and Culturally Safe Care

This session will deepen your understanding of Indigenous perspectives of health, wellness, and medicine, as well as provide you with greater insight into some of the challenges faced by Indigenous patients in the healthcare system, and what you as a health professional can do to provide culturally safe, compassionate care. 

Webinar Details:

• Topic: Indigenous Perspectives of Health and Culturally Safe Care
• Date: Monday, November 27, 2024
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Registration is open to all CNI students. Everyone interested should contact akassymova@rrc.ca. Don’t miss out!

October 2024 Recap:

Enhanced Skills for CELBAN Workshops

October launched our Enhanced Skills for CELBAN series, supporting nursing-specific communication skills through targeted writing and speaking tasks. Workshops included Opinion Letters on October 16 and 18 and Talking About Current Health Issues on October 23 and 25, offering participants valuable practice in clear, accurate communication for healthcare settings.

“It was a great workshop, informative with lots of insights on how to approach to answer each of the CELBAN tasks that’s required,” says Vincent Balbenta. 

Standardized Patients Workshop

Our first Standardized Patients Workshop took place on October 25, allowing participants to practice health history interviews in a realistic setting with simulated patients. Through this unique experience, students can choose to conduct interviews or observe their peers in action.

Managing Your Stress in Challenging Situations

Our October 30 webinar, led by RRC Polytech Counsellor Justin Penner, focused on managing stress in healthcare settings. Justin shared effective strategies for coping with workplace pressures, helping participants build resilience in high-stress scenarios.

Upcoming in November 2024:

Enhanced Skills for CELBAN Workshops

For students involved in CELBAN preparation and related programs, we’re excited to continue our workshops designed to hone essential communication skills:

• Talking About Current Health Issues: November 5
• Writing Narrative Report: November 6 and November 15

Spaces are limited, so keep an eye on your inbox for registration details or contact Aigerim at akassymova@rrc.ca to secure your spot.

Standardized Patients Workshops

Our next workshop in this series will be an in-person session held at the Elgin Avenue Campus.

• Date: November 12 (in-person)
  For those who can’t attend in person, two online sessions will also be available:
• Online Sessions: November 18 and November 21

These workshops include both pre- and post-workshop activities to enhance your experience.

Winter Intake Open for IEHP Online Courses

Registration is now open for our Winter intake! Explore our range of courses designed to support internationally educated healthcare professionals. Visit the CNI Health page to learn more about the programs and how to apply.

Health Guest Speaker Webinar: Managing Your Stress in Challenging Situations

We’re excited to announce our next webinar. This is a great opportunity to learn practical tools for managing stress in high-pressure healthcare environments. 

Webinar Details:

• Topic: Managing Your Stress – Challenging Situations in the Canadian Healthcare System
• Speaker: Justin Penner, MA, RRC Polytech Counsellor and Member of the Healthy Minds Healthy College Advisory Group
• Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for this valuable session to learn practical tools for managing stress in the healthcare environment.

September 2024 Recap:

Welcoming Week

We kicked off the term by warmly welcoming newcomers to CNI’s health programs. To learn more about how our programs are empowering internationally educated health professionals, check out our blog post: How CNI’s Health Programs Are Empowering Internationally Educated Professionals.

Communicating with People with Dementia Webinar

On September 25th, we hosted a highly engaging webinar led by Joyce Klassen, Dementia Care Education Coordinator at The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Joyce shared insights on communication strategies for caring for patients with dementia, which students found incredibly beneficial.

Student Reflections:

• Marvin Tiana shared how the webinar helped him better handle patients with dementia in his role at Concordia Hospital by using the “go with the flow” technique.
• Janice Ann Dela Paz reflected on how redirecting patients instead of correcting them has improved her interactions with patients with dementia in a long-term care facility.
• Dulcilene Montiero emphasized the importance of non-verbal communication, such as eye contact and smiling, to build rapport with patients with dementia.

Upcoming in October 2024:

Enhanced Skills for CELBAN Workshops

For students enrolled in the Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) Prep Modules and those in PMH (Prairie Mountain Health) and NREP (Nursing Re-Entry Program) coaching, we have two valuable workshops:

• Writing Opinion Letters: October 16th and 18th
• Talking About Current Health Issues: October 23rd, 25th, and November 5th

These workshops are aimed at helping students strengthen their written and verbal communication skills. Space is limited, so check your email for registration details or contact Aigerim at akassymova@rrc.ca to sign up.

Online Standardized Patients Workshop

This workshop is designed to help internationally educated health professionals, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and physical or occupational therapists, enhance their communication skills when conducting health history interviews in the Canadian healthcare setting. It’s open to those attending or having completed the following courses:

• Communication for Professional Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses
• Communication in Patient-Centred Practice
• Communication for Internationally Educated Nurses (CIEN)
• Skills and Strategies for CELBAN 

Keep an eye on your inbox for registration forms.