Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium (CBNC) recently received a $150,000 grant from the Chicago Community Trust. These funds will be used to assist the organization as they continue to support and mentor immigrant nurses as they transition to professional nurses in the Chicagoland area and surrounding communities. Founded in 2002, CBNC has served more than 800 Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN’s) from over 52 countries seeking RN licensure here in the state of Illinois. CBNC is the only centralized resource for immigrant IENs in Illinois – and one of the few in the U.S. that offers programs and services to enable IENs to adapt to U.S. health care systems and culture.

Sandra Kubala, Executive Director, CBNC, states, “This grant is the beginning of the support needed for our organization at a time when IEN’s are so greatly needed in the community.” “Our Mission is to increase the number of internationally educated nurses for practice as bilingual bicultural nurses in metropolitan Chicago and surrounding communities through advocacy, education, and supportive services,” she adds. “The Chicago Community Trust has recognized the need for bicultural/bilingual nurses in our health care communities and has chosen to fund CBNC in their efforts,” said Terry Mazany, president & CEO, Chicago Community Trust. He adds, “I truly believe that by working together we can make a far greater difference than working alone and serve the greater good by making the world a better place.” For more information visit our website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org.