With funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care(MOHLTC), several key initiatives are administered, on an ongoing basis, which provide support to broad healthcare system strategies of nursing retention and recruitment across the province of Ontario. The overall goal of these strategies is to impact on the care provided by nurses to the people of Ontario.
Program Descriptions
The Nursing Education Initiative (NEI), Leadership/Clinical Practice Fellowships (LCPF) and our Career Advisor are examples of services administered by RPNAO to support nurses in all healthcare sectors across the province.
Nursing Education Initiative
Tuition reimbursement for nurses currently registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario. (Tuition from the two year diploma program cannot be considered under this program) Nurses are eligible to receive a maximum of $1,500 per year to support ongoing professional/career development. (Click here to learn more)
Leadership/Clinical Practice Fellowships
With funding provided by the Government of Ontario, this initiative is a leadership opportunity supporting Registered Practical Nurses in development of enhanced, expert skills, clinical knowledge and expertise. Full utilization of nursing skills according to the College of Nurses practice standards is essential. The RPN Fellow works with a mentor to identify a gap in service and then develops a detailed learning plan and budget for submission. If approved, the fellowship will consist of 400 hours (full time) towards the development of specific new leadership or clinically related knowledge/expertise which is then shared within their place of employment. (Click here to learn more)
Recruitment and Retention - Career Development Centre
The Centre's goal is to provide assistance to RPNs seeking employment in Ontario through career development services such as resume writing, interview skills, job search initiatives, career planning and planning for continuing education.Activities include but are not limited to: Career Choice Video Career counseling Job fairs Speaking engagements at community colleges/universities Organizational events Participation in Nursing week activities and Employment opportunities (Click here to see current opportunities)
Best Practice Guidelines
RPNAO is proud to support the work initiated by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) who launched the Nursing Clinical Best Practice Guidelines Program (CNBPG) in 1999. The purpose of this program is to support nurses by providing them with Clinical Best Practice Guidelines for client care. The guidelines are developed using a rigorous five phase process consisting of planning, development, pilot implementation, evaluation and dissemination/uptake. Each guideline undergoes full review every three years and is revised as necessary. To date, the program has produced and disseminated 29 clinical practice guidelines in the areas of gerontology, primary health care, mental health, home health and emergency care. This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). The program has also received funding from Health Canada (HC) and the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) to expand to jurisdictions outside of Ontario.
RNAO also launched in 2003 the Healthy Work Environment Best Practice Guidelines Project (HWEBPG). RPNAO actively participated in the development of these guidelines; this project is focused on using the best evidence possible to issue best practice guidelines on 6 key areas that are part of a healthy work place. The six guidelines are: Workload and staffing; work place health and safety; developing and sustaining leadership; embracing cultural diversity; Professionalism and collaborative work in nursing teams. These guidelines are developed with the same rigorous methodology as the clinical guidelines and will use the same process for regular review and revision. The first completed guideline, Developing and Sustaining Leadership, will be disseminated to the nursing and health care community early in 2006, with the remaining ones to be available in the spring of 2006. This program is also funded by MOHLTC and supported by HC.
The two guidelines programs have enjoyed the support of thousands of nurses in all roles and sectors who have provided countless hours to make Nursing Best Practice Guidelines a reality. The nursing community, with its commitment and passion for excellence in nursing care, is providing the knowledge and countless hours essential to the creation, evaluation and revision of each guideline. Employers have responded enthusiastically by getting involved in nominating best practice champions, implementing and evaluating the guidelines and working towards an evidence-based practice culture. Successful uptake of these guidelines requires a concerted effort of four groups: nurses themselves, other healthcare colleagues, nurse educators in academic and practice settings, and employers. We ask that you use these guidelines day in and day out in your practice. We also ask that you share these guidelines with members of the interdisciplinary team. There is much to learn from one another. Together, we can ensure that patients/clients/residents and communities receive the best possible care every time they come in contact with us. Let’s make them the real winners of this important effort! We want all RNs and RPNs involved! (Click here to learn more)
Key Organizations
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Nursing Secretariat
College of Nurses of Ontario
RNAO
Building The Future
Team Members:
Sheri Oliver, RPN, Director
soliver@rpnao.org
Gabrielle Bridle, RPN, Career Advisor
gbridle@rpnao.org
Noura Osman, Application/Proposal Consultant
nosman@rpnao.org
Ruth Hernandez, Administrative Assistant
rhernandez@rpnao.org
In addition to RPNAO's Privacy Policy, the initiatives administered by RPNAO, also adhere to the Treasury Board's Criteria.HYPERLINK "http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pgol-pged/piatp-pfefvp/course1/mod2/mod2-3_e.asp"Conseil du tresor.
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