Education

Education for nursing staff is encouraged and supported at UHN. Professional Development Leaders and Advanced Practice Nurse Educators both play a role. Professional Development Leaders facilitate and coordinate programs that are accessed by all nursing staff such as nursing orientation, mentorship and on-site courses. Advanced Practice Nurse Educators are based on one or more clinical units and their focus is on staff education specific to the clinical environment.

Orientation

As a new employee at UHN, you can expect to participate in a well-organized, comprehensive, competency-based Nursing Orientation program that acknowledges and builds on your previously acquired knowledge and skills.

Your orientation will consist of:

A general nursing orientation that includes face-to-face classroom sessions, hands-on practice in the skill lab, completion of applicable eLearning modules, computer training, and clinical time on the unit. The content is applicable to all nurses new to UHN.
A unit-specific orientation that takes place in the clinical area and is supported by a designated mentor, your Clinical Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, and your Nurse Manager. The length of the unit-specific orientation varies from unit to unit and is always based on the needs of the orientee.

Continuing Education

UHN is located close to many academic institutions in the Toronto area. Many nurses take advantage of the close proximity to these colleges and universities by enrolling in degree and certificate programs. Some nursing degree and certificate program courses are offered on-site throughout the academic year. Financial assistance is available through a tuition reimbursement program from Human Resources, a nursing scholarship program and unit-based professional councils that manage professional development funds.

Nurses are also sponsored for a number of full-time programs such as critical care nursing and operating room nursing. Sponsorship includes tuition support and salary during the program.

Professional Development

There are many professional development opportunities available to nurses at UHN. These include nursing-related inservices, clinical updates, and computer classes, as well as programs sponsored by Human Resources. Nurses are supported through unit-based educational funds to pursue external opportunities such as conferences and workshops.