Nursing Professional Practice Council
Frequently Asked Questions
The following Questions and Answers have been developed to provide you with information regarding the hospital’s Nursing Professional Practice Council and how it serves as the “voice” for nursing at the HSN.
Q: What is the Nursing Professional Practice Council?
A: The Nursing Professional Practice Council provides advice to the hospital’s nursing professionals in an effort to facilitate the provision of patient centered care in an Interdisciplinary environment. All nurses employed at HSN are members of the Nursing Professional Practice Council through the following representation:
• Senior Management
• ONA
• Human Resources
• Professional Practice Consultant
• Clinical Director Group
• Clinical Management
• Clinical Education
• Continuing Care & Rehabiliation Program
• Critical Care Program
• Family & Child Program
• Emergency/Medical Program
• Mental Health Program
• Oncology Program
• Surgical Program
• Diagnostic Services & Ambulatory Care Program
Q: As a practicing nurse, how can this committee assist me?
A: This committee provides a strong professional voice for nursing within the organization. Professional practice issues are brought forward to the committee for discussion and recommends action steps for resolution. The committee also makes recommendations with respect to professional development issues and initiatives (e.g. New Graduate Initiatives and End of Career Nursing funds). The committee recognizes the impact of the workplace in which nurses practice by supporting HSN’s Quality of Work Life initiative and the Nursing Professional Practice Consultation Process from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Q: What has the committee accomplished since it began?
A: Annually the committee develops an action plan for the year based on the hospital’s strategic directions and priorities which impact on nursing practice. Past achievements include:
• lobbying for, supporting and introducing a formal mentorship program for nurses
• securing funds for education – monitoring of the funds to ensure appropriate distribution
• participation in Nurses week celebrations to highlight the contribution of nursing within our hospital community
• Supporting and promoting the implementation of Best Practice Guidelines such as Smoking Cessation, Wound care management, etc.
Q: How does the Nursing Professional Practice Council support education for its nurses?
A: The Nursing Professional Practice Council has an education fund designed to provide financial assistance for qualifying nursing members to attend educational opportunities that are not provided through alternate funding resources (i.e, global hospital budget).
Q: Who can apply for this funding?
A: Any non-management nurse employee who is interested in learning new skills or education focusing on professional development may apply to the education fund. Sponsorship is limited to yearly priorities identified by the Nursing Professional Practice Council. Each application form is evaluated relative to the criteria outlined in the policy. Individual access is limited to one application per year. Special circumstances will be discussed on an individual basis. Applications are reviewed on the basis of equity throughout the system, relevancy and available funding.
Q: Are there other funding sources for education?
A: Depending on your area of employment, your manager may have funds to support your educational needs. Employees in certain professions will be encouraged to seek funding from their professional body i.e., Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), grant monies, etc., before applying to this fund. HSN has also introduced a Tuition Assistance Fund for staff.