Nursing Professional Development

There are rich opportunities for everyone to learn at LHSC.

Staff and leaders are encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills by participating in a wide variety of both formal and informal activities. Rounds, workshops, seminars, retreats, conferences, learning partnerships, training programs, and presentations are frequently organized and delivered on-site.

Staff members may also choose to participate in one of the many clubs, committees and other groups, which meet regularly to foster learning and development organization-wide.

We also encourage our nursing professionals to continue their learning through formal study, such as post-RN and Masters programs. Funding support opportunities and bursaries are available to eligible applicants.

LHSC also provides awards, scholarships, and bursaries to staff and some family members.

Nursing Professional Development Fund

Background:

The London Health Sciences Centre is committed to the advancement of professional nursing practice and excellence in patient care through the funding of professional development opportunities for nurses.

The LHSC Nursing Professional Development Funds were established through the use of interest from Nursing Endowment Funds. They provide financial assistance to nurses employed at LHSC for learning initiatives that support professional development and promote the achievement of the organization's mission and goals. The number and amount of funds granted and the process for distributing funds will be determined in May of each year based on availability of funds and the number individual requests.

Purpose:

The Nursing Professional Development Fund is open to all nurses who meet the following eligibility criteria. It can be applied to formal educational programs, workshops, seminars, conferences, CNA certification, and program related textbooks and resource materials.

Nurses who have paid for educational program(s) or professional development activities are eligible to receive a maximum of ($ to be determined) within a 12 month period as reimbursement for: registration/tuition fees, course textbooks/materials, travel costs and/or accommodation (meals excluded). Please note that the most economical rates at the current prices, for travel and accommodation will be reimbursed.

All full-time, part-time and casual RNs and RPNs who have successfully completed their probation period at LHSC are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to nurses involved directly or indirectly in the delivery of patient care.

Applications may be submitted for more that one type of award (e.g. Nursing Professional Development Fund, Nora Lee Graham Award or the Doris Scott Award – see Other Sources of Funding below). However, the availability of funds and number of applicants will determine how funds are distributed each year.

Other Sources of Funding:

Please Note: The following Awards are offered annually from specially endowed funds donated from the estates of former LHSC Nursing Leaders. See “Application Guidelines for the Annual Nora Lee Graham or Doris Scott Nursing Professional Development Awards” for specific details regarding these Awards and the application process.

Nora Lee Graham Award:

The funds are to be used to support the professional development of nurses who hold a formal, frontline leadership position within the organization e.g. Care Coordinator or Charge Nurse.

Doris Scott Award:

These funds are to be used to support the professional development of nurses who are single parents.