Practicum Placement

The Office of Nursing Policy (ONP) supports the educational endeavours of all health care professionals. In so doing, it offers learning opportunities to health care professionals and students who are interested in the health policy development process. The purpose of the practicum placement is for the individual to gain an understanding of how nurses influence health care policy decisions.

Opportunities

The individual will have an opportunity to learn about the structure and dynamics of the federal/provincial/territorial health care system, what the key concerns are, who the key (government and non-government) stakeholders are, and the planned strategic direction for future. Students will also have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of ONP's mandate and goals, especially with respect to its key project areas.

The Office of Nursing Policy provides a supportive learning environment and offers the guidance of a mentor to facilitate the learning experience. Students doing Master's, Doctoral, and post-doctoral studies may avail of the opportunity as well as health care professionals who wish to complete a sabbatical placement.

Requirements

Individuals will be expected to have formulated preliminary goals and objectives before applying for a practicum placement. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis depending on available resources and work commitments at ONP. Financial assistance may be available to support the practicum placement and will be determined on an individual basis. The length of time of any practicum placement will be determined on an individual basis and will be influenced by the individual's education program, goals and objectives, and the resources available at ONP. Evaluation of the individual's performance will be the responsibility of an assigned staff member of ONP. In the event of a student practicum placement, the evaluation will be the responsibility of an officer of the student's educational program. It is expected that the student's mentor at ONP will contribute significantly to the evaluation process.

Placement Options

Individuals seeking paid placements with ONP will be governed by the policies pertaining to the Public Service Commission. Students seeking unpaid placements will be subject to the policies contained within a Memorandum of Understanding developed between the student's educational institution and the Office of Nursing Policy.

Individuals seeking a practicum placement at the Office of Nursing Policy must meet security clearance requirements.

How to Apply

Students interested in completing a practicum placement at the Office of Nursing Policy should contact us with a letter of request along with identified learning goals, objectives and a curriculum vita. Deadlines for applications are June 15 for Fall semester; October 15 for Winter semester; and February 15 for Spring/Summer semester.