Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Ryerson University

Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Ryerson University: Understanding Clinical Placements 2012-2013

For anything related to placements, students MUST contact: Ms. Monica DaSilva, RN, BScN [email protected] (416) 979- 5000 ext. 4176 NB: Monica works on a part-time basis; variable office hours; emails replied to within 72 business hours.

PHCNP Program Office: Dr. Luisa Barton, NP-PHC, BScN, MN, DNP Faculty & Coordinator (416) 979 5000 ext 6560 [email protected] Office hours: Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays only** Mr. Don Newton, B. Comm IT Support (416) 979 5000 ext 6561 [email protected] Office hours: Monday-Friday 415 Yonge Street, Suite 1604 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2E7 Fax: (416) 979 5295

Important Websites: NP Network: np-education.ca Ryerson: ryerson.ca/graduate/programs/nursing Ryerson Clinical Placement Office: http://www.ryerson.ca/cpo/index.html

Courses that require a clinical placement: • AHAD 1 (Sept-Dec) 78 hours within 12 weeks • Therapeutics 1 (Sept-Dec) 78 hours within 12 weeks • AHAD 2 (Jan-April) 78 hours within 12 weeks • Therapeutics 2 (Jan-April) 78 hours within 12 weeks • Integrative Practicum (May-Aug) 416 hours within 13 weeks

General Points: • Students are expected to travel to clinical placements; access to a vehicle is advisable • Where students’ reside is not a factor when considering placement requests • Student workplaces will not be considered • Placements are not subject to student approval; if students do not ‘accept’ their placement, the student will not have a clinical placement • Students must strictly follow Ryerson placement processes outlined or the placement will be in jeopardy • Students must never make their own placement arrangements without authorization from Monica

General Points cont’d • Once a student is assigned a clinical placement, no switches/changes can be made unless there are extenuating circumstances • Preceptors include NPs and GPs (students will be preceptored by at least 1 NP-PHC within the duration of the program) • If students drop a clinical course, as a professional courtesy, students should communicate it with their respective preceptor • Not all learning needs will be met at each clinical placement setting; other opportunities throughout the program will arise • Students must always use your Ryerson (or NP) email when communicating with staff and faculty; personal and workplace emails are not acceptable and no response will be provided.

Required Forms/Documents: • Clinical Request Form (Located: NP website, under General Resources – online version) – Commencing June 4th and due by June 25th • Clinical Requirements: Immunizations, Mask Fit, CPR (Located: Ryerson’s Nursing website and Central Placement website), Police Check (via NP office only) – Due Aug 10th **ALL FORMS are submitted to the NP Office only!

Process • Step 1: Register in the NP Network (as soon as possible) • Step 2: Enroll in clinical courses via RAMSS via Mr. Gerry Warner (MN Program Administrator) • Step 3: Complete the request form (online version only) – June 4th to June 25th • Step 4: Once the placement confirmed – the student will be notified whom to contact – by early September • Step 5: Request a criminal check now (For Toronto residents, the Form is available only at the NP office) • Step 6: Book an appointment with an MD/NP to complete Immunizations – Clinical Requirements are due Aug 10th (in person to the NP office or mail) • Step 7: Schedule CPR renewal and Mask Fit test--before August (via students’ employer or check the CPO website for information)

Keep in Mind: • Students are placed in various agencies within the boundaries of the geographical map (see NP Network), therefore, students are required to travel • Students are assigned a placement based on a number of factors (e.g. learning needs, availability of preceptors), however, emphasis is on primary health care settings • Students typically commence their Fall placements in mid-to-late September • Students cannot commence their placement before the semester officially starts (as per School of Graduate Studies calendar) and they must complete their placement hours when the semester/course officially ends • Students may offer potential placement sites/preceptors, however, students cannot make their own placement arrangements • Students must attend any orientations required from agencies, no exceptions • Students should have an updated CV (as many placement agencies request this) along with a brief interview • There are limited preceptors/placement sites available and the placement process is extremely complex, therefore, students’ patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated!

Lastly….. • Please review the student handbook regularly • Please review updates/documents on the Ryerson NP website regularly • Please check the np.university forum on the NP Network every 3-4 days for important updates • Please respect the complexity of the clinical placement process • Please use professional language/etiquette when communicating with all faculty & staff as per University policies