OIIQ - Foire aux questions

The new Regulation respecting periods of refresher training and refresher courses nurses may be required to serve came into force on September 21, 2006, replacing the one that had been in force since 1992.

Why did the Bureau adopt this new Regulation?

Increasingly fast-paced scientific and technological developments make it essential that nurses update and develop their skills. Requiring that they practise nursing for at least 500 hours over a four-year period is one means of achieving this goal. The previous regulation had to be updated, since it did not reflect the constantly increasing demands of the profession. It set a five-year period, but did not specify how many hours of practice were required.

By way of comparison, many other Canadian provinces require an average of about 1,125 hours of practice over a five-year period.

Why was this Regulation applied immediately?

The new requirement stipulated in the Regulation, that nurses must have practised at least 500 hours over the previous four years, is intended to help protect the public by imposing on OIIQ members a minimum obligation in terms of hours of clinical practice. Since the aim is to ensure better-quality health care, the requirement clearly had to be applied immediately.

What happens if I haven’t practised for 500 hours over the past four years?

In that case you are subject to the Regulation. But it provides that the Executive Committee of the Order may require you to serve a period of refresher training or a refresher course, and may restrict or suspend your right to engage in professional activities. In other words, the Executive Committee will impose refresher training only if it deems this measure necessary for public protection, following a careful examination of your situation and after you have had the opportunity to present your viewpoint.

I am retired from the healthcare system, but I still administer vaccinations, and I keep my knowledge up to date for this purpose. Am I subject to the Regulation?

Yes. All members are subject to the Regulation if they have not worked 500 hours over the past four years. However, you can make a written commitment to the Order to engage only in those specific activities for which you have kept your knowledge and skills up to date – vaccination, for instance. You must provide proof that you are keeping your knowledge related to the activities you wish to engage in up to date. If the Executive Committee feels that your proof is acceptable, no refresher training will be imposed.

I am retired from the healthcare system. I am not engaging in any professional activities, but I wish to be entered on the Roll so that I can continue using the title of nurse and keep a link with the profession. Am I subject to the Regulation?

Yes. Everyone who has not practised at least 500 hours over the past four years is subject to the Regulation. If you make a written commitment to the Order not to practise the profession under any circumstances, you will not have to complete any refresher training. As a member in good standing, you may use the title of nurse. You must report any change in your situation to the Order immediately, however, and your case will have to be reviewed again by the Executive Committee.

I am a lawyer and a nurse. I work for a legal firm. I do not practise as a nurse, but I would like to use the title of nurse. How does this new Regulation affect me?

When you are informed that you are subject to the Regulation, you must make a written commitment to the Order not to practise the profession under any circumstances. In that case, you will not have to complete any refresher training. As a member in good standing, you may use the title of nurse. You must report any change in your situation to the Order immediately, however, and your case will have to be reviewed again by the Executive Committee.

I am a health care and services manager.
I conduct nursing research.
I work as a health care and services management consultant.
I teach nurses and nursing assistants.
Does the Regulation apply to me?

No. You are not subject to the Regulation provided that the hours you have worked, which are considered to be hours worked as a nurse and accounted as such, attain at least 500 hours as required by the Regulation.

The Executive Committee imposed a period of refresher training on me, but I am on temporary disability leave. Do I have to complete the refresher training?

No, and yes. No, if you are not practising as a nurse. Yes, as soon as you are fit to resume practising as a nurse.

I have not practised as a nurse for four years, and now I would like to return to the profession. I know that the Regulation applies to me, but I feel that my knowledge is up to date. What should I do?

Send the Order all the relevant information concerning your return to the profession and the steps you have taken to keep your knowledge up to date. You must specify the number of hours you have devoted to theory and technical training, the field in which you wish to practise and your work experience. The Order will contact you to help you complete your file, including any comments you may wish to submit to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then review your file and decide whether you are required to serve a period of refresher training or a refresher course.

I have not practised for four years, and now I would like to return to the profession. I know that the Regulation applies to me, and my knowledge is not up to date. What should I do?

The Executive Committee may decide to impose a four-month period of refresher training, which you can do at a college; if that does not suit you, you may submit an individualized refresher nursing program in a setting of your choice. If the Executive Committee approves this individualized program, you may begin your refresher training.

I have not worked the required 500 hours over the past four years. What should I do?

Just as for someone who has not practised nursing for four years, you must show that you have kept your knowledge and skills up to date and that you are able to practise the profession competently. Before making a decision, the Executive Committee will study your file and take account of your past experience, your efforts to keep your knowledge and skills up to date, your practise setting and the potential risk for the public.

Why do I have to pay my assessment to the Order before I even know whether I will have to take a refresher course?

You must pay your assessment because the Executive Committee’s decisions apply only to members of the Order, i.e. nurses who are entered on the Roll. If you are not entered on the Roll, you are not a member of the Order and you may not use the title of nurse or practise nursing under any circumstances.

The new Regulation concerning refresher training and refresher courses

When did this Regulation come into effect?