OIIQ - Foire aux questions

Some information has to be updated annually, such as the number of hours of practice, continuing education, and the obligation to inform the Order if you have been the subject of a judicial or disciplinary decision.

In the “Identification” section of my form, how can I remove the initial after my first name?

This initial is essential for the Order. With 70,000 members, most of them women, this initial lets us distinguish between two women with the same first and last names.

I am no longer using my given first name or maiden name; how can I change this information in my correspondence with the Order?

In its correspondence, the Order uses your first and last names as they are shown on your birth certificate. If you want to make any changes, you must officially change your name by contacting the office of the Directeur de l’état civil. Some married women also use their husband’s name in addition to their own. If you wish to remove your husband’s name, simply send a written request to the Order.

I have changed positions or fields of practice but I am still working for the same employer. How should I show this on the form?

Since you have the same employer, simply indicate your new position or your new field of practice using the table of codes provided with your form.

My employer is the Maskinongé CSSS, but I work at the Résidence Avellin-Dalcourt (for example). Which of them is my work location?

Indicate the name of the institution, i.e. Résidence Avellin-Dalcourt.

I work for an agency. Do I need to enter all the places where I have worked?

No, just the name of the agency you work for.

How do I know whether I am a “salaried worker” or a “self-employed worker”?

Most members hold “salaried” positions, even if they are on contract. For purposes of your Annual Declaration, you must meet the following three criteria to be considered a “self-employed worker”:

There is no relationship of subordination between you and your client;
You receive professional fees or you bill for your services;
You must maintain client files, which are kept at your place of business.

Note that any nurse who owns a business is considered a self-employed worker.

I have a new job. How should I indicate that on the form?

First indicate the date (year-month-day) when you ceased practising the job(s) previously listed in your file. Then go to the “New position related to the healthcare field” section on your Annual Declaration form and enter all the required information regarding your new job.

Why do I have to enter the number of hours I practised nursing over the past year?

The Order uses the information you enter for question 5, and that entered for question 4 on your Annual Declaration, to identify members who may be subject to the Regulation respecting periods of refresher training and refresher courses nurses may be required to serve. Please answer these questions very carefully, to avoid administrative problems.

There is a note on my Annual Declaration stating that I haven’t worked 500 hours over the past four years. That is incorrect – I practised nursing during those years. What should I do?

If you wish to update the information in your file, meaning that you will be making changes to previous declarations, you must do so in writing and submit the applicable proof of practice. Please understand that since you signed your first declaration to attest that the information it contained was accurate, we cannot amend this information simply at your request, without some kind of proof.

What is proof of practice?

For every calendar year, your employer(s) must provide us with the following information:

starting date of your employment as a nurse;
date of the last day you practised nursing;
effective last date of your employment (cessation of the employment relationship);
number of hours worked as a nurse each year and in each position;
title and signature of the person completing the attestation for the employer;
any other document you consider useful as proof of your practice.

How should I calculate my hours of nursing practice?

Indicate all the hours worked as a nurse, but do not include any absences and work stoppages such as maternity, sick or unpaid leave, even if you have a position or have declared an employer.

I am not sure whether I am working as a nurse. How can I be sure?

If you are practising one of the fourteen reserved activities, you are a nurse. Some categories of nurses who do not work directly with patients are nonetheless considered to be practising the nursing profession, e.g. research nurse, nurse in a pharmaceutical company, nursing care manager, nursing teacher (even if you do not supervise clinical internships), manager of a private residence, health care and services consultant, etc. If you are still not sure, contact the Registrar's Office.

I am a retired nurse but I still work from time to time. How do I show this on my form?

Many nurses remain active in the profession, even after retiring from their position with their main employer. After all, retired, particularly in the healthcare system, does not necessarily mean that you have retired from the profession. If that is your case, simply indicate your last date of employment with your main employer and declare your new activities, whether you are practising as a volunteer or for pay.

I do not wish to be entered on the Roll for 2008-2009. What should I do?

Update all the information in your OIIQ file, in particular by declaring the number of hours worked as a nurse between January 1 and December 31, 2007 and the last date of employment with your employer(s), if applicable.

We also ask that you carefully answer question 7 on the form and state why you will not be practising in 2008-2009. This information is essential to help the OIIQ formulate positions on issues of importance to the profession, such as nursing shortages, the nursing workforce, initial education, continuing education and other topical matters.

I will be on maternity leave (unpaid leave, sick leave, study leave, etc.). Do I have to be entered on the Roll?

If you do not plan to practise the profession between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you do not need to be entered on the Roll. However, you should check with

your insurance company, regarding the continuing payment of premiums;

your employer, regarding whether your position will be maintained.