Professional Development & Education

At HHS, we foster a culture of lifelong learning. Our nurses are supported by a number of initiatives to learn, advance and specialize so they can develop and grow their careers.

A team of Professional Practice Clinicians (PPCs) provide professional practice support and leadership to the nurses of HHS. This group provides the professional practice infrastructure for professional nursing within the organization. Responsibilities include the nursing orientation program, preceptorship program, planning and implementing strategies to meet the on-going learning needs of nurses within the programs, policy and program development and implementation of best practices. Establishing the professional practice priorities for the PPC group to ensure nurses are supported throughout the organization occurs on an annual basis.

• New nursing staff are welcomed with a customized orientation program specifically tailored to their individual needs to ensure their success in becoming a valued member of our medical team.
• As part of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's New Graduate Guarantee, new graduate nurses benefit from an enhanced classroom orientation and a lengthy "above staffing complement" clinical orientation.
• All nurses are encouraged and supported to develop professionally through financial support for continuing education programs.
• Our Grow Your Own Professional Development Programs and Specialized Clinical Internships provide opportunities for experienced nurses interested in specializing in particular areas like Intensive Care or Renal Dialysis.
• Using a model of Clinical Champions and Clinical Mentors, HHS has invested in the professional development of nurses to develop expertise in wound care and safer elder care as well as patient safety champions.  
• Support for nurses interested in pursuing Canadian Nurses Association Specialty Certification is available.
• Professional Development “PD” Days are held once a month rotating among sites. These days provide an opportunity to highlight changes to clinical practice, policies, equipment and technology and are directed towards the interprofessional team.
• "Lunch and Learns" and full day workshops are common on-site offerings. Nursing Grand Rounds feature Guest Speakers on a variety of interesting and thought provoking topics.
• A one-day preceptorship workshop is offered to all health professionals interested in developing expertise in this area.
• On-site BCLS and ACLS certification and recertification is offered.

"I have been very pleased with my choice to join Halton Healthcare Services. Although I was nervous about starting as a new graduate RN in a community hospital, I quickly learned how welcoming and truly caring the individuals who work here are. It feels as though I am one of the family of staff who have taken me under their wing, and each one is supportive of my learning needs and help me to succeed each day. My hospital has enrolled me in post-graduate courses to support my need for higher education in my nursing specialty. I feel confident that I will succeed in my career given the training and ongoing support that is available to me." – Danielle, RN - ICU