RNAO’s continuing media profile: The June report

This month, RNAO spoke out on a number of prominent issues in the media including COVID-19 vaccinations, the province’s reopening framework, the ineffectiveness of signing bonuses for new staff, the urgency to repeal Bill 124, and the welcoming of Ontario’s new Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.

Government responds to RNAO’s call for increased enrollment in nursing education programs

The Ontario government announced on May 14 that it is investing $35 million to increase enrollment in nursing education programs in publicly-assisted colleges and universities across the province. The government also announced the expansion of clinical education placements for nursing students and personal support worker students in the long-term care sector. The government’s announcement partially addresses RNAO’s call to increase university seats in BScN.

Update for nursing students – NCLEX Exam

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In order to respond to student inquiries -- about the NCLEX Exam, access to a Temporary License, and completion of clinical placements -- we have contacted the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). They have advised that the NCLEX exam became available again on March 31st and more centres continue to become available as writing centres are able to open given current requirements for social distancing and cleaning. Students are registering to write the exam.

RNAO’s VIANurse Program

RNAO continues its strong advocacy on the need to expand the capacity of Ontario’s health system to meet emerging health needs in tackling COVID-19. RNAO was the first out the door addressing growing nursing human resource shortages, as many RNs, NPs and PSWs are being quarantined and/or falling sick, and staffing needs escalate together with the acuity of the pandemic.