Printer Friendly Version

Purpose

The Educational Opportunities Fund was created from the negotiated settlements flowing from the Bill 29 Supreme Court of Canada decision and Public Service bargaining. Bursaries from this fund are used for the clinical education of nurses and will include the upgrading of nursing skills. Applications for this bursary go through the UPN Education Committee.

Eligibility for Bursaries

All active UPN members are eligible to apply for this funding. This fund should not relieve the Employer of their obligations to provide nurses with educational opportunities so we ask that members apply to their Employer and other sources of funding for financial support prior to making application to this fund. Applications for funding will not be considered unless the “Other Funding” section of the application has been completed.

With proper documentation, members may apply more than once.

Education Qualifying for Bursaries

Educational programs that could be considered for bursaries are:

• changes from current area of practice to a different specialty (i.e. long term care nurses who desire to change to acute care)
• career laddering for Licensed Graduate Nurses to become RN/RPNs; or RPN to RN
• RPNs with diplomas seeking a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing or nursing education
• upgraded English skills
• upgraded computer skills that may be relevant to nursing practice
• clinical education conferences
• courses designed to enhance personal/professional skills within an area of nursing
• courses in areas other than the above may qualify for bursary and members should contact UPN to determine eligibility

Bursary Amounts

Bursaries awarded to members from the fund will be according to the criteria established by the Education Committee and may be subject to revision as funds allow and number of applications received. As a general rule, bursaries cover the costs of the courses and books.

Award Period

Bursaries will be awarded starting August 1, 2008 and will continue until December 1, 2010 if funds allow. Awards after that period will be subject to replenishment of the fund.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed as soon as practically possible after they are received. Courses that were started prior to August 2008 will not be considered for bursary program.

Application process

• Complete an application form
• SIN numbers are required for income tax purpose.
• Fax or mail the completed application to UPN's office.

Mail: Education Committee
Union of Psychiatric Nurses
200 – 508 Clarke Road

Coquitlam, B.C. V3J 3X2
Fax:604-931-1070

UPN will advise the applicant if they are approved for funding.

Once the applicant is advised they are approved for funding a copy of their acceptance to the educational institution in which they are enrolled must be sent to UPN’s office. This must include a completed course form; date of course completion and evidence of paid tuition.

Funds will be transferred to the applicant upon verification of tuition payment.

Note:
Due to the overwhelming response to this funding, UPN will consider bursaries for tuition, books and necessary course fees only on a per school year basis.

For further information

Please email dmclaren@telus.net or telephone: 604-931-2471 or toll free: 1-877-931-2471.