Community Health Nurse Development Program
The Community Health Nurse Development Program offers new graduates and Registered Nurses with less than two years of nursing experience, the opportunity to advance their careers as a Community Health (Outpost) Nurse in the Northwest Territories. Typically, outside the support of the development program, two years of related experience is required for the position.
An individualized competency-based program, the Community Health Nurse Development Program provides experience in various areas in order to prepare Registered Nurses for the expanded scope of practice in community health centres located throughout the Northwest Territories.
Full training and mentoring support is provided upon hiring, in addition to salary, for up to two years or until full competencies have been acquired and independent practice is achieved. During the training and mentorship support period you will be paid for working in a community within the NWT.
Program Snapshot
Meet with the Nurse Educator Mentor to assess the Registered Nurse’s learning needs and establish a personalized developmental plan. This will be a part of the initial 2-4 week orientation of their role as a Community Health Nurse within the context of their home community.
Following orientation, the Registered Nurse will begin acquiring competencies in specific areas through clinical learning rotations. These rotations may occur in Regional or Territorial facilities.
Following each clinical learning rotation, the Registered Nurse will return to their health centre in order to consolidate their newly acquired skill-set. This is a vital component in developing the relationship and trust between Nurse and the community in which they serve.
Several courses will be recommended as part of the Development Plan (e.g. ITLS, ACLS, PALS) and will be coordinated for each Registered Nurse.
Developmental Plan Framework
Developmental Plan Framework is an individualized and based on previous clinical, work and life experience. There may be an opportunity for the following:
6 weeks Introduction to Advanced Practice Course (3 deliveries per year)
4 weeks Mental Health
4 weeks Obstetrics
4 weeks Pediatrics
4 weeks Medicine/Surgery
4 weeks Emergency
Health Promotion, Public Health, Home Care training will occur in the home community.
Total of Approximately 26 weeks supported clinical learning
Approximately 26 weeks supported community learning
Registered Nurses supported through the Community Health Nurse Development Program will be required to sign a Return of Service Agreement.
This means the Registered Nurse agrees to work in a specified Community Health Nurse position for a period of time equivalent to the developmental period at 100% of salary. For example, a Registered Nurse requiring 12 months to complete the program will be required to provide 12 months of service as a Community Health Nurse in the Northwest Territories.
The level of knowledge commonly required for a Registered Nurse to move into the role of a Community Health Nurse is the successful completion of a Nursing Degree (BsN) and two years experience in an acute care setting or northern health centre.
Registered Nurses with this level of experience, or those who do not have this level of experience and are interested in the Community Health Nurse Development Program should apply directly on a specific Community Health Nurse Competitions. Please indicate clearly on your cover letter that you are applying without meeting the necessary criteria, however wish to be supported by the Community Health Nurse Development Program. Job postings will vary depending on the needs of the GNWT; check the employment page often to ensure you do not miss an opportunity to apply.
For more information in the Community Health Nurse Development Program please read the FAQ sheet linked below and if your question is not answered please contact the Nurse Educator Mentor.
Nurse Educator Mentor
Phone: (867) 920-3206
Fax: (867) 873-0266
E-mail: mentorship@gov.nt.ca