Nursing IT

Nova Scotia to launch e-Learning program for nurses

HALIFAX – An e-learning program to give Nova Scotia nurses easier access to ongoing clinical training was announced by Health Minister Chris d’Entremont (pictured).

“As part of the province’s overall nursing strategy and rural nursing strategy, the e-learning program will support nurses in Nova Scotia through improved access to training regardless of where they are located, and at a time and place that is convenient for them,” said Mr. d’Entremont.

The e-learning program for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses will be tested through a pilot project in the South Shore District Health Authority for about two months, starting in May.

The project will give nurses access to educational content in three subject areas: intravenous management, electrocardiogram and cardiac monitoring. Based on knowledge gained through the pilot project, a detailed plan and province-wide roll-out timeline will be determined.

“We know that continuing education is the number one priority of our nurses so they are able to provide patients with the highest level of care,” said Mr. d’Entremont. “Through improved access to training, this innovative e-learning program will help in our efforts to recruit and retain nurses, particularly for rural areas, and enhance their quality of work life.”

When the program is fully implemented, nurses will have access to extensive educational materials on about 50 topics. Over time, the number of materials is expected to grow.

The Department of Health has purchased 10,000 licences for nurses to use the Medworxx Learning Management System. Headquartered in Toronto, Medworxx products are used by more than 400,000 medical professionals at more than 250 hospitals in North America.

The e-learning program is expected to be available to nurses throughout the province within two or three years at an anticipated cost of about $500,000. The department aims to expand the program to support all healthcare workers in the province.

Through the nursing strategy, the province established a Rural and Remote Working Group to address the challenges faced by rural nurses and recruiters. In 2006, the group released an action plan that identified the importance of access to education. The e-learning program is designed to meet that need.

More information on nursing in Nova Scotia is available on the website at www.healthteamnovascotia.ca/nurses/nurses.html.