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REFRESHER PROGRAM REVIEW

A Refresher Program is an approved program from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) for individuals previously registered with the CLPNA on the general register but are no longer eligible for active registration.

Related – Approved Refresher Programs

For post-secondary institutions (PSIs) offering a practical nurse refresher education program, it’s important to understand the relationship between the legislation, the CLPNA, and the PSI.

The CLPNA’s Council delegates the review of all of Alberta’s practical nurse education programs to the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Following the program review, ESAC prepares a report with recommendations for Council. Council reviews the report and determines approval status.

Education programs are reviewed in order to:

  • Fulfill the CLPNA’s legislative duty under the Health Professions Act to approve all practical nurse education programs.
  • Promote the safe practice of nursing through a standardized nursing education approval process and the use of comprehensive education standards.
  • Provide stakeholders with a transparent account of program approval, and,
  • Support continuous evaluation and improvement of nursing education programs.

REFRESHER PROGRAM APPROVAL STANDARDS

The CLPNA’s Council approves education standards for Refresher programs. These standards provide a benchmark for program quality, are used to measure program performance, and determine a program’s ability to graduate competent, safe practical nurses returning to the profession.

Refresher Education Standards are revised as necessary to ensure currency and relevancy and undergo a comprehensive review every four years.

CLPNA Operational Policy

The CLPNA has developed an operational policy to facilitate the review of all Practical Nurse education programs.

ESTABLISHING A NEW PRACTICAL NURSE REFRESHER PROGRAM

Any post-secondary institution (PSI) wishing to offer a new Practical Nurse refresher program should refer to the policies and guidelines for establishing a new Practical Nurse program.

PROGRAM REVIEW, DOCUMENTS AND TEMPLATES

Approved Practical Nurse Refresher Programs and educational institutions applying to the CLPNA to establish a new Practical Nurse Refresher program undergo a program review by the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). This comprehensive review is completed by measuring program performance against the Practical Nurse Refresher Education Standards.

Practical Nurse Refresher Programs complete a comprehensive self-study using the directions provided in the Self-Study Data Collection Guidelines Template and submit the documents to ESAC for evaluation prior to a scheduled site visit.

PRACTICAL NURSE REFRESHER PROGRAM GUIDE

This document provides support to programs undergoing program approval, re-approval and annual reporting requirements.

REQUIRED NOTICE OF CHANGE DOCUMENTS

Approved Practical Nurse Refresher Programs are required to notify ESAC of any substantial changes within their program. Please refer to the Notice of Change Form and information contained in the PN Refresher Program Education Standards Guide.

Annual Program Review Documents

Practical Nurse Refresher programs are responsible to show continued compliance with program approval standards and progress toward compliance in areas that were deficient at the time of their full program review.

The annual reporting requirement includes submission of the following document:

Additionally, approved PN refresher programs will be provided with an annual review template with recommendations and reporting requirements.

 

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Email the Education Department 

Ask CLPNA or call 1-800-661-5877 (toll-free in Alberta), or 780-484-8886.