THE OIIQ INVESTS $4.5 MILLION IN CONTINUING EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY
SCHOLARSHIPS

MONTREAL, Nov. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) today announced that it will be injecting $4.5 million to improve access to continuing education for its 71,000 members, mainly in the form of distance learning. In addition, the OIIQ will be offering a scholarship program encouraging CEGEP students to go on to university and supporting the development of new specialties. No fewer than 44 colleges and 6 universities are targeted by the scholarship program. This investment was made possible thanks to the contribution by all Order members to the Heritage Fund created in 2006. Two-thirds of the amounts from the Fund will go to supporting continuing education, and one-third to scholarships.

Distance learning, an excellent solution
The OIIQ has been offering continuing education courses for many years already, and will now be focusing more on distance learning using new technologies. "The flexibility of distance learning and the fact that it is accessible to nurses everywhere in Quebec make it an excellent solution," noted OIIQ President Gyslaine Desrosiers. In addition to producing educational content that meets the needs of nurses and the healthcare system, the OIIQ plans to set up a real training hub, by becoming a key source of information on training and the programs offered in Quebec. "We have already been working for several months on the concept of a platform and seeking appropriate resources to meet our members' needs. We plan to launch our distance learning platform in 2011," she explained.

Scholarships to encourage students to continue their studies
For the next four years, starting in fall 2011, the new program will be awarding 54 scholarships every year, distributed as follows:

• one $5,000 scholarship at each of the 44 CEGEPs, to a graduate from the DEC in nursing program who is enrolled in a university Bachelor's in nursing science program;
• one $5,000 scholarship at each of the six universities offering a basic Bachelor's in nursing science program;
• four $10,000 scholarships to support the development of new specialties.

All the eligibility conditions for OIIQ grants and scholarships will be available by spring 2011. Meanwhile, the regional orders will continue to contribute significant amounts every year to support university studies.

This investment from the Heritage Fund comes as the healthcare system is suffering the impact of cutbacks of up to 25% in training, advertising and travel, as announced in the Quebec government's March 2010 budget. The Order publicly criticized these cutbacks, at a time when a knowledge-based society is becoming ever-more important. "Nurses must have access to education to be able to maintain and even enhance their skills, as their roles and work context are rapidly changing. By encouraging access to training, we can continue to offer the public quality care," said OIIQ President Gyslaine Desrosiers. 

About the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
The OIIQ is a professional order governed by the Nurses Act (R.S.Q., c .I-8) and the Professional Code, R.S.Q., c. C-26). As at March 31, 2010, the Order had 71,371 members and some 15,000 student members. Its main mission is to ensure public protection by monitoring the practice of nursing. The OIIQ is also responsible for promoting quality nursing practice and contributing to maintaining nurses' competencies.

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For further information:

Source:		Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec
Information:		Anne-Sylvie Robitaille Acting Press Attaché Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec Tel.: [phone], Press Room (November 8 and 9) Tel.: OIIQ : 514 935-2505, # 225 Cell.: 514 895-1987