The new education hub will allow PHCNP students to access clinical placements closer to home.

The first off-campus hub for Queen’s primary health care nurse practitioner (PHCNP) students will provide students with the option of tutorials and hands-on learning opportunities that are closer to home.

Eight Peterborough-based students starting or completing their graduate-level education this fall will take part in tutorials at Trent University and complete local clinical placements that will count towards their Queen’s degree.

“This new initiative ensures PHCNP students have opportunities to access the very best clinical placements that will prepare them to care for Ontarians in the future,” says Jennifer Medves, Director of Queen’s School of Nursing.

To support these students, Queen’s School of Nursing has hired tutors and a part-time administrator. The program staff will be Queen’s employees with adjunct status at Trent’s School of Nursing.

“We are optimistic this model will work and ultimately encourage other Ontario universities to establish satellite hubs so that all of the clinical nursing placements in the province are filled,” says Dr. Medves. “It also provides a wonderful opportunity for faculty at different institutions to collaborate on research initiatives and exchange best practices for education in nursing.”

The PHCNP program in Ontario is a nine university consortium that offers the program through blended learning methods, using online coursework and campus time for tutorials. The universities involved include Queen’s, Ottawa, Western, McMaster, Ryerson, Lakehead, Windsor, York and Laurentian.

Queen’s new PHCNP education hub will be officially launched at Trent University today.