Common use of Educational and Professional Leave Clause in Contracts

Educational and Professional Leave. The Employer will grant a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of educational professional leave within the fiscal year (currently July 1 – June 30) to nurses requesting such leave. Such leave may be used if staffing permits and shall be prorated for part-time nurses. For purposes of sections 8.3 and 8.4 only, .9 FTE and above shall be considered full time. In addition, nurses may be granted up to an additional sixteen (16) hours (pro-rated for part time) of education and professional leave at the nurse’s regular rate of pay during the fiscal year. Such additional leave shall be subject to budgetary considerations, scheduling requirements, subject matter and approval by the employer. For purposes of this Article, educational and professional leave shall be defined as a) short-term conferences or programs for educational, leadership and professional growth and development in nursing; b) enhancement and expansion of clinical skills for RN positions at UWMC; c) meetings and committee activities of the employees' respective professional associations which are designed to develop and promote programs to improve the quality and availability of nursing service and health care; d) those in-service educational programs attended on a voluntary basis; and e) educational programs necessary to maintain licensure or certification. In accordance with the unit’s scheduling guidelines, requests for educational and professional leave shall be submitted and responded to in writing including the reason for any denial. Responses will be issued as soon as possible but no later than two weeks prior to the posting of the final schedule. Any prior year requests that were denied because of resource limitations will be taken into consideration in reviewing subsequent requests for educational/professional leave. Educational and professional leave granted for on-line or other self-study (CEARP approved educational offering) will be determined retroactively. The nurse manager may approve either time off or straight time pay, exclusive of additional premiums. The number of hours shall not exceed the contact hours awarded by the accrediting body.