Professional Development - Education Leave. The Employer and the Union recognize that continuing education is important for all employees and that the parties have shared interests and responsibilities in this area. The parties will endeavour to maximize internal opportunities for training and development which may include but are not limited to: guest lecturers, train the trainer's, tele/video conferences and access to in-house programs/seminars and library materials. Consideration for Leave of Absence for Professional Development shall be based on operational needs and scheduling requirements:
Professional Development - Education Leave. Continuous professional development is an important part of ongoing quality improvement at the Ottawa Fertility Centre. The parties agree that professional development includes a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to formal academic programs, short-term continuing education activities, in-house education and training, certification programs, and attendance or participation in relevant conferences. The parties recognize their joint responsibility in and commitment to active participation in the area of professional development. The Employer agrees to continue the practice of investing in education, training and attendance at conferences at their discretion. Where employees are required by the Employer to take courses to upgrade or acquire new employment qualifications, the Employer shall pay the full costs associated with the courses including wages and benefits. Subject to operational requirements, the Employer will make every reasonable effort to grant requests for necessary changes to an employee's schedule to enable attendance at a recognized up-grading course or seminar related to employment with the Employer. Upon three (3) months' written notice the Employer agrees to grant leaves of absence without pay to employees for a one (1) year period of sabbatical leave provided that a employee has four (4) years of continuous service to the Employer. During such leaves, seniority will not accrue, but the employee will retain service and seniority for all purposes upon her return. Such leave will be granted at the discretion of the Employer provided operationally feasible. Such leave shall not be unreasonably denied.
Professional Development - Education Leave. Nurses shall have the opportunity for professional growth through training opportunities designed to assist the individual to function more effectively in their current position. These shall include:
(a) The Employer may, at its discretion, grant educational leave without pay, benefits or loss of seniority to any Nurse who has a minimum of two (2) years seniority who wishes to enroll in a post graduate, certificate or degree course of study relevant to the profession at a recognized college or university.
(b) Leave of absence with pay will be granted to allow a Nurse to write the required examination on completion of the certification of a course of study relevant to the profession if the examination is scheduled during working hours or if it would require time off during working hours for travel time to attend the examination.
(c) A Nurse shall be entitled to leave of absence without loss of earnings from her or his regularly scheduled working hours for the purpose of writing exams arising out of the Quality Assurance Program with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
(d) Approval of such leave shall not be unreasonably denied.
(e) All registration/exam fees needed to perform the duties related to the certification in Infection Control (CIC) as an Infection Control Practitioner or the certification in IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for the Lactation Consultant role will be paid by the Employer upon successful completion and proof of payment.
Professional Development - Education Leave. Nurses shall have the opportunity for professional growth through training opportunities designed to assist the individual to function more effectively in their current position. These shall include:
(a) The Employer may, at its discretion, grant educational leave without pay, benefits or loss of seniority to any Nurse who has a minimum of two (2) years seniority who wishes to enroll in a post graduate, certificate or degree course of study relevant to the profession at a recognized college or university.
(b) Leave of absence with pay will be granted to allow a Nurse to write the required examination on completion of the certification of a course of study relevant to the profession if the examination is scheduled during working hours or if it would require time off during working hours for travel time to attend the examination.
(c) A Nurse shall be entitled to leave of absence without loss of earnings from her or his regularly scheduled working hours for the purpose of writing exams arising out of the Quality Assurance Program with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
(d) Approval of such leave shall not be unreasonably denied.
Professional Development - Education Leave. Subject to operational requirements, the Employer agrees to allocate educational leave on an equitable basis among readily available qualified employees.
(a) At the Employer’s discretion, the Employer may grant a leave of absence for an educational leave which may be fully subsidized, partially subsidized or granted with no financial assistance.
(b) When an employee is required by the Employer to attend an education program during the employee’s regularly scheduled working hours, the employee shall suffer no loss of regular pay.
(c) When an employee is required by the Employer to attend courses outside the employee’s regularly scheduled working hours, the employee shall be compensated with time off or pay on an hour for hour basis for time spent in attendance on such course.
(d) The employee shall be reimbursed for authorized costs related to registration fees, textbook costs and course fees. Other related costs for travel, lodging and meals will be reimbursed in accordance with the Employer’s travel policy.
