Local Education Course Offerings

If you are interested in bringing any of the following courses to your local, contact chad.obrien [at] nsnu.ca. 

General Labour Relations

An important part of being a union member is knowing your collective agreement, and how to deal with situations where your employer has violated that agreement. This course familiarizes participants with the basic structure of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union and gives an overview of the important aspects of labour relations. Topics covered include roles and responsibilities of locals, meetings and conflict resolution basics, the grievance process, safe staffing, and occupational health and safety basics. This course can be adapted to the needs of your local and is available in person or online in six parts.

Total course time: 2 hours, 5 points

Safe Staffing and Nurse Workload (CCRs)

Nurses are subject to high levels of stress and burnout in their work lives, and identify increased workload and insufficient staffing as the main cause. In 2014, the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union negotiated new collective agreement language giving nurses a mechanism to address workload issues. If nurses get an inadequate response from their manager after reporting a workload issue, they can fill out a Clinical Capacity Report. This course gives participants background on the topic of nurse workload and helps participants learn how to utilize the safe staffing process.

Total course time: 1 – 1.5 hours, 5 points

Exploring Workplace Respect

In today’s healthcare environment, it is important that we respect one another and that it reflects in our work and patient care. So what do you do when you encounter workplace conflict? In this course, participants will be encouraged to focus on understanding our individual roles and responsibilities in helping to create/maintain a respectful work environment, building awareness of the issues and challenges involved in respect and disrespect, becoming more comfortable and competent in recognizing and addressing disrespectful behaviour, and highlighting tools and resources available to members.

Total course time: 1 – 1.5 hours, 5 points

Professionalism for the Digital Age

Understanding the potential impact of social media on your nursing practice is important when deciding to venture into the online world. In the past ten years, the number of ways that we can connect with others online has exploded. Having an online presence has almost become a necessity in the modern world, but comes with many precautions and dangers. This course helps participants understand what social media is, and what to be mindful of when choosing to go online. Other topics discussed include cyberbullying, nursing practice implications, privacy, and mental health.

Total course time: 1.5 hours, 5 points

Workplace Violence

Violence in the workplace is an issue that affects the safety and security of employees, patients/clients/residents, visitors and family members. Workplace violence claims a high personal cost due to the emotional trauma and physical injury. It can also lead to increased absenteeism, higher sick leave costs, lost productivity, high employee turn- over, higher insurance premiums and increased WCB premiums. This course will examine the tools and resources union members possess to promote safer workplaces for all.

Total course time: 1.5 hours, 5 points