Clinical placements are determined through several different process, which includes the use of HSPnet (Health Sciences Placement Network) and qualtrics ranking surveys. HSPnet is primarily used in Terms 1 and 3. Students have the opportunity to rank sites/units in order of preference within the School of Nursing guidelines (given at the time as applicable based on available placements). Placements are then finalized and the students are notified.
In Terms 2 and 4, the process is more complex as these terms are split between maternity/paediatrics and community/mental health. A list of placement sets (pairs of one day in each specialty applicable to the term) are sent out along with a qualtrics survey and students are asked to rank these sets. The School of Nursing uses this information to determine placements to place students as close to their top choices as possible.
Term 5 (preceptorship) has a different process as well. Students rank their top 3 preferred areas/units and specify whether or not they would like an out-of-town or out-of-province placement. Additional documents are required during this process (e.g. CV, statements of interest, etc.). The School of Nursing contacts and arranges all placements directly with the receiving agency and notifies students as soon as placements are confirmed (for out-of-town/out-of-province placements) or some time in January for those placed in existing preceptorship placements.
