Yukon Nurses Benefit from Government Sponsored Education Fund
For Release ##08-120
May 21, 2008
WHITEHORSE – Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers today presented the Yukon Registered Nurses Association with a cheque for $210,000.
”These funds will help the YRNA to support its members with continuing nursing education, to enable nurses to pursue areas of professional interest to them and of service to the people of the Yukon,” Cathers said. The minister added that the $210,000 works out to $583 for every registered nurse in the Yukon.
The funds will be used for professional development opportunities for Yukon nurses, such as help in completing their Bachelor or Master’s degrees, or attending outside conferences. The funds will also be used for those who wish to return to the workforce and want refresher courses and for nurses who wish to undertake post-basic specialty education, such as Obstetrics or Intensive Care.
“I am inspired by the high number of nurses who are taking advantage of the education funds.” YRNA President Peggy Heynen said. “It shows how committed they are to keeping their skills current in a health care environment that is constantly changing and becoming more complicated. These funds are definitely providing positive support to our members,” Heynen added.
This is the seventh year that Health and Social Services has supported the training requirements of Yukon nurses through the YRNA. Last year, more than 100 nurses took advantage of the continuing education fund.
“We recognize that we need to help support our nurses in their quest for betterment, and skill expansion. By providing this fund to the YRNA, we are ensuring that our nurses have opportunities to maintain and develop knowledge that will help them continue to provide the best possible care to the Yukon public,” Cathers said.