Contents

• Purpose of Fund
• Eligibility for Bursaries'
• Education qualifying for bursaries
• Bursary Amounts
• Award Period
• Application deadlines
• Application process
• For further information

Purpose

The NBA Educational Opportunities Fund was created from the negotiated settlement flowing from the Bill 29 Supreme Court of Canada decision.

Bursaries from the fund are used for the clinical education of nurses and will include the upgrading of nursing skills. The Bursary Committee meets every two months to review applications.

Eligibility for Bursaries

• BCNU, UPN and HSA RPN members employed under the terms of the Provincial Collective Agreement (including employed student nurses) are members of the NBA and are eligible for funding.
• Prior to applying for the NBA bursary, members should approach the Employer, and other sources for funding.
• With proper documentation, NBA members may apply more than once.

Education qualifying for bursaries

Educational programs that could be considered for bursaries are:

• changes from current area of practice to a different specialty (i.e. long term care nurses who desire to change to acute care)
• specialty training to become operating room or intensive care nurses
• career laddering for Licensed Graduate Nurses to become RN/RPNs; or RPN to RN
• RNs with diplomas seeking a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing or nursing education
• upgraded English skills
• upgraded computer skills that may be relevant to nursing practice
• clinical education conferences
• courses designed to enhance personal/professional skills within an area of nursing
• courses in areas other than the above may qualify for bursary and members should contact BCNU to determine eligibility

Bursary Amounts

Bursaries awarded to NBA members from the fund will be according to the criteria established by Council and may be subject to revision as funds allow and number of applications received.

Award Period

Bursaries will be awarded starting in August 1, 2008 and will continue until December 1, 2010. Awards after that period will be subject to replenishment of the fund.

Application deadlines

The BCNU Bursary Committee will meet up to six times a year to review applications from NBA members. Application deadlines will be February 1st, April 1st, June 1st, August 1st, October 1st, and December 1st.

Application process

• Complete an application form.
• SIN numbers are required for income tax purpose.
• Fax or mail the completed application to BCNU's office.

• BCNU will advise the applicant if they are approved for funding
• once the applicant is advised they are approved for funding a copy of their acceptance to the educational institution in which they are enrolled must be sent to BCNU's office
• this must include a completed course form; date of course completion and evidence of paid tuition
• funds will be transferred to the applicant upon verification of tuition payment.

Note:
Due to the overwhelming response to this funding, BCNU will consider bursaries for tuition, books and necessary course fees only on a per school year basis.

For further information

Please email I Newton or telephone: 604.433.2268 extension 2601 or toll free: 1.800.663.9991 extension 2601.