UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL PROGRAMS
PROFESSIONAL NURSING ORGANIZATION
POLICY STANDARDS

ADDENDUM:      H.13
EFFECTIVE:         3/84
REVISION:           8/08
APPROVAL:         8/08

SUBJECT: OFFICIAL LEAVE/CONTINUING EDUCATION

SOURCE: Policy Standards, Section H, Utilization of Staff/Staffing in Inpatient Nursing Units/ED/SSU

INPATIENT/ED/SSU:

MANDATORY OFFICIAL LEAVE:

Mandatory Official Leave is time away from the work area and is paid in regular time up to 40 hours/per week.

The following suggested list is provided as a guide for approved non-patient related activities:

  1. Mandatory courses per unit standards

      2.  CPR, ACLS & competency check-off re-certifications

      3.  Meetings: Unit/Department/Campus

            -As approved by immediate supervisor

  1. Governance: Department/Campus

            -Meeting time only

  1. Special projects

            -As designated by immediate supervisor

 

NON-MANDATORY OFFICIAL LEAVE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR REGISTERED NURSES:

Non-mandatory Official Leave is time away from the work area to participate in continuing education pertinent to job role or to attend review courses for approved nursing certification.  UAMS supports attendance through the option of Official Leave only.  No travel or registration fees are paid or reimbursed.  Any exceptions must be approved by the Nursing Director.  Non-mandatory Official Leave may be paid up to 16 hours per year when the Registered Nurse  meets the following eligibility criteria:

  1. One year of full time status employment immediately preceding the request.
  2. Successful completion of all orientation requirements including but not limited to competency checklists, mandatory courses and requirements, probationary periods.
  3. May not be on written warning for any disciplinary reason.
  4. Must have achieved 300 points or greater on their most recent performance evaluation.

Application for Official Leave:

  1. Complete and submit the "Request for Authorization of Travel Expenses" to the Clinical Services Manager. These forms are to be submitted for both local and out-of-town programs. Official Leave for Continuing Education
  2. The Clinical Services Manager will grant approval based on:
    1. Content must be pertinent to current job role.
    2. Applicant must meet previously listed eligibility requirements.
    3. Leave must not place an undue hardship on the needs of the nursing unit.
  3. Applicant must submit written goals and objectives for attendance.

 

Responsibilities of the attendee:

  1. Must complete and submit all paperwork, inclusive of items to demonstrate eligibility.
  2. Must attend the program during the granted leave time.
  3. Upon return to work, must submit a copy of the continuing education certificate to the Clinical Services Manager and to Staff Education.
  4. Must give a presentation to their coworkers within 30 days of return.  CSM must approve content and method of presentation.  This may be done by:
    1. A report for the Capsule
    2.  In-service programs
    3. Other means as appropriate.

5.      If RN fails to complete the requirements after receiving official leave, the RN will be ineligible for any further non-mandatory official leave until they complete the requirements.

6.      If unable to attend the program, the participant must:

a.       Notify the CSM and/or CDF and staff education via normal call in procedures.

b.      Understand they may be placed back on the schedule for staffing.  This will be determined by the CSM or his/her designee.

c.       Understand they may have the option of utilizing vacation or sick time if appropriate.  This will be determined by the CSM or his/her designee.

      7.      Failure to attend a scheduled class or program may result in progressive discipline

OUTPATIENT:

Official Leave is time away from the work area and is paid in regular time up to 40 hours/per week.

The following suggested list is provided as a guide for approved non-patient related activities:

  1. Mandatory courses per unit standards
  2. CPR, ACLS & competency check-off re-certifications
  3. Meetings: Clinic/Department/Campus
  4. Special projects
  5. Workshops and Conferences

The Professional Nursing Organization (PNO)/Clinical Programs encourages its employees to attend job related continuing education programs. Each Clinic Manager will review the employee request and follow policies as outlined in clinic specific policies. On some occasions, reimbursement for part of all of the employee’s expenses can be provided.

The following criteria apply:

  1. Attendance at workshops should alternate between various persons.
  2. Employees must submit objectives for attending.
  3. Official leave must be scheduled with the Clinic Manager and approved by Clinical Programs Administration.

To apply for Official Leave or Reimbursement:

  1. Complete and submit the "Request for Attendance at Conferences & Meetings" and "Request for Authorization of Travel Expenses" to your immediate supervisor. These forms are to be submitted for both local and out-of-town programs, whether or not financial support is being requested.
  2. For persons receiving travel reimbursement, an accurate travel expense record with receipts must be submitted to your Clinical Programs Administrator’s office after returning.
  3. Information received at a workshop or other continuing education program should be shared with other appropriate staff.

 

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