NU Connections

This webinar digs deeper into key principles of digital safety from a nursing perspective. Participants review a case study that will help them identify clear professional and personal boundaries in a digital landscape. The webinar also reviews privacy laws and data security and introduces BCNU’s Licensing, Education, Advocacy Practice (LEAP) Program.  

Register for Nov. 13 or Dec. 12  

Unions have played a significant historic role in securing maternity and parental leave benefits in collective bargaining that extends beyond government benefits. Webinar participants review collective agreement language on maternity and parental leave rights and benefits, learn about the value of member advocacy and how it affects their present-day collective agreement rights. 

Register for Nov. 28 or Dec. 9 

This webinar is for new graduates entering the demanding field of nursing. Many new nurses face unexpected challenges and questions about their rights as an employee. The union and employer have a negotiated collective agreement that covers the terms and conditions of work, including employee rights and responsibility to the employer, benefits and occupational health and safety. Participants are introduced to the robust support and services available to them as a BCNU member, learn how to stay connected to the union and advocate themselves and their patients. 

Register for Nov. 7 or Nov. 25 

This webinar focuses on retirement savings and pension planning. Using interactive polls and available checklists, participants will review important steps to take before, during and after retirement. Discussions include the transition from work to retirement. Members review resources to help make informed retirement decisions. 

Register for Nov. 21 or Dec. 15 

Steward Role: 
When members are elected or appointed to a steward role in their worksite, there are supports in place to help them transition into becoming a successful steward. Stewards play a significant role in ensuring the employer follows the contract - they strengthen the worksite team with their knowledge and expertise. One of the first steps to becoming a steward is to complete the Building Union Strength (BUS) workshop.  All members, whether they are in a steward role or not, may take the Building Union Strength workshop and access the steward resource toolkit found on the BCNU website. There is a specific section on leadership and the steward role. 

Grievance Process: 
One of the central activities stewards are involved in on behalf of members is the grievance process. The Nurses’ Bargaining Association Grievance Process online module provides an overview of this process. It is also informative for members covered by other collective agreements.

BCNU fosters an organizing model of unionism that encourages all members to become involved, engaged and empowered to improve their working conditions, which include wages, benefits, and health and safety.

Complete the short Who Is BCNU? online module to learn more about BCNU's mission, vision and strategic directions, as well as the supports, services, and resources available to all members. The module also includes resources for learning about your employment rights. All members are encouraged to take the Building Union Strength (BUS) workshop. It is a one day, salary reimbursed, event hosted in your region by member educators.

How to Report Safety Concerns:  
Reporting safety concerns is the first step in getting them corrected. This online module helps members learn how to report, document and follow up on health and safety hazards and incidents in their workplace.  

Introduction to JOSHC: 
The worksite joint occupational health and safety (JOHS) committee is where members and their employer work collaboratively to resolve safety issues in the workplace. Review this online module to learn more about JOHS committees. Members interested in becoming a JOHS committee worker representative may contact their regional OHS representative or regional council member. 

Refusal of Unsafe Work: 
All workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. This online module reviews the law that supports this right, how to enact it and the challenges nurses encounter.

BCNU’s  Licensing, Education, Advocacy and Practice (LEAP) Program was established in 1988 to assist and advocate for members with matters related to professional practice complaints to the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), as well as those related to licensing challenges, mental health concerns and substance use.

If you answer 'yes' to any of the following statements, or if you are unsure, please contact the LEAP Intake Assistant as soon as possible at leap@bcnu.org:

• You, your colleague(s) or employer are concerned about your fitness to practice. This may include physical or mental health conditions, such as substance use or mood disorders.
• Concerns have been raised about your competency to practice.
• A formal complaint was made against your nursing practice.
• You are having difficulty obtaining a practicing license.
• You have failed the NCLEX-RN, REx-PN (formerly CPNRE), or RPNCE.

All BCNU members are eligible to apply for the LEAP Program. To apply for the LEAP Program, please complete the LEAP Application and Authorization form. 

The professional responsibility process addresses professional practice problems, which include any problem related to professional standards from the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, including those which may put patients, residents and/or clients at risk. Visit the Professional Responsibility Process web page for more information.

It is important that members know their rights including the right to time off. Members are entitled to a variety of employment leaves, many of them are paid time off. Any time off from work is considered a leave and there are rules and conditions that apply to each type of leave. Know what you are entitled to by reviewing your collective agreement on the BCNU website.

Learn more about your collective agreement in the online education module.