Prevention and Assistance Fund

This fund pays education costs to nurses from affiliate worksites* harmed by displacements, bumping, job cuts or contracting out. It was established following the 2010 Nurses Bargaining Association contract talks.

*Affiliate worksites provide health care services under contracts with health authorities. If you work for an affiliate, your direct employer is the facility itself, not the health authority. For example, a BCNU member working at Vancouver General Hospital or Royal Inland Hospital or a health unit in the Northern Health Authority would not be in an affiliate worksite.

Eligibility:

• Available if you're a BCNU member working in an affiliate worksite.
• You must be affected by displacement/ bumping.
• You must be enrolling in nursing related assessments/courses to upgrade your skills. to help move into new roles or positions
• You must have approached your employer for funding help.

Funding may be approved for:

• skills assessments as required
• tuition, course fees and books
• in certain circumstances, an honorarium in lieu of wages may be approved  

*Amount of funding is according to criteria established by the BCNU Council.

To apply for funding:

• The online application form is being updated. If you require assistance in the interim, please contact the BCNU Finance Department.
• Provide your BCNU Membership ID Number. If you do not know it, please contact the BCNU Membership Department directly, providing your full name, worksite, and employee ID. Without this number your application will not be accepted.
• Social Insurance Numbers are required for income tax purposes

Disbursement of approved funds:

• You'll will be notified by mail whether your application has been approved.
• Once you've been told you've been approved, you must complete and mail to BCNU an expense form along with receipts for courses, fees etc.
• Under some circumstances, BCNU may arrange direct payment to schools