Primary Care Upskilling Program for Registered Nurses

Primary Care Upskilling Program for Registered Nurses is a micro-credential (non-credit) course
designed to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and competence of new and experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) working in primary care settings. The course builds on the existing knowledge, skills, and expertise of Primary Care (PC) RNs and responds to evolving health system priorities and health human resource needs in Ontario, particularly in northern, rural, and remote contexts

This micro-credential provides Registered Nurses with the specialized knowledge and clinical competencies required to excel in diverse primary care settings. From urban family practices to remote Northern clinics, the curriculum emphasizes the pivotal role of RNs in team-based care, chronic disease management, and health equity.

Participants will explore the integration of modern digital tools, while grounding their practice in relational inquiry and trauma-informed principles. Through interacting with the Community of Practice of PC RNs and engagement with course content, learners will expand how they approach advocacy in practice,potentiate patient autonomy, navigate complex health systems, and provide culturally safe, trauma and violence informed care across the lifespan.

Learners will also foster professional connections and collaboration among PC RNs through a peer-to-peer community of practice.
This micro-credential course fosters interactive, reflective learning and enables participants to engage deeply with the material while applying evidence-based practices to their professional contexts.
Who should take this course?

This course is designed for Primary Care Registered Nurses (PC RNs) who are working in, or planning to work in, primary care settings across Ontario, including northern, rural, and remote communities

Course Outline:

This 12-week course consists of four (4) modules: 

• Foundational Concepts of Primary Care Nursing Practice
• Health and Wellness across the Lifespan 
• Chronic Disease Management
• Navigating Northern, Rural, Remote, and Urban Nursing Contexts

Delivered through asynchronous modules and 4 synchronous community of practice sessions

• Tuition is fully covered!
• Dedicated seats for 70% of course graduates to take an RN prescribing course with tuition fully covered