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Nurses' Health Program
What is the Nurses' Health Program?
The Nurses' Health Program (NHP) is a voluntary bilingual program for Ontario nurses. It is designed to encourage nurses to seek treatment for mental health and/or substance use disorders that may affect their ability to practice nursing safely.
It is an evidence-based approach that focuses on early identification and referral for treatment.
The program is modelled on similar ones used by other regulated health professions across the province.
The program monitors the nurses' recovery so that they may be supported to practice safely or return to practice, which promotes professional accountability and protects the public.
The new program does not replace the College of Nurses of Ontario's (CNO) regulatory process but provides an opportunity for nurses to self-refer and get the support and monitoring they need.
Who is NHP for?
NHP is for Ontario nurses (RN, RPN and NP) with mental health and/or substance use disorders. It provides an opportunity for them to receive treatment and support to recover and practice safely.
Why have a Nurses' Health Program?
No one is immune from mental health and/or substance use disorders. They can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or occupation – including nurses.
Without appropriate treatment and monitoring, these disorders can impact a nurse's ability to practice safe nursing.
Nurses benefit from specialized treatments that recognize their unique needs as health care professionals.
There is significant research indicating that voluntary and confidential professional health programs are highly effective in supporting recovery while protecting the public.
Nurses can enter the program voluntarily through self-referral or as an alternative to the current regulatory process of CNO.
The program includes a dedicated case manager, a comprehensive assessment and an individualized treatment plan.
NHP monitors the nurses' recovery, so that they may be supported to practice safely or return to practice.
The program's focus reflects the balance between supporting nurses in recovery and protecting the public. With the right support nurses can continue or return to safe nursing practice benefiting both the nurse and the public.
Who runs the program?
The Nurses' Health Program was developed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO).
NHP is an incorporated not-for-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors with equal representation from each of the four nursing organizations. This governance model demonstrates a shared commitment to the goals of the program.
The program operations are administered by Lifemark Health Group.
Click here to visit the Nurses' Health Program website.
The Nurses' Health Program can be reached by phone:
TOLL – FREE IN CANADA: 1-833-888-7135
WEEKDAYS 7am – 7pm EST
*The NHP is not a crisis line. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact 911, your local crisis line, or go to your local hospital for assistance.
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