Abstract
The libraries in Winnipeg, Manitoba, community hospitals identified an ideal opportunity to develop new programs and services to reach practicing nurses in their own setting. In 2004, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) began the implementation of a Continuing Competence Program that requires nurses to annually demonstrate, as part of their registration renewal, a commitment to life-long learning, and their participation in professional development activities [1]. The libraries recognized that many nurses, because of the time constraints of clinical responsibilities, shift work, and family life, have difficulties visiting the physical library in person to find resources to support learning and selfdevelopment. To bring relevant information directly to the nurses to support their continuing competence information needs, the librarians of the Winnipeg community hospitals developed four innovative onsite and virtual library programs and services.
Highlights
Background and settingRegistered nurses across Canada are part of the competency movement aimed at increasing the professionalism, accountability, and self-regulation of the nursing workforce [2]
The libraries are located in the Concordia Hospital, Grace Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, and the Victoria General Hospital and were organized through an affiliation agreement with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the University of Manitoba (UM)
The four programs and services are webliographies hosted on the University of Manitoba Libraries (UML) Web pages; Competency Collection Information Pathfinder; On the Unit; and Info-RN: a newsletter for nurses
Summary
Registered nurses across Canada are part of the competency movement aimed at increasing the professionalism, accountability, and self-regulation of the nursing workforce [2]. Seven Oaks General Hospital Library, University of Manitoba, 2300 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3M3, Canada. Beginning in 2004, the Continuing Competence Program has been administered through the CRNM as part of nurses’ annual registration renewal This is a substantial departure from the past practice that required the annual documentation of only nursing practice hours to demonstrate continuing competence [5]. Rather than require the completion of formal continuing education units, nurses practicing in Manitoba must document self-assessment of their current practice and provide a selfdevelopment plan that includes evidence of professional development learning activities [6]. The libraries are located in the Concordia Hospital, Grace Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, and the Victoria General Hospital and were organized through an affiliation agreement with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the University of Manitoba (UM). The health care professionals of the community hospitals and the WRHA (including more than 7000 nurses) are all eligible to receive library and information services and have benefited by the expansion of access to health databases, electronic journals, and e-books through the UML
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