Peer Coaches dispel 3 myths about QA
Quality Assurance (QA) is an accountability for all practicing nurses in Ontario. Participating in QA, whether through QA Everyday or when selected for QA Assessment, is an important part of establishing that nurses self-reflect on their practice and make plans to ensure they have the knowledge, skill and judgment to practice safely.
In April, CNO will notify nurses who have been randomly selected for QA Assessment. In QA Assessment, you complete and submit required activities as directed by CNO. This may include taking online learning modules and other activities and developing a Learning Plan.
In advance of QA Assessment selection, we chatted with some Peer Coaches about some myths they have heard from nurses, and to clarify what QA Assessment is really about.
Myth #1: The QA Learning Plan needs to look great from the start
Peer Coach Christianne Godard, NP, advised nurses to just get started. It can be intimidating to put pen to paper if you think everything must be right on your first draft. Instead, write something and then build on it over time.
“Just do it, don't overthink it. Just start writing things down!”
From there, she believes, you can add order and priority to your thoughts, edit for grammar and more before your final version is submitted, if you are selected for QA Assessment. She insists it is a gift to your future self to have words to sort through in the first place.
Godard added that you also don’t need to put too much pressure on yourself for your Learning Plan goals. It’s great if you plan to pursue your Master’s, but it is just as OK to say that your goal for that year is to improve specific practice-based skills by completing relevant modules and webinars. Identify achievable and relevant goals that make sense for you and your practice. While only nurses selected for QA Assessment submit their completed Learning Plan to CNO, all nurses must develop and maintain a Learning Plan each year.
Myth #2: QA Assessment is an overwhelming process.
While QA Assessment is an accountability, it is not meant to be stressful. Instead, we provide support along the way to help you get the most out of it and make it a positive experience.
That was the experience of Katrina Blanchard, an NP from Windsor, Ont., who was selected for QA Assessment in 2022. She was initially intimidated and anxious by the prospect of her practice being evaluated. Having gone through that experience and learned from it, she passes on her wisdom as one of CNO’s Peer Coaches, who help support and give feedback to nurses selected for the program. “It’s an opportunity for you to look at your own practice and give voice to the wonderful things you’re already doing on a day-to-day basis,” she told The Standard.
“Take advantage of all of the resources available to you through CNO and really look at this as an opportunity for growth,” she added, saying the objective is to make sure you’re practicing safely.
Besides optional coaching conversations with Peer Coaches, various supports in the QA Assessment process include an instruction guide, online FAQs, examples of submitted QA Assessment activities and webinars. You can also contact our QA team for any help along the way.
Myth #3: QA Assessment focuses exclusively on the negative side of things
Our Peer Coaches mentioned that some nurses feel some anxiety going into the process and worry QA Assessment focuses only on problems in your nursing practice. QA Assessment is an opportunity for you to showcase your commitment to ongoing professional development and provide quality nursing practice throughout your career.
Diane Bowen, a CNO Peer Coach for 14 years, emphasizes that if you go into QA Assessment with a positive outlook, you can grow and improve; it’s the best way to get the most out of the program.
“Make it a positive thing,” said Bowen. “You can make good goals through reflection and improve your care.”
While QA Assessment remains an accountability for nurses selected, CNO provides many supports to assist you through the assessment process. For example, if a nurse needs to resubmit their QA activities, their Peer Coach will give them feedback. This includes the opportunity to virtually meet with your Peer Coach, if you wish, to have a conversation about your submission and receive additional feedback and guidance.
