Professional Practice and Education

The Professional Practice and Education Team champions evidence-based best practices across Mackenzie Health for all Regulated Health Care Professionals through the use of a framework called a Professional Practice Model.

There are Professional Practice and Education Leaders for all interprofessional disciplines that support Standards of Practice focused on achieving excellence in practice.

Professional Standards of Practice

Are formal statements established by the various Regulatory Colleges in Ontario. These standards guide and inform health care professionals and consumers as to the expectations of patient/client care and are designed to ensure that professionals are effective in delivering patient/client care in a timely, safe, and effective manner.

Professional Practice and Education Leaders

A Professional Practice Leader or Educator supports clinicians in all patient care areas. These roles are representative voices of the profession and focus on education and clinical practice support, as well as shared decision making.

Interprofessional Orientation

At Mackenzie Health, we provide support to all of our interprofessional staff regardless of the level of your experience. We want you to make Mackenzie Health your "career" home.

We have developed an Interprofessional Orientation Program for newly hired professionals to support and assist them as they transition into their new roles. The goal of the Interprofessional Orientation Program is to promote clinical excellence, interprofessional collaboration and their role in improving the patient and family's experience of care at Mackenzie Health. 

Topics covered during Interprofessional Orientation include, but not limited to:

• Professional Standards & Scopes of Practice
• Patient and Family Centered Care
• Collaborative Care Delivery
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
• Medical Ethics
• Seniors Friendly Care Strategies
• Least Restraint and Behavioural Care Planning
• Falls Prevention, Safe Mobilization and Transfers
• Infection Prevention and Control

Meet the Collaborative Care Team at Mackenzie Health

Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practice Nurse (RPN):

• Most patients will interact with a nurse during their visit to Mackenzie Health.
• Nurses provide care for people of all ages, families, groups, and communities and in all settings
• Nurses promote health, prevention of illness, and the care of well, ill, disabled and dying people
• Nurses have a role in patient advocacy, education, promoting safety, research, shaping health policy and health systems management

Occupational Therapists

• Occupational therapists work with the barriers that may affect a patient’s participation in daily activities by teaching new ways of doing things using materials or equipment that makes life easier or adapting their environment to work better for them.
• Maximizing participation in activities of daily of living (ADL’s) that have personal meaning and value by assisting with restoring physical and cognitive function. 
• Play a key role in discharge planning. This may include providing suggestions for services upon discharge home, referral to rehab programs or providing equipment recommendations.

Physiotherapists

• Physiotherapists provide in depth assessment and analysis of patients presenting with a variety of acute and chronic conditions that affect their ability to manage and navigate their daily lives.
• Physiotherapists play an integral role in discharge planning from a hospital setting and collaborate extensively with other members of the inter-professional team.
• Physiotherapists at Mackenzie Health can be found across the entire hospital in the areas of ED, Critical Care Unit, acute medicine, acute surgery, orthopedic rehab, stroke (ISU), complex continuing care, slow stream rehab, and day surgery. We also provide on-call care to other areas such as Pediatrics and Mental Health

Registered Respiratory Therapists

Registered Respiratory Therapists play an essential role in providing quality and patient/family centered care. Registered Respiratory Therapists are responsible for monitoring, assessing and providing treatment and education of cardio-respiratory and associated disorders.  

Registered Respiratory Therapists are highly trained in:

• Ventilation and airway management
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Oxygen and aerosol therapy

Registered Respiratory Therapists provide services to all areas of the hospital including:

• Critical Care Units
• Emergency Department
• Medical and Surgical Ward Units
• Complex Continuing Care
• Peri-Op

Certified Clinical Anesthesia Assistants are Registered Respiratory Therapists who have received advanced training in Anesthesia Assistant program. They participate in the care of the stable surgical patient during general, regional, or conscious sedation anesthesia through medical directives under the supervision of the anesthesiologist.

Registered Dietitians

Registered Dietitians are integral members of the health care team at Mackenzie Health, ensuring patients meet their nutritional needs based on their illness or condition.

Mackenzie Health dietitians are the nutrition experts and help to:

• treat, counsel and support patients by promoting or maintaining health,
• improve nutritional status
• preventing malnutrition in hospitals and communities
• recommend medical nutrition therapy including oral diet modification and or supplementation, including invasive nutrition support techniques such as enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition.
• Provide diet teaching, patient and family education and lifestyle changes for safe discharge

Social Workers

• identify and understand sources of stress or difficulty
• develop coping skills
• find effective solutions to problems
• provide resources
• assist in discharge planning and,
• provide emotional support and counselling to patients & their families.

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language Pathologists (SLP) at Mackenzie Health identify, assess, and treat patients presenting with swallowing, speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders.

They identify the functional status of a patient's swallow and provide intervention to maximize patient safety and quality of life. An SLP may conduct clinical swallowing evaluation at your bedside or using a videofluoroscopic swallowing assessment in the medical imaging department.

Medical Radiation Technologists

Medical Radiation Technologists work with almost all departments to provide diagnostic medical imaging services across the organization, both in the Medical Imaging department as well as in patient care areas. 

Medical Laboratory Technologists

Help and assist physicians diagnose and treat patients, as well as monitor and prevent diseases through laboratory testing, diagnoses, and analysis.

Medical Laboratory Technologist may come to take a blood sample, or other specimen, after a doctor, midwife, dentist, or nurse practitioner orders a test for you.

Pharmacists

Pharmacy Services encompasses two regulated healthcare professions – pharmacy technicians and pharmacists

• Pharmacy technicians are primarily responsible for technical aspects of medication distribution but are also present in ED to help collect Best Possible Medication History (BPMH). A BPMH is collected at the beginning of a patient’s journey in the hospital and is the starting point for ensuring that the patient will receive the right medications during and after their hospital visit.
• Pharmacists provide drug information to both patients and other healthcare providers. Pharmacists provide insulin pen and inhaler teaching, as well as group classes in Cardiac Rehab and Mental Health. We also perform discharge counselling if needed when patients are going home with new or changed medications.
• Pharmacists review drug interactions and monitor for effectiveness and side effects.

Shared Governance is a collaborative decision-making model that empowers frontline staff to lead and drive practice excellence. This framework fosters autonomy by enabling the interdisciplinary team to have a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their practice and patient care. By implementing Shared Governance at Mackenzie Health, we aim to cultivate a positive and inclusive culture that promotes interprofessional collaboration, enhanced staff satisfaction, and optimal patient outcomes. 

Our Councils include: 

• Collaborative Practice Council
• Clinical Education Committee
• Digital Practice Committee  
• Unit Councils  

Collaborative Practice Council  

The Collaborative Practice Council provides a forum to facilitate the provision of quality patient care and services by fostering an environment to facilitate knowledge development and utilization for professional practice model and principles of shared governance. Responsibilities include identifying professional issues and making recommendations and decisions related to professional roles, ethical issues, care delivery, and application of best practice in clinical policy and decision-making.

Clinical Education Committee  

The Clinical Education Committee is comprised of clinical educators and practice leaders of the organization, overseeing the development and delivery of clinical education. The CEC maintains the clinical education calendar and supports education initiatives, mentorship and development programs, incorporating learner feedback and partnerships with academic institutions. 

Digital Practice Committee  

The Digital Practice Committee (DPC) is responsible for reviewing and approving changes to digital health systems and strategies that impact nursing and allied health workflows. They provide guidance on the impact of these changes on clinical staff and units, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with other committees to ensure seamless workflows. Additionally, the Digital Practice Committee discusses potential digital health solutions to enhance best practices and outcomes, engages relevant stakeholders as needed, and ensures timely follow-up on meeting decisions. 

Unit Councils  

Unit Councils are collaborative platforms designed to empower staff and improve patient care. These councils work alongside unit leadership to make informed decisions that benefit patients, families, and staff members. 

Key functions of these councils include: 

• Collaboration: Fostering open communication and teamwork. 

• Advocacy: Voicing concerns and identifying areas for improvement. 

• Decision-making: Contributing to shared decisions that impact their department and patient care. 

Structure and membership vary by unit, but typically include nursing staff, unit leadership, physicians, allied health professionals, and patient partners. 

Benefits of Unit Based Councils include: 

• Empowerment: Providing staff with opportunities for education, training, and leadership. 

• Standardization: Promoting consistent best practices across units. 

• Patient-centered care: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of patients. 

These councils play a vital role in enhancing patient outcomes and creating a positive work environment. Some of the initiatives our councils have been working on include workflow optimization strategies, social events to improve staff satisfaction, teamwork and collaboration, and developing new tools for enhanced decision-making and resource utilization. 

Welcome to the Mackenzie Health’s Simulation Program.  Our Simulation Program is designed to replicate real-world scenarios in a controlled, risk-free environment.  By using advanced technology, including high-fidelity manikins, task trainers, and medical equipment, we provide a hands-on learning experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.  

Our Key Features: 

• High-Fidelity Simulators: Our lab features manikins that can mimic a wide range of physiological responses, from heart rates and breathing patterns to complex medical conditions, allowing healthcare teams to practice in a controlled, risk-free environment. 

• Team-Based Scenarios: Our lab facilitates interdisciplinary simulations that emphasize communication, collaboration, and decision-making under pressure.  Our goal is to ensure that every healthcare professional is prepared to handle critical situations with confidence and competence. 

• Real-Time Feedback: Each simulation session is followed by a detailed debriefing, where participants receive constructive feedback from experienced educators. This real-time analysis helps learners identify strengths and areas for improvement. 

• Innovative Technology: Our lab is equipped with the latest in simulation technology allowing participants to review their performance and learn from their experiences. 

• Customized Training Programs:  Our Simulation Lab offers customizable training programs tailored to meet the specific requirements of different clinical teams and specialties. 

Our Program Highlights 

• Departmental and corporate mock code exercises 

• Sim2You roving cart 

• Collaborating with departments to provide hands-on opportunities in workshops 

• Instructor-led courses

Contact Us 

If you’re interested in learning more about our Simulation Lab, please contact us at simulation@mackenziehealth.ca. 

Monthly Clinical Education

Each month the Clinical Education Committee will be highlighting a different clinical MyLearning module.  A monthly email will be sent from Professional Practice to highlight the module of focus. We encourage you to complete the highlighted module each month as its completion will count towards the annual mandatory clinical curriculum on MyLearning.

Educators will also be huddling on monthly clinical education topics to ensure there is standardization of practice across the organization. Look out for email reminders and communication from your unit educator.

Nursing Skills Day

Mackenzie Health invites all nurses to attend our Nursing Skills Days. This comprehensive educational event offers opportunities to enhance clinical skills, knowledge, and professional development. Professional Practice Leaders in collaboration with the interprofessional team will deliver engaging presentations and hands-on practice sessions, focusing on best practices, critical thinking, and essential nursing skills.

This is a paid education day from clinical education funding through the Professional Practice Department for all nurses in addition to the annual education day.

Don't miss this chance to invest in your professional growth and contribute to the highest quality of patient care at Mackenzie Health. For more information and registration, please visit MyLearning. Registration deadline will be one week prior to each session.

New Nurse Residency Program

Mackenzie Health is offering an exciting opportunity to be a part of the New Nurse Residency Program. New graduate nurses who are within their first two years of their nursing career are eligible to be a part of this program to promote professional development and critical thinking in practice. This program offers a combination of preceptor-led clinical practice along with simulation scenarios that will equip new nurses with patient care management, critical thinking, effective communication and system integration skills.

Mackenzie Health has a strong support system of unit leadership teams, nurse educators, clinical facilitators as mentors and preceptors who work collaboratively to support the new nurses as they journey through the program’s orientation, transition and integration phases. Simulation workshops, Community of New Nurses and Nursing Skills Day are all integrated in this Residency Program to enhance the professional development of new nurses.

Simulation Workshop

As part of the New Nurse Residency Program, nurses can enroll in a two-today dedicated workshop on MyLearning. Each simulation workshop has been designed to enhance critical thinking by navigating clinical scenarios using high and low fidelity equipment. Small group sessions led by the Corporate Clinical Facilitators will allow new graduate nurses to ask questions, gain confidence, and practice in a safe learning environment.

For more information, please see the New Nurse Residency Program poster. For any questions, please email Professional Practice and Education.

Community of New Nurses

We are inviting all new nurses to join us in-person or virtually for our Community of New Nurses drop-in sessions every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to networking opportunities, Corporate Clinical Facilitators also lead discussions on different monthly education topics. In-person sessions will be held in the Simulation Lab at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital Site (C-wing, Room 5206) and the Giovanni & Anna De Gasperis and Eugene & Eva Kohn Learning Center at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.

Preceptor and Most Responsible Nurse Workshops

Professional Practice and Education offers monthly in-person Preceptor and Most Responsible Nurse (MRN) workshops at both Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, on a rotation.

The Preceptor Workshop is developed by and co-facilitated with Learning and Organizational Development. It is intended for all regulated health care professionals preparing to be preceptors or those who are already in the role and wish to further their knowledge.

The MRN Workshop is designed for all Registered Nurses (RNs) who have been advised by unit managers to complete the course, or for any RNs who are interested in furthering their professional development in a unit leadership capacity. It is highly recommended that you take the Preceptor Workshop prior to the MRN Workshop.

To register, please visit MyLearning.  Attendance will be compensated for nursing staff between April 2024 to March 2025 by Professional Practice and Education.

The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) is a partnership program between the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), Ontario Health and CNO approved organizations. Mackenzie Health is proud to be an approved organization to offer applicants the option to complete a supervised practice experience in Ontario.  

Since January 2022, Mackenzie Health has been working to support the integration of internationally trained nurses and nurses who have been out of practice back into the health care workforce.  

The program offers learners a minimum of 140 hours to a maximum of 450 hours. During this time, participants in the program have a defined scope of practice similar to our consolidation nursing students. They work closely with their assigned preceptor, clinical facilitators, and nurse educator on the clinical units to ensure a successful completion of the program. Upon completion, they are encouraged to apply to vacant nursing opportunities at Mackenzie Health to be part of our team. 

For stories visit this social media post. 

These bursaries provide financial support for nurses and allied health care professionals to advance their practice through professional development.

To apply, please visit Bursary Awards - Mackenzie Health and select which bursary you would like to apply to.