Mr.
Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO
Dear Mr. Brynien:
The
parties believe that nurses should have available to them high quality and
robust training, educational and professional development opportunities. Accordingly, the parties hereby agree that
the Professional Development Committee (PDC) shall undertake the programs and
initiatives described below to enhance professional development opportunities
for Registered Nurses. These programs
and initiatives will be funded by Article 15 and funds shall be overseen and
administered by the PDC.
1. The PDC shall jointly develop an enhanced voucher program for
Registered Nurses working at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, SUNY Downstate
Medical Center, SUNY Stony Brook Medical Center and the Roswell Park Cancer
Institute who are pursuing a four-year degree, Master’s or Doctorate in
nursing. This program can be expanded to
other agencies or work locations by mutual agreement of the PDC.
2. The PDC shall jointly develop an enhanced reimbursement program
over the maximum dollar amount available under the Voucher Alternative Program
(VALT). The amount of the enhanced
reimbursement program will be determined by the PDC based on the funding available.
3. 3. The PDC shall jointly design and develop training,
educational and professional development programs and initiatives targeted to
nurses. The PDC will work with and seek
input from the Article 44, Joint Committee on Nursing and Institutional Issues
in creating and designing such programs.
These programs could include preceptor training, grant programs,
conferences, tuition or other monetary support for National Certification in
Specialties, and creation of professional development workshops and programs to
support and enhance the nursing careers of nurses with the State of New York.
4.
John Currier
Deputy Director for Contract Negotiation and Administration
Governor's Office of Employee Relations
Countersigned for PEF: