Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is orientation?
Faculty orientation and residency week schedules are organized by each program stream. This information will be provided by the Faculty.
GNSS typically holds an orientation day in early September. The Fall 2024 orientation events will be during the 1st week of September. Further information on these events will be posted on the Orientation page and on our @uoftgnss instagram once available.
Can I work during this program?
MN Clinical
Most students find it difficult to work full-time hours during this program. It is not unheard of, especially depending on where you work, but not recommended. The clinical stream program is completely in-person so it is more realistic to work part-time or casual to dedicate appropriate time to your studies and maintain your work-life balance.
MN HSLA
It is possible to continue to work during the program. Courses are delivered entirely online – however, there is a mandatory on-campus residency week in March and practicum hours that must be completed in the Spring term.
MN NP
Most students find it difficult to work full-time hours during this program. It is not unheard of, but not recommended. It is more realistic to work part-time or casual in order to dedicate appropriate time to your studies and maintain your work-life balance.
Post MN NP
Students who have already completed their master’s degrees usually continue to work full-time during the first year. The second year of studies involves a lengthy clinical placement that makes it difficult for full-time study and full-time work.
PhD
Most PhD students work to a certain extent but the number of hours is dependent on whether you accept the Faculty’s funding package or not. Regardless of funding, it is not recommended for you to work full-time due to the demands of the program.
When should I start organizing my clinical placements?
MN Clinical
There are two clinical placements in this program – one taking place in the first (fall) term of the first year, and a final one in the last (spring) term of the second year.
Placement options are provided to help match and determine clinical placements. The Graduate Placement Coordinator will reach out in the summer to complete all the pre-placement requirements. More information on placement assignment will be provided by the faculty in September.
MN HSLA
In first year, practicum placements begin in the Spring term. The Graduate Placement Coordinator organizes all placements and preceptors.
Placement options are provided to help match and determine clinical placements. If you know an Advanced Practice Nurse that you would like to be matched with, this person must be approved by the placement coordinator. You cannot complete a practicum placement in the organization where you currently work. More information will be provided by the faculty in September.
MN NP
This is usually dependent on your geographic location and placement availability. The first placement takes place in the Spring term and can be completed with an NP preceptor, or a physician preceptor and an NP advisor. You may want to begin exploring placement opportunities towards the end of your first term or early in your second. It is important to note that you cannot complete a placement in the area (unit) where you currently work. More information will be provided by the faculty in September.
* MN-NP Specific Questions *
What happens during residency week?
Schedules outlining residency week will be sent to in the summer along with required paperwork for the program. During the residency week you can expect to be learning with all the NP students starting the program from all cohorts (Adult, Paeds, and PHC). There will be introductions from faculty and GNSS, as well as information sessions regarding online support and placements. GNSS will be present throughout the week to answer questions, give campus tours, and to provide a social environment as well. Previous students recommend planning ahead any questions you may have and ensuring you ask them to faculty while the whole group is together.
When should I buy my textbooks? Should I complete the suggested readings before residency week?
The text requirements for your NP courses will be released prior to residency week. It is strongly recommended to pre-read the suggested text in order to not be overwhelmed with the lectures during residency week. It’s important to note that in the past, material taught during residency week will be on future exams.
I do not live in the GTA, how will this affect my placements? Is there anything in particular I need to do differently?
Living outside of the GTA can present different challenges depending on the health region and the previously arranged agreements with U of T. The Faculty is experienced in working with students both nationally and internationally. You may wish to begin exploring potential placement options as well as establish contact with the clinical placement coordinator early in your graduate studies in order to facilitate this process.
* PhD Specific Questions *
I am a parent, how do I balance school and family responsibilities?
Many of our PhD students are parents, married, or transitioning into these new roles throughout the program. Sometimes balancing all of these roles can be difficult. Some parents who are also PhD students suggest allotting specific time periods for your PhD work, so that you are also able to fulfill other roles such as parent, spouse, etc. Some students suggest reserving evenings and weekends for family and other activities.
Does the PhD program become lonely?
A large portion of your PhD career will be independently driven as you are focusing on various research interests. At times this can become lonely. Staying connected with students in your cohort or years ahead will provide you with colleagues who can support you and understand this journey.
I’m an imposter, how did I get into this program? I’m scared! Relax! Take a deep breath. There will be times in this process when you may feel this way… And it’s completely normal. Trust in your abilities that got you to this point.
How do I select my courses?
Speaking with your supervisor and creating a plan for the first two years is a great way of utilizing your class time appropriately. Select courses that will enhance your skills to complete your research while keeping you on track for proposal defense.
*Please note: You may notice a limited number of PhD course offerings within the Faculty of Nursing. PhD students are encouraged to explore other departments or faculties that provide courses relevant to thesis development.
How does my funding get divided for the terms?
The funding package is divided and distributed over all 3 terms. The Winter term funding is allocated to tuition payment, therefore students receive the majority of their personal funding in the Fall and Spring terms. TA hours and any additional awards beyond the funding package will be distributed evenly throughout the year.