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Practice Requirement Record (PRR) FAQS

The Practice Requirement Record or PRR, as it is sometimes referred to, is a document that students must complete prior to attending a practice placement.

This document verifies that students meet medical (immunizations) and non-medical (mask fit/CPR/vulnerable sector screen) requirements laid out by the legislation and placement setting. This process is necessary to ensure that our students protect their health and safety, and the health and safety of patients/clients/residents, visitors, employees and other students.

Failure to complete these requirements can exclude students from clinical practice, which can jeopardize student academic standing.

The PRR forms can be downloaded from the Forms Page and must be submitted prior to the designated deadline date.

It can take some time to gather and complete all requirements. You should start this process two to three months prior to the noted due date. Medical requirements require students to arrange a visit with their healthcare provider during the summer. This ensures timely completion of the PRR. Similarly, the non-medical requirements are subject to class or appointment availability.

Yes. If you are an international student, you must obtain a free Co-op Work Permit prior to the first day of your placement in Year 1. The Co-op Work Permit must be issued for the same length as your study permit. The application process for a co-op work permit can take at least four months and is free of charge. Please contact the Toronto Metropolitan University International Student Support Office (opens in new window)  for more information.

Refer to this  (PDF file) document (opens in new window)  from Synergy Gateway.

You are expected to complete and submit a PRR package on an annual basis. Specific information for your program can be found on the Forms Page

The PRR consists of two sections: medical requirements and non-medical requirements. The medical requirements (immunization and annual tuberculosis screening information) must be completed and signed by either a physician or your primary care practitioner (such as a nurse practitioner).

While completing your first PRR, you may need a minimum of two appointments to ensure your immunization requirements are met. However, the number of appointments you need may vary depending on your personal situation. Please note: You will need a yearly appointment for your TB testing and/or flu vaccine while attending nursing practice placements.

Explain that the Practice Requirement Record is a mandatory requirement for students in the nursing program prior to attending placement. Healthcare providers must include their signature and immunization dates in the designated areas of the form. Make sure to bring the following documents to your appointment:

  • Practice Requirement Record (PRR)
  • Provincial health card or other health insurance document
  • Proof of immunization (yellow immunization card) and/or municipal or regional health unit forms outlining immunization history
  • Money, if necessary (some providers may charge for completing forms. These costs vary by provider)

The Toronto Metropolitan University Medical Centre is available to support students who do not have a primary healthcare provider to complete their PRRs. Please contact them directly to book an appointment.

An indeterminate result means that the level of antibody detected is considered borderline reactive or equivocal (neither positive nor negative). You will receive a booster for the specific antibody and be required to follow-up with another titre test. Should the result continue to be indeterminate please inform the Central Placement Office.

The Vulnerable Sector Screening/Check (VSS) must be valid for the duration of your placement each semester and must be issued within six months of the start date of your placement.

The CPO will automatically email all students enrolled in a practice course the Toronto Police form (M-postal code) or a Letter of Request (non-M postal code) to apply for a VSS each semester. Please do not email the CPO requesting for the form or letter. To avoid delays, please ensure your postal code is updated on HSPnet, this is how the CPO determines which document to send you.

 

Placement Semester Expect Email from CPO
Fall  Beginning of May
Winter  Beginning of October
Spring/Summer (Post-Diploma Nursing Students Only) Beginning of January

No. The purpose of requesting that VSS is for a paid employment and not as a nursing student at an unpaid clinical practice. We will send you a VSS application according to the schedule found on your PRR package.

Placement agencies require that a VSS be issued within six months of the start of your placement and be valid for the full duration of your placement. You must request a separate VSS for the fall, winter and spring/summer semesters.

As per the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), applicants under the age of 18 do not qualify for a Vulnerable Sector Screen. Please email the CPO to ensure this is appropriately documented on HSPNet (external link, opens in new window) .

International students can apply for a local VSS based on where they are living while at school. Proof of residency may be required; this can include showing your lease agreement or a utility bill with your name and address on it. A police check from your home country will not be accepted.

Out-of-province students can apply for a Vulnerable Sector Screen in their home city or town or from the local municipality that they are living in while at school.

Proof of mask fit testing for N95 respirators is a mandatory requirement for clinical placement. This testing occurs every two years. In the Collaborative Nursing Degree Program, you will obtain mask fit testing in Year 1 and Year 3. In the Post-Diploma Degree Completion Program in Nursing, you will obtain mask fit testing for NCL 700 and CNCL 700.

The Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing will offer mask fit testing twice a year on campus. This information will be shared with students once dates are confirmed. Students who are unable to attend a scheduled session must arrange their own mask fit testing. There are several agencies across the GTA that offer mask fit testing for a fee, including:

At the end of your test, you will be provided with a mask fit test card. You will be required to show your mask fit test card annually for practicum clearance, as well as to your placement agency.

If you are currently employed at a healthcare agency and have completed a mask fit test, you do not need to book a separate test. Please note that the mask fit must be valid for the full duration of your academic year.

Refer to this  (PDF file) document (opens in new window)  from Synergy Gateway.

No. The CPO does not keep any copies. All PRR documents stay with the students for their own safekeeping. 

No. As per the Toronto Metropolitan University Policy 157, you are required to activate and maintain a Toronto Metropolitan University Online Identity and an email address. You must use your university email address when corresponding with faculty and staff at the Toronto Metropolitan University.