b'STUDENT PLACEMENTSPREP LTCSupporting student placementsF or those who havent heardYear 1 was only six weeks in lengththeir preceptors during rounds, of this initiative, PREP LTC is aas we launched the initiative in mid- evidence shows that when preceptors $73-million project funded by theFebruary, wrapping up the year atspend dedicated time with students Ministry of Long-Term Care to supportthe end of March 2022. We launchedproviding instruction, feedback and long-term care homes in buildingYear 2 of PREP LTC in August 2023. Wetime to debrief, students have a better or expanding student placementonboarded 10 Regional Engagementexperience and are more prepared to programs. It is being led by the OntarioLiaisons (RELs) in the spring, and theywork in long-term care.Centres for Learning, Research andhave been connecting with all 626 Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI)long-term care homes across theFor preceptors to provide this at the Schlegel-UW Research Instituteprovince since we launched. dedicated time, PREP LTC funded long-for Aging in collaboration with theterm care homes to replace preceptors Ontario CLRI teams at Baycrest HealthWeve had a very productive andwhen they were off the floor toSciences and Bruyre.eventful year. Our RELs have engagedmentor students.with over 80% of the long-term care Year 3 of the Preceptor Resource andsector in Ontario. This means thatWhile many long-term care homes Education Program in LTC (PREP LTC)505 long-term care homes enrolledappreciated receiving backfill is underway. The goals of PREP in PREP LTC this year and have beenfunding and provided students with LTC are: working with our RELs to build anddedicated mentoring time, many expand their student placementhomes indicated that due to staffing programs. Students who have ashortages, they would be unable to use To address barriers to increasing capacity for clinical placements; positive, high-quality experience inthe backfill funds. Additionally, long-their clinical placements are more likelyterm care homes told us they would To provide a positive, high-qualityto stay in the sector.benefit from having student placementexperience for students andcoordinators to coordinate student preceptors; and In Year 2, we initially offered fundingplacements in their homes.per PSW or nursing student to cover To recruit and retain team membersbackfill pay for preceptors mentoringWe heard these concerns, and, inin the long-term care sector. students. While students often shadowcollaboration with the Ministry of 26 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2023'