Return of Service in
Hospitals or Primary Care
Hospitals
New participants can now complete their Return of Service in Hospitals. Hospitals are a healthcare setting where nurses deliver care to patients who present with a variety of health conditions. For the purpose of the BEGIN program, participants must be employed by a publicly funded hospital.
Primary Care
New participants can now complete their Return of Service in Primary Care. Primary Care supports the health and wellbeing of individuals throughout their lifetime. Examples of Primary Care settings include family physician offices, nurse practitioner-led clinics, family health teams and community health centers.
Who is Eligible?
Currently, new applications are being accepted from bridging students interested in completing their Return of Service in Hospitals or Primary Care. Applicants must also fulfill the core program eligibility to qualify (see here). As this is being offered for a limited time, it’s recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Keep in mind, opportunities to complete a Return of Service in Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care are still strongly encouraged and accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m already a BEGIN participant?
If you are already enrolled in BEGIN, you have already signed a Return of Service agreement in the sector specified. You will have to fulfill this commitment.
Do I need to work in a hospital or in Primary Care to apply for BEGIN?
No, working in these sectors is not an eligibility requirement.
If I already work in a hospital or Primary Care, can I apply for BEGIN?
Yes, if you are currently a bridging student and working in a hospital or in Primary Care, you may be eligible for BEGIN funding. Click here to get started. If you already work in a hospital or in Primary Care, you would have the option to complete your Return of Service in those sectors or Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care.
I’m already part way in a nursing bridging program, could I still be eligible for funding?
Yes! If you’re already enrolled in an approved and accredited PSW-RPN, RPN-RN, or PSW-RN program, you can apply to BEGIN, as long as you’re on track to graduate by March 31, 2026. Click here for more eligibility information.
Can I switch my Return of Service to Hospitals or Primary Care?
No. Currently, only a limited number of new applicants are able to select a Return of Service in Hospitals or Primary Care. If you’re already committed to a Return of Service in Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care, you must fulfill it.
How do I apply?
See the steps outlined here.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the BEGIN program, Return of Service or the newly added sectors?
Please reach out to info@begin.werpn.com for more information.
I am an educator, and I think this information would benefit some of my bridging students. How can I get in touch?
We’d love to provide you with some information to share with your students! We have toolkits, presentations, and we can even schedule an info session. Just send us an email at info@begin.werpn.com.
I am an employer in a hospital or Primary Care. What do I need to know about the Return of Service?
We’d love to provide you with some information to share with your team! We have information-filled toolkits for you to download, and can even schedule an information session. Just send us an email at info@begin.werpn.com.
