The IWK hosts a variety of learners from all professions. We work closely with educational institutions across Canada, as well as staff, managers, and program leaders within the IWK, to arrange unpaid hands-on clinical and non-clinical placements for postsecondary students from a wide range of disciplines (except medicine). We also arrange sharing of expertise, professional development, and maintenance of competency placements for health care professionals employed by various Canadian institutions, such as the Department of National Defence and hospitals in other provinces. Learners at the IWK are supported by staff who have completed our Preceptor Workshop and have developed a skill set that will help make individual learning experiences positive ones.
The IWK uses the Health Services Placement Network (HSPnet) database to process/manage requests for learners. As a learning and teaching organization, the IWK is committed to creating supportive, collaborative learning environments, that foster the development of all students/learners and their transition to practice.
Please follow the steps below in your Learner Placement journey.
Step 1: Fill out Learner Placement Request
Step 2: Background/Health Screening Check
Step 3: Fill out required documents
Step 4: OPOR-CIS Training
Questions regarding learner placement should be directed to:
Cathy Miller-Sutcliffe, Learning Coordinator
Email: cathy.miller-sutcliffe@iwk.nshealth.ca
Step 1: Fill out Learner Placement Request
The first step in the Learner Placement process is to fill out this placement form.
Step 2: Background Check
- Criminal record check
- Vulnerable sector search
These checks need to be done at your local RCMP/City Police detatchment or physician/Nurse Practioner.
Step 2-1: Health Screening Check
If you are a (Wet Lab) Research Learner who is going to be listed on the Biosafety permit for the Wet Lab, you need to fill out the below form:
If not, you will fill out the below form:
These documents must be submitted to your placing co-ordinator or instructor.
Step 3: Fill out required documents
- HSPnet Consent Form
- IWK Letter of Agreement (Appendix A is to be filled out by the students educational institution)
- IWK Privacy Contract
These documents need to be printed out and completed.
instructor.
Step 4: OPOR-CIS and Novari Training Information for Student Learners
As part of Nova Scotia’s healthcare transformation, One Person One Record (OPOR) provides real-time, comprehensive access to patient information and supports consistent, high-quality care across IWK Health and Nova Scotia Health.
All students completing placements at IWK Health who require access to patient documentation must complete OPOR-CIS training. This training is mandatory and must be finished at least 10 business days before placement begins. See document(s) below for OPOR CIS training instructions for students.
Novari Health Technology solutions will be integrated with the OPOR-CIS for referral and elective waitlist management across IWK Health and Nova Scotia Health. Any student requiring access to Novari solutions for their clinical placement must complete training and have an access request submitted via IT Self-Service. Training is NOT a pre-requisite to Novari access; however, students are encouraged to complete training prior to their clinical placement. Further instructions will be provided in November 2025 regarding Novari student courses.
For guidance and resources:
- [OPOR CIS Training Instructions for Students] – This document should be sent to student learners to complete OPOR CIS pre-placement training.
- [OPOR Student Learning Strategy ] – Overview of the learning approach, objectives, and shared responsibilities for student learners requiring OPOR access.
- [OPOR-CIS Student Learner Training Statement] – Details on mandatory training, timelines, and completion requirements.
- [Novari Student Notice] – This document reviews upcoming training and access procedures for students requiring access to Novari applications.
- [OPOR Student FAQ] – Answers to common questions about OPOR access, training, and documentation.
If you have any questions, please email oporstudentlearners@nshealth.ca.
For additional support related to IWK placements, you may also contact Cathy Miller-Sutcliffe at Cathy.Miller-Sutcliffe@iwk.nshealth.ca