Distance education: joining forces to meet the challenge

This paper describes a unique initiative between Manitoba Health and Brandon University to meet the current challenge of distance education for community health nurses employed by Manitoba Health. In November 1988, a strategy paper was approved, allowing Manitoba Health to contract with Brandon University to facilitate access to university courses. Incentives to encourage Manitoba Health employees to take advantage of these courses included reimbursement for work time and travel and hotel costs to attend associated laboratory sessions provided at off-campus sites (distance education). These incentives provided employees with evidence of tangible support for continuing education. This pioneering venture between two complex organizations demonstrated commitment to further education as well as the ability to initiate a collaborative enterprise.