PICN Requirements Explained: How Nurses Work with Partners in Community Nursing
If you’ve been searching for “PICN certification”, you’re not alone — we get this question a lot.
So let’s clear it up properly.
PICN does not issue nursing certifications.
What we do offer is employment, orientation, and real-world community nursing experience across Durham Region.This post explains what’s actually required to work with PICN, how the process works, and what to expect if you’re considering community nursing with us.
Does PICN Offer Nursing Certifications?
Short answer: no.
PICN is a community nursing provider, not a regulatory body or educational institution. We do not certify nurses in specialties like palliative care, oncology, or wound care.
All nurses working with Partners in Community Nursing must already hold:
A valid nursing license with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
The appropriate designation for their role (RN or RPN)
Authorization to practice in Ontario
Any additional clinical education or specialty training is obtained through external programs, employers, or prior experience — not through PICN certification.
Why Do People Search for “PICN Certification”?
Most of the time, people are really asking one of three things:
How do I qualify to work at PICN?
Does PICN provide training or onboarding?
What experience do I need for community nursing?
That’s what we’ll walk through next — accurately.
What Are the Requirements to Work at PICN?
PICN hires licensed nurses to provide community-based care across Durham Region, including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Beaverton, and surrounding communities.
At a high level, nurses must have:
Active registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
Legal authorization to work in Canada
Relevant clinical experience for the role they’re applying for
A commitment to safe, compassionate, community-based care
Specific requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying for Visiting Nursing or Shift Nursing roles.
Does PICN Provide Training or Orientation?
Yes — orientation and onboarding, not certification.
PICN provides:
Paid orientation
Program-specific onboarding
Support navigating community-based workflows
Ongoing operational and clinical support from leadership and admin teams
This onboarding helps nurses transition into home, school, and community settings, but it does not replace formal education or licensing.
What Types of Nursing Roles Exist at PICN?
PICN provides community nursing services across multiple care environments, including:
In-home visiting nursing
Shift nursing for children and adults
Care provided in schools and community settings
Depending on the role, nurses may support:
Pediatric clients
Adults and children with acute and complex care needs
Families requiring long-term or respite support
Clients receiving palliative or specialized care (within scope of practice)
All care is delivered under existing professional standards and licensing requirements.
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It’s an important distinction.
Certification usually means:
A formal credential
Issued by a regulatory body or educational institution
Often includes exams or standardized assessments
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Orientation to community nursing environments
Safety, policies, and care coordination
Supporting nurses in delivering high-quality care in real homes and schools
We don’t certify nurses — we support licensed professionals doing meaningful work.
PICN onboarding focuses on:
Orientation to community nursing environments
Safety, policies, and care coordination
Supporting nurses in delivering high-quality care in real homes and schools
We don’t certify nurses — we support licensed professionals doing meaningful work.
Why Nurses Choose PICN
Nurses often join PICN because of:
Community-based care instead of hospital settings
Flexibility across shift and visiting roles
A nurse-led organization with deep roots in Durham Region
Meaningful, relationship-driven care
PICN has been providing community nursing services since 1998, with a focus on quality, respect, adaptability, and accountability.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Interested in Working with PICN?
If you’re exploring community nursing and wondering whether PICN is the right fit, the best next step is to:
Review current opportunities on PICN.ca
Learn about our Visiting and Shift Nursing programs
Reach out to our team with questions about eligibility and roles
You don’t need a “PICN certification” — you need the right license, experience, and mindset for community care.
And if that sounds like you, we’d love to talk.