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The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and other regulatory bodies have Standards of Practice that registrants are expected to meet in order to provide safe, ethical and quality patient/client/resident care within their scope of practice.

ONA has developed the Professional Responsibility and Workload (PRW) process to resolve professional practice and workload issues.

By engaging in the PRW process, you are playing a pivotal role in meeting your Accountability Standard for your regulatory college, while advocating for patient safety and quality patient care.

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Looking for sector-specific resources?

Find Professional Responsibility Workload Forms (PRWFs) and other resources specific to your sector, on the ONA Professional Practice webpage.

Workload Forms

Filing a Professional Responsibility Workload Form (PRWF) is not just your right, but your responsibility. They are a way to document, report and address issues that affect your day-to-day work life and may have an impact on your licence to practice. They also provide a paper trail proving that you have identified an issue, which holds the employer more accountable.

Workload forms help ensure that unsafe or unmanageable working conditions are addressed to protect both you and your patients. It is a tool for creating positive change and accountability.

  • Protect your license: Filing a PRWF documents conditions preventing you from meeting CNO standards and keeps you compliant.
  • Advocate for patients: Filing a PRWF ensures management is made aware of unsafe conditions impacting patient care.
  • Drive positive change: Past PRWFs have led to increased staffing, improved procedures, and better resources.
  • Legal and professional protection: A PRWF shifts liability from you to management if issues go unresolved.

If you experience any of the following conditions during your shift, it is time to file a PRWF:

  • Unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios affecting care delivery
  • Lack of proper or malfunctioning equipment
  • Insufficient staffing (e.g., no break relief)
  • Unable to meet professional standards (e.g., delayed/missed treatments)
  • Working beyond your scope of practice

Pro tip: Start by raising the issue with your leader or OSM. If unresolved, escalate by submitting the PRWF.

If the issue isn't resolved after alerting your manager/OSM, start your workload form. You can find the form and samples here.

  • Fill in as much information as possible and sign your form.
  • Submit your completed form to your manager and local46prc@ona.org within 10 days.
  • Await discussion/response from manager within 10 days of submission.
  • Review the response and set up a meeting with your PRC rep/manager to discuss.

Your Union has your back: Don't hesitate to involve ONA for guidance and support. Contact your PRC rep at local46prc@ona.org.

Once the PRWF is filed:

  • Management will review the form and work toward resolving the issue.
  • If unresolved, ONA will escalate the issue through formal processes, including Labour-Management Committee meetings or engaging Independent Assessment Committees (IAC).

  • Myth: "It won't make a difference."
    Fact: Filing PRWFs has led to real changes like increased staffing and better safety protocols.
  • Myth: "I'll face retaliation."
    Fact: Filing is your protected right. ONA and your collective agreement protect you from reprisals.
  • Myth: "It takes too much time."
    Fact: The PRWF is simple, and ONA is here to help. Your legal and professional protections are worth it.

You are not alone. ONA and your colleagues are here to support you in ensuring safe workloads and quality patient care. Filing a PRWF is the first step in protecting yourself and your patients.

Complete your PRWF and make a difference!

Resources

Professional Responsibility and Workload Process: A Guide for ONA Members
Ask-a-Specialist Sessions
College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards

Have a question?

If you need assistance with the Workload Report Forms or have any questions regarding professional practice, please contact your Bargaining Unit President and/or your Professional Practice rep.

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