A first consideration for the nurse who is not advanced at the Unit Level or by the Central Committee is the feedback given to them about why he/she did not advance.

For example, if a certain area of the Application Portfolio is not fully developed or missing, perhaps attention to that area and re-application to the Central Committee is all that would be needed to bring about future advancement.

Or, the nurse may receive feedback that the Application Portfolio and interview did not support practice at the level to which the nurse had applied, in one or more domains. Addressing that “gap” through day to day work and contributions and reapplying in the future may be the most appropriate plan.

However, if the nurse disagrees with the decision made and believes his/her Application Portfolio fully supports advancement, an appeals process is available. An Appeals Board, composed of three members appointed by the University and three members appointed by the UMPNC, will hear appeals of Central Committee decisions. 

The Appeals Board procedure will also apply to the renewal process. Per Addendum D, Section C, 5) “If there are issues in regard to level maintenance, the Manager will notify the employee as soon as possible and institute a corrective action plan. No employee will have their level changed without the opportunity for a corrective action plan to include Association representation and an appeals process.”

The appeals process requires the nurse to file a written appeal within 30 days of notification of denial.  Decisions reached by the Appeals Board are by consensus, are final and will be accompanied by a statement supporting the decision. There is no further grievance process available.

Appeals Board Members serve for three years. Central Committee members may not serve on the Appeals Board.