What is the Stellar Certification Program?

What is the Stellar Certification Program?


The Stellar Certification Program will recognize health-care facilities for their workplace excellence. The program, which is launching with a focus on long-term care (LTC) homes, is national in scope and the only one of its kind in Canada. (Stellar certification for acute care is coming soon!)

LTC homes will be able to become Stellar certified by showing adherence to the six Stellar standards and passing the application process.

The Stellar program will recognize LTC homes that:

  • Promote workplace safety
  • Follows best staffing practices with the right mix of nursing expertise and roles
  • Support nurses’ development through education and professional development
  • Ensure an inclusive workforce that reflects Canada’s diverse population

Stellar Standards

  • Nursing voice
  • Leadership & excellence
  • Education & career progression
  • Resourcing
  • Practice environment
  • Optimizing care

Certifying long-term care organizations that support nurses:

  • Helps nurses feel supported, engaged and heard
  • Gives potential for increased retention and recruitment
  • Improves nurses’ satisfaction and decreases their burnout
  • Increases credibility and optimizes care delivery of LTC homes