ObjectivesIn the Practical Nursing program, you’ll acquire the practical and theoretical grounding you’ll need to give professional nursing care to individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings. You’ll work through a combination of course work and practical clinical placements, completing a program that will prepare you for your subsequent work as a Practical Nurse. As a graduate of the Practical Nursing program, you’ll be prepared to nurse using Professional Standards of Practice and competencies established by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia.
Academic titleCertificate in Practical Nursing
Course descriptionAcademic Term 1 (Fall) Credits
PNUR 101 Anatomy & Physiology 3.0
PNUR 111 Professional Growth 1.0
PNUR 121 Health 1 4.0
PNUR 131 Healing 1 and Basic Pharmacology 3.0
PNUR 141 Human Relationships 1 2.0
PNUR 151 Nursing Arts 1 4.0
PNUR 161 Clinical Placement 1 3.0 Total Credits 20.0
Academic Term 2 (Winter) Credits
PNUR 122 Health 2 and Gero-pharmacology 3.0
PNUR 132 Healing 2 3.0
PNUR 142 Human Relationships 2 1.0
PNUR 152 Nursing Arts 2 4.0
PNUR 162 Clinical Placement 2 6.0 Total Credits 17.0
Academic Term 3 (Spring/Summer) Credits
PNUR 113 Professional Issues 1.0
PNUR 123 Health 3 2.0
PNUR 133 Healing 3 5.0
PNUR 153 Nursing Arts 3 6.0
PNUR 163 Clinical Placement 3 6.0 Total Credits 20.0
Preceptorship (Summer/Fall) Credits
PNUR 164 Preceptorship 6.0 Total Credits 6.0
PNUR 101 Anatomy and Physiology
(3 credits) F, P (4,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course is an introduction to the human body. Learners explore the structure and function of main organ systems and discuss health promotion strategies to support optimal function of each system. The terminology of human anatomy and physiology will be stressed.
PNUR 110 Professional Growth (Access)
(2 credits) P (2,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course assists the RCA graduate make the transition from role of RCA to practical nurse role. Focus is on legal, ethical, and philosophical bases for practice. Roles and responsibilities of the practical nurse are examined as is the importance of personal reflection, critical thinking and self-directed learning.
PNUR 111 Professional Growth
(1 credit) F (2,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course introduces the evolution of practical nursing as a profession within the Canadian health care system. If focuses on legal, ethical and philosophical bases for practice. Roles and responsibilities are examined and importance of reflection and critical thinking is explored.
PNUR 113 Professional Issues
(1 credit) P, F (4,0,0,0 for 5 weeks)
This course prepares learner to take on role of licensed practical nurse. Learners explore role of advocate, partner and change agent. Standards of practice, professional and union affiliation, team membership and life long learning are also discussed. Students prepare for and practice writing the CPNR examination.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 160 or PNUR 162.
PNUR 120 Health
(2 credits) P (3,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course builds on previous learning about the concept of health as a dynamic process. Within the context of Canadian society, health is a holistic process directly influenced by an individual's choices. Health is an integration of physical, psychological, social , cognitive, spiritual and environmental dimensions.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 130.
PNUR 121 Health 1
(4 credits) F (5,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course introduces the concept of health as a dynamic process. Within the context of Canadian society, health is a holistic process directly influenced by an individual's choices. Health is an integration of physical, psychological, social, cognitive, spiritual and environmental dimensions.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 131.
PNUR 122 Health 2 and Geropharmacology
(3 credits) W (5,0,0,0 for 9 weeks)
This course focuses on health promotion and wellness with aging individuals. Myths, stereotypes and prejudices related to aging are discussed. Issues such as aging family, personal adjustment and community resources are explored. The learner is introduced to knowledge, skills and issues related to medication use by older adults.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 121.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 132.
PNUR 123 Health 3
(2 credits) P, F (4,0,0,0 for 5 weeks)
This course focuses on health promotion across the lifespan, for those experiencing acute or episodic health challenges. The role of the practical nurse in supporting health and healing will be explored. The importance of collaboration and accurate documentation within acute care practice is also examined.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 120 or PNUR 122.
Co-requisite(s): PNUR 133.
PNUR 130 Healing and Pharmacology
(4 credits) P (5,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course introduces healing as a holistic process. Chronic health challenges and/or disabilities across the lifespan, are explored. The exploration of healing modalities will include an examination of the role of the PN in the safe use of medications.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 120.
PNUR 131 Healing 1 and Basic Pharmacology
(3 credits) F (3,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course introduces healing as a holistic process. Challenges to health and healing are explored and topics such as social environments, legislation and community resources are discussed. Exploration of healing modalities, includes an examination of role of PN in safe use of medications.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 121.
PNUR 132 Healing 2
(3 credits) W (6,0,0,0 for 9 weeks)
This course introduces the learner to the concept of healing as it applies to the aging individual. Physical health challenges, clinical manifestations and nursing interventions are examined. Exploration of healing modalities will encourage a holistic view of each client with an emphasis on autonomy and independence.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 131.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 122.
PNUR 133 Healing 3
(5 credits) F, P (6,0,0,0 for 10 weeks)
This course focuses on promotion of healing across the lifespan for those experiencing acute health challenges. Common health challenges, clinical manifestations and appropriate nursing interventions are examined. Exploration of healing modalities encourages a holistic view. The importance of collaboration with other health care professionals is discussed.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 130 or PNUR 132.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 123.
PNUR 140 Human Relationships
(2 credits) P (2,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course is an introduction to effective interpersonal communication. Learners explore role of caring in human relationships and development of professional caring relationships. Learners gain awareness of interpersonal styles, group communication skills and adapted communication.
PNUR 141 Human Relationships 1
(2 credits) F (3,0,0,0 for 12 weeks)
This course is an introduction to effective interpersonal communication. Learners explore role of caring in human relationships and development of helping relationships. Learners gain awareness of interpersonal styles, group communication skills and adapted communication.
PNUR 142 Human Relationships 2
(1 credit) W (2,0,0,0 for 9 weeks)
This course focuses on effective interpersonal communication with the older adult. Age-related changes and health challenges that interfere with communication will be examined. The learner will also be introduced to leadership skills required for effective team functioning.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 141.
PNUR 150 Nursing Arts
(4 credits) P (108 Total hours class /lab)
This course emphasizes the development of practical nursing skills needed for the promotion of health and healing with clients in community, home and continuing care settings. The learner integrates theory from other courses to provide organized, safe and caring nursing interventions.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 110, PNUR 120, PNUR 130, PNUR 140.
PNUR 151 Nursing Arts 1
(4 credits) F (108 Total hours class /lab)
This practical course emphasizes basic nursing skills that support health promotion. Students learn nursing assessment skills and nursing intervention aimed at promotion of independence, activity, comfort and basic personal care. Classroom and lab experiences integrate theory from other courses to provide organized, safe and caring nursing interventions.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 111, PNUR 121, PNUR 131, PNUR 141.
PNUR 152 Nursing Arts 2
(4 credits) W (108 Total hours class /lab)
This practical course integrates theory from other courses and emphasizes the development of nursing competencies required to promote health and healing with the older adult. The student will learn and practice nursing assessment, planning and interventions aimed at the unique needs of the older client.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 161.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 122, PNUR 132, PNUR 142.
PNUR 153 Nursing Arts 3
(5 credits) P, F (30,72,0,48 Total over 10 weeks)
This practical course develops nursing competencies required to promote health and healing with individuals experiencing acute or episodic health challenges. The learner builds on theory and practice from Academic Terms 1 and 2 to integrate new knowledge and skills relevant to the acute care setting. Effective teaching/learning strategies are explored.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 160 or PNUR 162.
Pre or Co-requisite(s): PNUR 113, PNUR 123, PNUR 133.
PNUR 160 Clinical Placement
(3 credits) S (0,0,0,30 for 3 weeks)
This clinical placement provides the learner with opportunities to integrate theory and skills learned in the Access semester. Students have an opportunity to work with individuals experiencing chronic health challenges. Students experience community placements, which may include residential care, community care, palliative care, ambulatory care and day care.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 110, PNUR 120, PNUR 130, PNUR 140, PNUR 150; or permission of Chair.
PNUR 161 Clinical Placement 1
(3 credits) F (0,0,0,30 for 3 weeks)
This clinical placement provides the learner with opportunities to integrate theory and skills learned in Academic Term 1. Students have an opportunity to work with individuals experiencing chronic health challenges. Students experience community placements which may include residential care, community care, palliative care, ambulatory care and day care.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 101, PNUR 111, PNUR 121, PNUR 131, PNUR 141, PNUR 151; or permission of Chair.
PNUR 162 Clinical Placement 2
(6 credits) W (0,0,0,30 for 6 weeks)
This clinical placement experience provides an opportunity to integrate theory and skills learned in Academic Terms 1 and 2. The student works with older adults in diverse care settings, which may include adult day centres, intermediate care facilities, extended care facilities, special needs units for psycho geriatric care.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 122, PNUR 132, PNUR 142, PNUR 152; or permission of Chair.
PNUR 163 Clinical Placement 3
(6 credits) S , F (0,0,0,30 for 5 weeks)
This clinical placement provides an opportunity to integrate theory and skills learned in Academic Terms 1, 2 and 3. Students work with clients of all ages experiencing acute or episodic health challenges. Clients are selected based on acuity and complexity of care required. Partnership, collaboration and advocacy within health care team are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): PNUR 113, PNUR 123, PNUR 133, PNUR 153; or permission of Chair.
PNUR 164 Preceptorship
(6 credits) S, W (0,0,0,32 for 5 weeks)
During this practical experience learners make transition from role of student to graduate practical nurse. Students work closely with a preceptor who acts as facilitator and mentor in assisting student to gain insights, awareness and knowledge towards effectively functioning as practical nurse. A program instructor collaborates throughout the experience.