ObjectivesThe Practical Nursing Program will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experiences required to prepare for a career in which you will function as an important member of the nursing and health care teams. The program combines current concepts in nursing theory with instruction in social and biological sciences, communications and general education courses. You will study updated curriculum, which reflects the expanded role of the RPN including dispensing or administering of drugs.
Practical experienceYour clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings: long-term care, medical, surgical, and community health. A twelve-week field placement is provided at the end of the program prior to graduation.
Academic titlePractical Nursing Ontario College Diploma
Course descriptionLevel One
COMM1860 Applied Writing Skills
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of vocationally-specific formats and further development of their paragraph writing skills leading to the creation of more comprehensive documents.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
PNUR1035 Anatomy And Physiology
Description: The focus of this on-line course is on the basic structure and function of the human body. Knowledge of the theories of homeostasis and the basic structure of cells, tissues, organs, and systems provides the student with a solid preparation for more detailed physiology in Physiology & Pathophysiology. Basic microbiology related to practice and human disease is included.
A weekly one-hour tutorial is available to assist the student to be successful in this course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PNUR1250 Assessment of Healthy Living Needs and Wellness
Description: Healthy Living Needs and Wellness are the foundational underpinnings for theoretical and clinical courses throughout the Practical Nursing program. Using a holistic approach, the student is introduced to the four concepts in the nursing metaparadigms: person, environment, health and nursing. The Healthy Living Needs (Psychosocial, Oxygenation & Circulation, Nutrition, Elimination, Activity & Exercise, Safety & Protection, Neurohormonal Integrity, Fluid & Electrolyte Balance) provide the framework for discussing wellness in terms of daily requirements and their relationship to wellness. The theoretical component of assessment and normal findings for each need is discussed utilizing the nursing process as a problem-solving approach. The principles and legalities of documentation are explained.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
PNUR1260 Professional Communications and Behaviour
Description: Professional Communication and Behaviour are the foundational concepts for professionalism in nursing. Throughout this course, concepts in human relations and communication are introduced. The roles and responsibilities of the Practical Nurse are stressed with the introduction of the Professional Nursing Organizations.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
PNUR1270 Pharmacotherapeutics I
Description: Pharmacotherapeutics 1 prepares the student for the safe administration of medications. Basic math concepts are reviewed and tested. Abbreviations and terminology necessary for administration of medications are introduced. Dosage calculation and the six Rights for medication administration are included.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
PNUR1280 Human Growth and Development: The Adult Years
Description: Starting with the young adult, the needs and physiological and physical changes that occur throughout the adult years are discussed. Developmental tasks and challenges for the Young Adult, Middle Adult and Older Adult are explored.
Hours: 10
Credits: 1
PNUR1290 Gerontological and Rehabilitation Nursing
Description: This course focuses in more depth on the older adult and the physical and physiological changes that affect lifestyle, health and nursing care. Concepts in gerontology and gerontological nursing are introduced. Concepts of long-term care and rehabilitative nursing focus on restoring individuals to their optimal functional ability and enhancement of the individual’s quality of life.
Hours: 20
Credits: 1
PNUR1300 Clinical Learning I
Description: The focus of this course is on assisting individuals with Activities of Daily Living to meet Healthy Living Needs. The assessment skills for each of the Healthy Living Needs is demonstrated and practiced. Concept mapping as a methodology of care planning will be introduced.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
CoRequisites: PNUR1310
PNUR1310 Nursing Practicum and Simulation I
Description: Nursing Practicum 1 includes simulated clinical experiences, clinical placements and visits to client’s homes. These practicums provide the student with the opportunity to apply and integrate learning from the courses in Level 1.
Hours: 60
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: PNUR1300
PSYC1010 Psychology: Basic Processes Of Behaviour
Description: Psychology is the study of behaviour - that of humans and other creatures. This one-semester course is about the basic concepts of psychological research methods, learning, memory, perception, states of consciousness, motivation, and emotion.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
PNUR1320 Nursing Concepts for Challenged Health
Description: The focus of this course is on the assessment and care of individuals with physiological responses to health challenges. The need for and benefits of consultative/collaborative interventions are explored. The student will learn to critique nursing research to support evidenced-informed care. Mental health concepts that are common to many individuals are introduced.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
PNUR1330 Physiology and Pathology
Description: Building on the concepts learned in Anatomy & Physiology 1, this course focuses on more in-depth physiology of the body systems as well as the normal responses of these systems to health challenges. Some concepts of pathophysiology are introduced such as diabetes and malnutrition.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
PNUR1340 Pharmacotherapeutics 2
Description: The pharmacological concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics introduce the student to the study of pharmacotherapeutics. Drug classifications used for each of the challenges to the Healthy Living Needs will be studied.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
PNUR1350 Professional Practice
Description: During this course, the student will explore the role of the Practical Nurse in various settings. Building on the learning from Level 1, the student will examine the interrelationships within the Circle of Caring and with other members of the health team. Concepts of role knowledge in practice (role of others), intraprofessional and interprofessional practice and reflection will enhance the ability to function within a multidisciplinary team.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
PNUR1360 Clinical Learning 2
Description: Clinical Learning 2 prepares the student with the skills used to assist the body’s defense against the health challenges. Technical skills such as administration of medication, dressing change, catheterization, oxygen administration and insulin administration and practiced. Assessment and planning with scenarios during skill practice assist in the development of critical thinking skills.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
CoRequisites: PNUR1370
PNUR1370 Nursing Practicum & Simulation 2
Description: The Nursing Practicum and Clinical Simulation will provide the student with the opportunity to apply theoretical learning to a practice setting. All phases of the nursing process are applied at a beginning level to facilitate the provision of nursing care to clients with challenged health. Clinical placements will include long-term care, acute medical and rehabilitation settings. Each student will participate in a foot care experience and simulated client situations.
Hours: 180
Credits: 9
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1035, PNUR1250, PNUR1260, PNUR1270, PNUR1280, PNUR1290, PNUR1300, PNUR1310
SOC1030 Sociology I
Description: The course deals with the systematic study of groups and societies. The major aspects of social life are analyzed, with special reference to the role of each aspect in the development, functioning, and change of large social systems. Current material is drawn upon in an effort to convey fundamental principles and concepts in a framework that is relevant to the Canadian student.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Three
HEAL1020 Wellness: The Better You
Description: This course will introduce the students to the concept of wellness and provide practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of their lives. The students will, through lectures, group associations, practical experience and self-evaluation explore such issues as stress-management, self-responsibility, physical fitness, nutrition, social interaction, the relationship between feelings and thinking and the rationale for holistic health alternatives.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PNUR2200 Nursing Concepts for Altered Health
Description: The student will explore theoretical concepts and nursing strategies for clients with moderate to complex health challenges. The theoretical concepts include medical and surgical interventions, end-of-life issues, palliative care and common mental health problems. In-depth critique of nursing research will be expected.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
PNUR2210 Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Description: Pharmacological interventions and the related nursing responsibilities for common moderate to complex health problems in adults and children are the focus of this course. Mathematical competencies as they relate to the administration of medications to children and via the intravenous route are taught and tested.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
PNUR2220 Interprofessional Ethics and Communication
Description: The focus of this course is on the utilization of effective communication strategies; verbal, written and technological, within the multidisciplinary team. The concepts of delegation, followership and effective team collaboration are explored. Ethical considerations are raised and discussed through the use of case studies.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
PNUR2230 Family Centered Nursing
Description: Starting at conception, the Human Growth and Development of the individual is studied including physiological changes and developmental tasks of each age group from newborn through adolescence. The physiological changes of the pregnant female will be discussed and prenatal care, intrapartum care and postpartum care will follow the progression of the pregnancy through delivery and afterward. Newborn assessment and care of the newborn will prepare the student for a simulated practice experience. Effective methods of communicating with children are explored.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
PNUR2240 Pathophysiology
Description: The physiology and underlying pathology for specific health problems are studied. The concepts taught in this course assist the student to utilize critical thinking in understanding the relationship between knowledge of pathology and the planning and implementation of nursing care.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
PNUR2250 Clinical Learning 3
Description: The theoretical basis, associated assessments and performance of advanced nursing skills are the focus of this course. Theoretical concepts are discussed in a classroom setting followed by the opportunity to observe and practice advanced skills such as suctioning, tube feeding, colostomy care and intravenous therapy in a simulated practice environment.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
CoRequisites: PNUR2260
PNUR2260 Nursing Practicum and Simulation 3
Description: Utilizing all phases of the nursing process, the student will apply theoretical concepts from nursing and related disciplines to provide holistic nursing care to clients with more complex health problems. The promotion, restoration and maintenance of health for individuals and families are stressed. Therapeutic communication for assessment and teaching of individual, both adult and children, is incorporated. Experiences are provided on surgical or medical units, in the simulation lab, in the community and in the Early Childhood Education Centre.
Hours: 180
Credits: 9
Pre-Requisites: PNUR1320, PNUR1330, PNUR1340, PNUR1350, PNUR1360, PNUR1370
CoRequisites: PNUR2250
Level Four
PNUR2300 Leadership for Practical Nursing
Description: The student examines professional, legal and ethical issues of nursing as they relate to the role of the practical nurse including membership in and responsibilities related to the regulatory body, professional associations and unions. Current issues and trends in nursing and health care are discussed. Basic leadership concepts including working as a part of the intraprofessional and interprofessional teams are explored including supervision of unregulated health care workers. Utilization of various nursing theories is encouraged. Opportunities to explore employment opportunities, portfolio development and career management are provided. The transition from student to graduate is discussed.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: PNUR2200, PNUR2210, PNUR2220, PNUR2230, PNUR2240, PNUR2250, PNUR2260
PNUR2310 Interprofessional Practicum
Description: The student is provided with opportunities to apply and consolidate the knowledge and abilities gained in previous theoretical and practical course. Integrated assessment provides the student with the opportunity to utilize theory and practice from the preceding semesters to complete comprehensive assessments of individuals of any age. The student will apply all phases of the nursing process in the prevention of illness, and the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. The student will participate as a contributing member of the nursing team under the supervision of a registered practitioner. This experience will facilitate the transition from the role of student to the role of a graduate practical nurse as a beginning practitioner. Experiences may be hospital or community based.
Hours: 456
Credits: 16
Pre-Requisites: PNUR2200, PNUR2210, PNUR2220, PNUR2230, PNUR2240, PNUR2250, PNUR2260