Additional Information

Our program supports your development of the knowledge, skills and values necessary for the practice of professional nursing in a complex health care system. The program is designed to educate nurses to work with individual clients, families and communities from a health-promotion perspective. You will learn the importance of understanding the client’s experience of health and healing and how to practice from an ethic of caring. You will learn through a combination of face-to-face academic, simulated and practical experiences.

There are certain skill sets and qualities that are unique to the nursing profession and demonstration of these is expected of every nursing student and RN. Adherence to these skills and qualities is one way of ensuring safe and competent care to the public. These necessary capabilities are called Requisite Skills and Abilities (RSAs). The information in this document can help prospective students gauge their personal fit for nursing practice.

We are in a degree-granting partnership with the University of Victoria (UVic), and students take the final continuous terms of third- and fourth-year UVic courses at Selkirk College. This partnership supports our delivery of a dynamic and responsive academic degree. Graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examinations, Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and qualified to pursue graduate education.

Special Costs, Travel and Relocation Requirements

In addition to the usual expenses for tuition, textbooks, IT and NCLEX prep resources and fees, nursing students can expect to pay approximately $350 (total) for a uniform, shoes, stethoscope and other items.
 
Placement in practice areas is arranged by the faculty in accordance with the availability of suitable learning experiences and the student's learning needs. It is not possible to accommodate personal considerations related to residence or family responsibilities. Individuals enrolling in the Nursing Program are advised that access to a reliable motor vehicle is a necessity, and a valid BC driver’s license is strongly recommended. 
 
Travel requirements include local hospitals and agencies in Castlegar, Nelson and Trail during all semesters.
 
Students may have to relocate for Consolidated Practice Experiences (CPEs,) which may include communities throughout the East and West Kootenay regions, or elsewhere.
 
Students will be required to obtain CPR-Level BLS (Basic Life Support) prior to the end of Fall Term Year 1 and maintain it throughout the program. The cost for such certification will be additional to other course fees in the Nursing Program. Recertification is required every year.