Practical Nursing ─ Diploma
Overview
The curriculum provides a learning experience that is integrated, professional, collaborative and culturally sensitive with an aim to prepare graduates to care for individuals (and, by extension, families of individuals) at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings.
The Provincial Practical Nursing Program (PPNP) is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, judgements and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Consistent with the BCCNM Scope of Practice: Standards, Limits and Conditions, the focus for beginner’s practice is the “promotion, maintenance and restoration of health, with a focus on clients with stable or predictable states of health.” Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, learners will possess the competencies to successfully complete the regulatory exam for practical nurses, the REx-PN.
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program (PNP), graduates will:
- Apply the Entry-level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses (2021) to provide safe, competent, culturally safe and ethical care.
- Practice within relevant legislation, scope of practice, standards of practice and ethical standards as set out by the Nurses (Licensed Practical) Regulation (2015), and the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
- Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence.
- Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients.
- Participate in interprofessional problem-solving and decision-making.
- Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting evidence‐informed practice.
- Make practice decisions that are client specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability and available resources.
- Use critical thinking, clinical judgement and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement and evaluate the agreed-upon plan of care.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing and exploring with them in a caring environment.
- Provide culturally safe, person‐centred care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety, cultural humility and diversity.
- Provide leadership, direction, assignment and supervision of unregulated care providers as appropriate.
- Identify one’s own values, biases and assumptions and the influence of these on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team.
Admission Requirements
Individuals applying for admission to the PNP must apply during the application period; exact dates are posted on the Selkirk College PNP webpage. To be considered for the program, applicants must meet all admission requirements and submit their completed application and supporting documents by the end of the application period.
Academic
BC high school graduation and completion of the following BC Provincial Curriculum courses (or equivalents) with minimum of 67% or as indicated:
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (Biology 12)
- Math 11 Foundations
As English is the language of study in BC, students must meet English language proficiency at an appropriate level to be accepted into the PNP. These requirements can be satisfied through three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages. English as a Second Language/Additional Language courses are not included in this three-year calculation. Those not meeting this requirement must achieve scores identified in one of the two tests below:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking: 7.0
- Listening: 7.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 7.0
- Overall Band Score: 7.0
- Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:
- Speaking: 8.0
- Listening: 10.0
- Reading: 8.0
- Writing: 7.0
Before an application is considered complete, the following must be received by the Admissions Office:
- Selkirk College application form
- PNP application form
- Requisite skills and abilities declaration form
- English language declaration form
- Official transcripts of high school or upgrading program grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable for conditional acceptance)
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary education studies in which the applicant has enrolled.
- BC Ministry of Justice criminal record check
The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt of application forms. Program seats will be offered on a first-qualified, first-served basis with the following exceptions:
a) Priority registration and reserved seating for qualified Indigenous applicants. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify their ancestry when applying for admission.
b) Priority registration and reserved seating for qualified students registered with Selkirk College Academic Upgrading pathway program. Candidates are encouraged to self-disclose this information to the program coordinator or school chair.
c) The number of seats reserved for either of the above groups of applicants will be determined by the school chair prior to opening applications for each cohort.
Fully qualified applicants will be admitted based on the application date. A non-refundable seat deposit is required by the offer-acceptance deadline otherwise the offer will be considered declined.
Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created for the current intake. Applicants on the waitlist will be offered seats that remain or become vacant after the offer-acceptance deadline.
Applicants not admitted or not taking a seat must reapply to be considered in a subsequent year; waitlists are not carried over.
Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses, Professional Practice I and Professional Communication I, or provincially transferable equivalent, is required prior to continued studies in the program.
To progress from one term to the next, the following requirements must be met:
- Satisfactory completion of all theory and INP courses with a minimum of 70% except for the following courses:
- Pharmacology I-II 80%
- Consolidated Practice Experience (CPE) I-IV and Preceptorship - CRG
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 per semester
To qualify for graduation with a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma a student must meet all the requirements of the PNP.
Courses
PNUR100 - Professional Practice I
PNUR 100 Professional Practice I is a theory course that introduces the profession of Practical Nursing and the BC legislation that informs the practice. The history of nursing and, specifically, the evolution of Practical Nursing in the Canadian health care system are discussed. The philosophy and foundational concepts of the PNP are explored.
PNUR101 - Professional Communication I
PNUR 101 Professional Communication I provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self‐reflective approach is used to develop self‐awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include communication theory, the nurse‐client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross‐cultural communication and effective teamwork.
PNUR102 - Variations in Health I
PNUR 102 Variations in Health I is an introductory course that provides learners with the foundations of disease and illness across the lifespan. Learners will gain an understanding of pathophysiological alterations of body systems. Nursing management of disease and illness across the lifespan with an emphasis on interventions and treatment is also discussed. Cultural diversity in healing practices is explored as well as the incorporation of evidenced-informed practice.
PNUR103 - Health Promotion I
PNUR 103 Health Promotion I introduces the concepts of health promotion, the determinants of health and health inequities, and develops a beginning knowledge of normal growth and development. Topics include health enhancement, health protection, disease prevention and health restoration (recovery, care and support).
PNUR104 - Pharmacology I
PNUR 104 Pharmacology I is an introductory course that examines the principles of pharmacology required to administer medications in a safe and professional manner. Medication administration requires the application of the nursing process for clinical decision making. Various routes of medication administration are introduced, and complementary, Indigenous and alternative remedies, and polypharmacy across the lifespan are also explored.
PNUR105 - Integrated Nursing Practice I
PNUR 105 Integrated Nursing Practice I emphasizes the art and science of nursing, focusing on the development of basic nursing care and assessment. Learners will apply nursing knowledge through the practice of clinical decision making, nursing assessment and nursing interventions aimed at promoting health, independence and comfort. A variety of approaches (e.g., simulation) are used to assist learners to integrate theory from other Level 1 courses.
PNUR106 - Consolidated Practice Experience I
PNUR 106 Consolidated Practice Experience I provides learners with an opportunity to integrate theory from Level 1 coursework into practice. Learners will gain experience in various settings with a focus on the healthy client. Learning the role of the Practical Nurse, personal care skills, organization of care, focused assessment, beginning medication administration and professional communication are emphasized.
PNUR114 - Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses
PNUR 114 Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses is designed to provide the student with an overview of the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of 12 body systems. Students also learn various health promotion strategies that assist in maintaining optimal function of these body systems. Healthcare terminology is introduced in this course.
PNUR107 - Professional Practice II
PNUR 107 Professional Practice II examines the legislation influencing Practical Nursing practice with clients experiencing chronic illness and those in residential care settings. Specific professional issues such as responsibility, accountability, ethical practice and leadership relevant to the Practical Nursing role in residential care are explored. Critical thinking and decision making specific to the care of clients with chronic health challenges and interprofessional practice are also addressed.
PNUR108 - Professional Communication II
PNUR 108 Professional Communication II provides learners with an opportunity to develop professional communication skills with older adults and clients requiring end-of-life care. Interprofessional communication knowledge and skills are further developed.
PNUR109 - Variations in Health II
PNUR 109 Variations in Health II focuses on pathophysiology as it relates to the aging process and selected chronic illnesses. The main focus is on the care of older adults experiencing a health challenge. Cultural diversity in healing practices are explored as well as evidence-informed research and practice.
PNUR110 - Health Promotion II
PNUR 110 Health Promotion II focuses on health promotion as it relates to the aging process, including exploring health promotion activities aimed at supporting clients to maintain their health. The concepts of health promotion, physical and mental wellness, normal aging changes and continued independence are examined.
PNUR111 - Pharmacology II
PNUR 111 Pharmacology II builds on Pharmacology I to increase learners’ understanding of pharmacotherapeutics prescribed for illnesses that clients experience across the lifespan. Topics include drug classifications and links with common diseases/illnesses based on a body system approach and drug resistance.
PNUR112 - Integrated Nursing Practice II
PNUR 112 Integrated Nursing Practice II builds on the theory and practice from Levels 1 and 2. Through a variety of approaches (e.g., simulation), learners will continue to develop knowledge and practice of comprehensive nursing assessment, planning for, and interventions with clients experiencing multiple health challenges in a variety of settings.
PNUR113 - Consolidated Practice Experience II
PNUR 113 Consolidated Practice Experience II provides learners with the opportunity to integrate theory from Level 1 and 2 courses into practice. Learners will practice with aging clients and/or those with chronic illnesses in residential care settings. Medication administration, nursing care, organization, comprehensive health assessment, wound care and introduction to leadership are emphasized.
PNUR200 - Professional Practice III
PNUR 200 Professional Practice III integrates the concepts from previous professional practice courses and introduces learners to practice in the community. The role of the Practical Nurse as leader is emphasized in interactions with clients and their families, and other health care providers.
PNUR201 - Professional Communication III
PNUR 201 Professional Communication III focuses on specific professional communication skills used with clients and care providers across the lifespan requiring care in the community.
PNUR202 - Variations in Health III
PNUR 202 Variations in Health III focuses on the continuum of care and the development of knowledge related to health challenges managed in the community setting. Pathophysiology and nursing care of clients requiring home health care, rehabilitation and supportive services in the community are explored. As well, cultural diversity in healing approaches are explored along with the incorporation of evidence-informed research and practice.
PNUR203 - Health Promotion III
PNUR 203 Health Promotion III focuses on health promotion as it relates to the continuum of care across the lifespan. Health promotion in the context of mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities, and maternal/child health is highlighted. Normal growth and development from conception to middle adulthood is addressed.
PNUR204 - Integrated Nursing Practice III
PNUR 204 Integrated Nursing Practice III builds on the theory and practice from Levels 1 and 2. Through a variety of approaches (e.g., simulation), learners will continue to develop knowledge and practice of comprehensive nursing assessment, planning for, and interventions with clients experiencing multiple health challenges in a variety of settings.
PNUR205 - Consolidated Practice Experience III
PNUR 205 Consolidated Practice Experience III introduces learners to community care settings and an opportunity to apply and adapt knowledge gained in Levels 1, 2 and 3 within a continuum of care for clients across the lifespan. Learners may gain experience through simulation and in a variety of settings with a focus on concepts outlined in Integrated Nursing Practice III.
PNUR206 - Professional Practice IV
PNUR 206 Professional Practice IV prepares learners for the role of the Practical Nurse in caring for clients with acute presentation of illness. Legislation influencing Practical Nursing practice, specific professional practice issues and ethical practice pertinent to Practical Nursing practice in acute care environments are explored. Practice issues that occur across the lifespan are considered. Collaborative practice with other health care team members and, specifically, the working partnership with RNs in the acute care setting are examined.
PNUR207 - Professional Communication IV
PNUR 207 Professional Communication IV focuses in the advancement of professional communication within the acute care setting caring for clients across the lifespan. The practice of collaboration with health care team members and clients is further developed.
PNUR208 - Variations in Health IV
PNUR 208 Variations in Health IV focuses on pathophysiology as it relates to acute disease and illness of clients across the lifespan, specifically the care of the client experiencing acute illness including nursing interventions and treatment options. Implications of the acute exacerbation of chronic illness are addressed. Cultural diversity in healing practices are explored as well as evidence-informed research and practice.
PNUR209 - Health Promotion IV
PNUR 209 Health Promotion IV focuses on health promotion in the context of caring for clients experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic illness or an acute episode of illness. It examines health-promoting strategies during hospitalization to improve or help maintain clients’ health status after discharge occurs. Also explored is how to prepare clients for discharge from care through teaching and learning of health-promoting strategies.
PNUR210 - Integrated Nursing Practice IV
PNUR 210 Integrated Nursing Practice IV emphasizes the development of nursing skills aimed at promoting health and healing with individuals experiencing acute health challenges across the lifespan. A variety of approaches (e.g., simulation) will help learners build on theory and practice from Levels 1, 2 and 3 to integrate new knowledge and skills relevant to the acute care setting.
PNUR211 - Consolidated Practice Experience IV
PNUR 211 Consolidated Practice Experience IV provides learners with the opportunity to integrate theory from all courses into the role of the Practical Nurse in the acute care setting and other practice areas as appropriate. Learners will focus on clients with exacerbations of chronic illness and/or acute illness across the lifespan and will consolidate knowledge and skills such as post-operative care, surgical wound management, intravenous therapy, focused assessment and clinical decision making in acute care settings.
PNUR212 - Transition to Preceptorship
PNUR 212 Transition to Preceptorship will prepare the learner for the final practice experience. Simulation experiences and self-directed learning will provide the learner with increased competence and confidence in their final practice experience.
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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