DESCRIPTION
This unique program prepares internationally educated nurses to work as registered nurses in British Columbia. This program is designed for nurses who are required by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC), to renew and enhance nursing knowledge and skills, to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE).
This program is designed to:
- Prepare internationally educated nurses to practice within the Canadian health care setting
- Renew and enhance previously acquired knowledge and skills
- Identify and address individual needs
- Ensure graduates meet the professional practice requirements
- Enable effective communication skills with patients and colleagues
- Prepare graduates to be eligible to write the CRNE required for registration as a nurse in British Columbia
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program and the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination graduates will be eligible to apply to practice as a Registered Nurse in British Columbia.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the general Kwantlen admission requirements (see exceptions below), applicants to the Graduate Nurse with English as an Additional Language program must meet the following requirements before final acceptance into the program:
- A letter from the CRNBC stating their eligibility for registration
- Registered nurse experience or graduation from an CRNBC recognized nursing program within the past 10 years
The following pre-requisites need to be met by the first day of classes:
- Proof of CPR Level C certificate; CPR certification must remain current throughout the program.
- Immunizations consistent with the requirements of clinical agencies. A TB skin test or chest x-ray dated within 2 years of registering into the program. Some practice experience agencies may require proof of current immunizations. Failure to have acceptable documentation at the time of placement may jeopardize the completion of the program.
- A criminal record check is required by the CRNBC prior to registration as a nurse and is pre-practice requirement of some of the clinical agencies used during the program. Related costs are the responsibility of the individual student. The CRNBC may refuse to register any person who has been convicted of an indictable offence.
Additional Notes
Clinical placements could take place at any of the lower mainland hospitals between North Vancouver and Chilliwack. Be prepared for travel.
Some agencies may require students to take an Oath of Confidentiality. If any practice experience agencies require proof of current immunizations. Students are responsible for all costs related to immunization. Failure to have acceptable documentation at the time of placement may jeopardize the completion of the program.
CONTENT
This full-time three continuous semester program is offered twice a year. The program includes classroom instruction, independent study, on line study, nursing skill laboratory sessions and hospital clinical experience. The content provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe nursing care for adults in the health care setting.
Semester 1
Students will explore the fundamental concepts of nursing in the Canadian setting including the nurse patient relationship, teaching/learning theory, health promotion, the nursing process, patient-focused care, and growth and development theories. They will have an opportunity to acquire new psychomotor skills and practice previously learned psychomotor skills consistent with the scope of registered nursing practice in acute, sub-acute, and long term care settings in Canada.
Students will also learn the fundamental principles of pharmacology and become familiar with the generic and trade names of drugs prescribed for common health challenges and will explore the use of pharmacology fundamentals in the nurse’s role within Canadian society.
September 2008 & January 2009 intake:
Semester 1
Students will apply nursing theory and skills in an adult acute care unit.
Semester 2
Students will examine in greater depth ethical, legal and professional issues, and standards of nursing practice. They will apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to the principles of illness and injury. Students will apply these principles to medical and surgical health issues in an adult population.
The students will continue to practice critical thinking skills, grammar, speaking, pronunciation, and listening skills. They will practice their English skills using simulation that complements their clinical experience. Students will practice medical terminology, listening skills, charting, and anecdotal reporting.
Students will examine Canadian values, health and the health care delivery system in Canada. They will explore the social and cultural dimensions of the health care environment and the major trends that affect health, broadly conceptualized, in Canada.
Students will apply nursing theory and practice nursing skills in an acute care unit.
Semester 3
Students will continue to practice their English skills in situations that complement the student’s clinical experiences. They will have the option to focus on academic English skills required for the BSN program.
Students will integrate and apply nursing theory and practice skills necessary for the scope of RN practice. They will develop caring professional relationships with patients and effective working relationships with peers and facility staff. They will practice leadership and mentorship skills.
Students will continue to explore advanced nursing concepts such as leadership, family nursing, community nursing, and legal and ethical concepts. They will also prepare for the CRNE.
A student must achieve a minimum grade of C in a theory course and mastery in a clinical course in order to progress to a subsequent course and to receive the program certificate. The clinical experience evaluation includes judgements about interpersonal skills, professional behaviour, and clinical knowledge and skills based on the CRNBC scope of practice standards. If a student is not successful in one course withdrawal from co-requisite courses is mandatory. Recommended remediation strategies must be proven and a written application to the admissions committee must be undertaken to continue with the program at a later time.
COSTS
In addition to tuition fees, students will spend approximately $2,000 for textbooks, course materials, uniforms, during the program. Students are also responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical experiences.
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded a Certificate in Graduate Nurse, Internationally Educated Re-entry.