BScN Program for Registered Nurses (RNs) via Distance Education

BScN Program for Registered Nurses (RNs) via Distance Education

Distance Education

In January 1987, the BScN program for registered nurses became available on a part-time basis through Distance Education at five sites. As the demand increased, the number of sites expanded from Barrie, Orillia, North Bay, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie to include students in Oshawa, Owen Sound, St. Catharines, Toronto, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Kitchener/Guelph, Simcoe, Kirkland Lake/Englehart/Haileybury, Attawapiskat and Sudbury.

The Curriculum for Registered Nurses

The curriculum combines courses from the Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences and Nursing. Nursing is studied in increasing intensity throughout the program. In the courses NURS 2276, NURS 2286 and NURS 2296, the emphasis is on health and normality. Students further develop the nursing process, interpersonal and physical examination skills that are required to assess individuals and families. NURS 3316 introduces students to Epidemiology and Biostatistics. NURS 3317 explores major contemporary issues affecting nursing and health care. The four 4000 level nursing courses provide opportunities for the student to pursue individual clinical interests, to test nursing theory, to apply aspects of the research process, and to function in a leadership role in a chosen clinical field.

Admission Requirements

Registered nurses are required to submit their current Certificate of Registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario or be eligible for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Program of Study

See the Schedule on the B.Sc.N. Program for Registered Nurses page of the Envision website
(Centre for Continuing Education)

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Required Non-Nursing Courses

*Students who do not have grade 13 Chemistry or its equivalent, or who took grade 13 Chemistry or its equivalent over 5 years ago, would be required to take CHMI 1041, CHMI 1031 or to consult with the Chemistry Department before taking the required Chemistry courses.

NOTE: CHMI 1041 or CHMI 1031, if taken, may be used as an elective.

Electives

12 credits of electives.

Required Nursing Courses

  • NURS 2276 - Nursing Healthy Individuals and Families
  • NURS 2286 - Nursing Health Assessment***
  • NURS 2296 - Community Health Nursing***
  • NURS 3316 - Epidemiology and Biostatistics***
  • NURS 3317 - Issues and Directions in Nursing and Health Care***
  • NURS 4005 - Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice
  • NURS 4015 - Nursing Research
  • NURS 4025 - Critical Analysis of a Nursing Field
  • NURS 4035 - Leadership Skills in Nursing Practice

*** A student may apply to challenge NURS 2286, 2296, 3316 and 3317 if they are able to demonstrate appropriate educational and experiential background.

Total number of credits in the program = 63

Course Descriptions

NURS 2276EL - Nursing Healthy Individuals and Families   [ program of study ]

Course content includes the nursing process, group dynamics, teaching and learning, family assessment, growth and development and therapeutic communication. Students practice in the community with individuals. This course is open to Post R.N. students only. (lec 2, tut 2) cr 3

NURS 2286EL - Nursing Health Assessment   [ program of study ]

Course content includes the physical and psychosocial assessment of the individual. Skill development in the area of interviewing and history taking are learned. Students practice in the laboratory setting. Prerequisite: NURS 2276. This course is open to Post R.N. students only. (lec 2, lab 2) cr 3

NURS 2296EL - Community Health Nursing   [ program of study ]

This course covers the roles and functions of the community health nurse practicing In a variety of community settings. Topics include health promotion, health behavioural change, Illness prevention, program management, environmental health, community assessment, community development, and public policy. Topics are linked to the canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice, Determinants of Health, Ottawa Charter, epidemiological applications and evidence-based practice. Prerequisite: NURS 2276. This course is open to Post R.N. students only. Total of 24 clinical hrs. cr 3

NURS 3316EL - Epidemiology and Biostatistics   [ program of study ]

This course covers content includes the key concepts and methods of the fields of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students examine the epidemiologic approach to problems of health and disease and develop basic quantitative skills. The theoretical concepts will be applied to nursing practice. cr 3

NURS 3317EL - Issues and Directions in Nursing and Health Care   [ program of study ]

This course is an exploration and critical analysis of major contemporary issues affecting nursing and the health-care system. Included in the analysis will be an exploration of historical background, government documents and briefs, current research and ethical and legal implications of various approaches to these issues. (lec 3) cr 3

NURS 4005EL - Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice   [ program of study ]

A combined theory and practice course. Students examine a number of conceptual/theoretical nursing frameworks. The course focuses on identifying appropriate criteria for evaluating these frameworks. Students practice in a selected clinical setting and apply and analyze various frameworks while developing nursing skills required to function in that area. Prerequisites: NURS 2276, 2296. This course is given in one term. (lec 3, total clin 108) cr 6

NURS 4015EL - Nursing Research   [ program of study ]

The student will develop an understanding of the purpose of research for nursing practice. Students will examine the two major research paradigms and the components of the research process. They will develop skills in the critical appraisal of nursing research. These skills will assist them in their role as research consumers and enhance their evidence-based practice. Students will practice in a selected clinical setting, demonstrating research-mindedness while developing nursing skills to function in that area. Prerequisite: NURS 3316. This course is given in one term. (lec 3, total clin 108) cr 6

NURS 4025EL - Critical Analysis of a Nursing Field   [ program of study ]

A combined theory and practice course. The focus is on the analysis of a nursing setting. Course content includes organizational structure/systems analysis, change and decision-making theory and skill development in communication and colleague relationships. Students practice in a selected clinical setting, identifying organizational concepts and developing nursing skills required to function in that area. Prerequisites: NURS 2276, 2296. This course is given in one term. (lec 3, total clin 108) cr 6

NURS 4035EL - Leadership Skills in Nursing Practice   [ program of study ]

A combined theory and practice course. The focus is on leadership as a situation-specific process. Course content includes theories of leadership, administration, quality assurance/risk management, adult education and program implementation. Students practice in a selected clinical setting, applying leadership principles and developing nursing skills required to function in that area. Prerequisites: NURS 2276, 2296. This course is given in one term. (lec 2, total clin 124) cr 6

CHMI 2220EL - Clinical Chemistry   [ program of study ]

A course designed for students in Nursing to provide an understanding of the relationship between disease, the underlying biochemical causes and the methodology for diagnosis. Prerequisites: CHMI 1041, CHMI 1031, OAC or equivalent. (lec 3, lab/tut 3) cr 6

BIOL 2110EL - Medical Microbiology   [ program of study ]

This course consists of an introduction to microorganisms, the principles of medical microbiology, basic immunology, and a survey of infectious diseases that emphasizes causative agent, symptoms, chemotherapy, and prevention. Exceptionally, students in the three-year or four-year program in Biology may take this course for Biology credit, but only if they have prior permission of the Department. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 6

Electives   [ program of study ]

To meet our program requirements, electives may be chosen from the following groups:

  • Humanities: Canadian Studies, Classics, English, Film Studies, Folklore, Français, French, Greek, German, Italian, Latin, Linguistics, Music, Native Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Russian, Spanish, Theatre Arts, Women's Studies.

  • Social Sciences: Anthropology, Cooperative Studies, Gerontology, Economics, Geography, History, Law and Justice, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology.

  • Sciences: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Physics.

  • Professional Schools: Commerce, Education, Nursing, Physical Education, Social Work, Sports Administration, Translators.

Prior Learning Assessment Policy

A goal of Laurentian University's School of Nursing, English Division is to facilitate access to BScN education and to promote a life long learning process. To this end, the School employs Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), an evaluative method for assessing a student's prior learning and ongoing professional development. The School invites students to participate in PLA at admission to the BScN program or prior to completing 15 credits. Prior learning is evaluated against established BScN course outcomes so that credit(s) can be awarded for equivalency. The percentage of credit granted toward the BScN degree is a function of the program applied to and the student's portfolio. In accordance with university policy, a student must complete a minimum of 30 credits in order to obtain a degree from Laurentian.

The PLA process necessitates the student to prepare and submit a portfolio. A portfolio is a comprehensive dossier encompassing a student's achievements, reflections and critical thinking in view of previously acquired knowledge and skills. It can also include challenge exams, courses taken, work experience, volunteer work and other life experiences. The School of Nursing has specific guidelines for the portfolio content.

Credit by Challenge

Challenge in a given course is an opportunity for the registered nurse to demonstrate the ability to meet the objectives without actually taking the course. Credit in the course is earned by successful challenge. If the challenge is unsuccessful, the student must register for the course.

Advanced Standing for Registered Nurses

Students who have completed approved Health Assessment courses in their diploma program within the last five years and who have attained a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 on these courses will be given advanced standing in NURS 2286 - Nursing Health Assessment.

Students who have successfully completed the Introduction to Nursing Management: Distance Education program sponsored by CNA/CHA or McMaster University will be given advanced standing in NURS 4025. Only students who have completed this course in 1982 or thereafter are eligible.

Students who have successfully completed the OHA Applied Management Skill Development, Series 1 and 2, can be considered for eligibility to challenge NURS 4025 after completion of the pre-requisite courses.

CNA Certification - 3 credits will be granted for a current CNA Certificate.

Time Limit

Students must complete the nursing courses in eight calendar years from the beginning of the first nursing course at Laurentian.

Further Information

Address inquiries to:

Mary Montgomery, Coordinator - Distance Education Program
School of Nursing
Laurentian University
Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6

Telephone: (705) 673-6589
Fax: (705) 675-4861
Email: mmontgomery@laurentian.ca

To obtain general information on distance education:

Centre for Continuing Education
Laurentian University
Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6

Telephone: (705) 673-6569
Toll Free: 1-877-544-0129
Fax: (705) 675-4897
Email: cce_L@laurentian.ca
Website: http://cce.laurentian.ca

All inquiries relating to Admission requirements or procedures:

Office of Admissions
Laurentian University
Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 2C6

Telephone: (705) 675-1151, ext. 3916

All inquiries relating to Registration:

Office of the Registrar
Laurentian University
Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6

Telephone: (705) 673-6565
Fax: (705) 675-4891

 

 
 
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