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Academic Calendar 2024/25

Practical Nursing


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

2 credits

Health Promotion I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 141, PNUR 142, PNUR 143, PNUR 144, and PNUR 145.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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).

PNUR 141

2.5 credits

Variations in Health I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 140, PNUR 142, PNUR 143, PNUR 144, and PNUR 145.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This introductory course provides students with the foundations of disease and illness across the lifespan. Students 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 will be explored as well as the incorporation of evidenced-informed practice.

PNUR 142

2 credits

Professional Communication I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 140, PNUR 141, PNUR 143, PNUR 144, and PNUR 145.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Provides learners with the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing. An experiential and self-reflective approach will be 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.

PNUR 143

1.5 credits

Professional Practice I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 140, PNUR 141, PNUR 142, PNUR 144, and PNUR 145.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This theory course provides an introduction to the profession of practical nursing. Legislation that informs PN practice within British Columbia will be introduced. The history of nursing and, specifically, the evolution of Practical Nursing within the Canadian health care system will be discussed. The philosophy and foundational concepts of the Provincial Practical Nursing program will be explored.

PNUR 144

4.5 credits

Integrated Nursing Practice I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 140, PNUR 141, PNUR 142, PNUR 143, and PNUR 145.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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 skills, and nursing interventions aimed at the promotion of health, independence, and comfort. A variety of approaches (e.g. simulation) will be used to assist learners to integrate theory from other level one courses.

PNUR 145

2 credits

Pharmacology I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 147.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 140, PNUR 141, PNUR 142, PNUR 143, and PNUR 144.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This introductory course 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. Complementary, Indigenous, and alternative remedies and polypharmacy across the lifespan are also explored.

PNUR 146

2 credits

Consolidated Practice Experience I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma, PNUR 140, PNUR 141, PNUR 142, PNUR 143, PNUR 144, and PNUR 145.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This first practice experience provides the learner with an opportunity to integrate theory from level one 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 in this course.

PNUR 147

3 credits

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite(s): C+ or better in one of the following: (Anatomy and Physiology 12, Biology 12, BIO 093, or equivalent) or (BIO 111 within 5 years prior to enrollment).

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

This course provides students with a review of each of the body systems. The structure and function of each of the systems will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the interrelationship among the body systems. As each body system is presented, various health promotion strategies will be discussed that support optimal health.

PNUR 150

2 credits

Health Promotion II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 151 PNUR 152, PNUR 153, PNUR 154, and PNUR 155.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on health promotion as it relates to the aging process including exploring 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.

PNUR 151

3 credits

Variations in Health II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 150, PNUR 152, PNUR 153, PNUR 154, and PNUR 155.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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 will be explored as well as evidence-informed research and practice.

PNUR 152

2 credits

Professional Communication II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 150, PNUR 151, PNUR 153, PNUR 154, and PNUR 155.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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.

PNUR 153

1 credit

Professional Practice II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 150, PNUR 151, PNUR 152, PNUR 154, and PNUR 155.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines the legislation influencing PN 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 PN role in residential care will be explored. Critical thinking and decision-making specific to the care of the chronically ill and interprofessional practice will also be addressed.

PNUR 154

5 credits

Integrated Nursing Practice II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 150, PNUR 151, PNUR 152, PNUR 153, and PNUR 155

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Builds on the foundation of level one and emphasizes the development of clinical decision making, nursing assessments, and interventions to promote the health of older adults. A variety of approaches (e.g. simulation) will help learners to integrate theory from level one and two courses to provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care with older adults.

PNUR 155

2 credits

Pharmacology II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 146.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 150, PNUR 151, PNUR 152, PNUR 153, and PNUR 154.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Builds on Pharmacology I to increase the learnerā€™s understanding of pharmacotherapeutics prescribed for illnesses experienced by clients across the lifespan. Topics include drug classifications and links with common diseases and illnesses based on a body system approach and drug resistance.

PNUR 156

3 credits

Consolidated Practice Experience II

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma, PNUR 150, PNUR 151, PNUR 152, PNUR 153, PNUR 154 and PNUR 155.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This practice experience provides learners with the opportunity to integrate theory from level one and two courses into practice. Learners will practice with aging clients and/or those with chronic illness in residential care settings. Medication administration, nursing care, organization, comprehensive health assessment, wound care, and introduction to leadership are emphasized.

PNUR 240

2.5 credits

Health Promotion III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 156.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 241, PNUR 242, PNUR 243, and PNUR 244.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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.

PNUR 241

3 credits

Variations in Health III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 156.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 240, PNUR 242, PNUR 243, PNUR 244.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on the continuum of care and 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 will be explored. Cultural diversity in healing approaches will be explored as well as the incorporation of evidence-informed research and practice.

PNUR 242

1 credit

Professional Communication III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 156.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 240, PNUR 241, PNUR 243, PNUR 244.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on specific professional communication skills used with clients and care providers across the lifespan requiring care in the community.

PNUR 243

1 credit

Professional Practice III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 156.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 240, PNUR 241, PNUR 242, and PNUR 244.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Integrates the concepts from previous professional practice courses and introduces students 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.

PNUR 244

4 credits

Integrated Nursing Practice III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 156.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 240, PNUR 241, PNUR 242, and PNUR 243.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Builds on the theory and practice from levels one and two. Through a variety of approaches, including simulation, learners will continue to develop knowledge and practice comprehensive nursing assessment, planning for, and interventions for clients experiencing multiple health challenges in a variety of settings.

PNUR 246

2 credits

Consolidated Practice Experience III

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma, PNUR 240, PNUR 241, PNUR 242, PNUR 243, and PNUR 244.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces students to community care settings and an opportunity to apply and adapt knowledge gained in levels one, two, and three within a continuum of care for clients across the lifespan. Students may gain experience through simulation and/or in a variety of community and residential care agencies and settings.

PNUR 250

1.5 credits

Health Promotion IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 246.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 251, PNUR 252, PNUR 253, and PNUR 254.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on health promotion in the context of caring for clients experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic illness or an acute episode of illness, including examination of health-promoting strategies during hospitalization to improve or help maintain clientsā€™ health status after discharge occurs. Topics also include how to prepare clients for discharge from care, through teaching and learning of health-promoting strategies.

PNUR 251

3 credits

Variations in Health IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 246.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 250, PNUR 252, PNUR 253, and PNUR 254.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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 will be addressed. Cultural diversity in healing practices will be explored as well as evidenced-informed research and practice.

PNUR 252

1 credit

Professional Communications IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 246.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 250, PNUR 251, PNUR 253, and PNUR 254.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on the advancement of professional communication within the acute care setting across the lifespan. The practice of collaboration with health care team members and clients will be further developed.

PNUR 253

1 credit

Professional Practice IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 246.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 250, PNUR 251, PNUR 252, and PNUR 254.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Prepares students for the role of the practical nurse in caring for clients with acute presentation of illness. Legislation influencing PN practice, specific professional practice issues, and ethical practice pertinent to PN practice in acute care environments will be explored. Practice issues that occur across the lifespan will be considered. Collaborative practice with other health care team members and specifically the working partnership with RNs in the acute care setting will be examined.

PNUR 254

5 credits

Integrated Nursing Practice IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 246.

Corequisite(s): PNUR 250, PNUR 251, PNUR 252, and PNUR 253.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

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, such as simulation, will help learners build on theory and practice from levels one, two, and three to integrate new knowledge and skills relevant to the acute care setting.

PNUR 256

5 credits

Consolidated Practice Experience IV

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma, PNUR 250, PNUR 251, PNUR 252, PNUR 253, and PNUR 254.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

A practice experience that 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 clinical areas as appropriate. Students 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 decisionā€making in acute care settings.

PNUR 257

2 credits

Transition to Preceptorship

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 256.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Prepares students for the final practice experience. Simulation experiences and self-directed learning will provide students with increased competence and confidence in their final practice experience.

PNUR 258

4.5 credits

Preceptorship

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Practical Nursing diploma and PNUR 257.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This final practice experience provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate integration and consolidation of knowledge, skills, and abilities within the realities of the workplace, and become practice ready.

Note: This experience may occur through a variety of practice experience models, including the preceptorship model, under the immediate supervision of a single, fully qualified and experienced LPN, RN, or RPN and/or within the context of a collaborative learning environment as a participating team member.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

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