Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Last Intake Fall 2012 of current program
Douglas College’s new BSN program’s first intake is planned for Fall 2013 pending approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education and the College of Registered of Nurses of BC.
Currently Douglas College offers a four-year baccalaureate degree program, approved by the provincial government and the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). This Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to educate nurses to be effective practitioners capable of meeting the needs of a changing client population within the health care system. Graduates are prepared to work with individuals, families, groups and communities within a variety of settings. In all settings, the graduate's practice focuses on maintaining people's health, preventing illness and restoring health. Restoring health includes helping people to care for themselves and also helping family members to care for one another. Students who graduate from the program are prepared to be active participants in the ongoing reform of the health care system. At the completion of the degree, graduates will be able to write the national registration examination and to apply for registration with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates are prepared to practice nursing in a variety of contexts. These include: acute care (general and selected specialized areas), intermediate care, long-term care, home care, and prevention.
Curriculum
Important note: The BSN Curriculum is currently being revised. The first intake of the new curriculum is planned for Fall 2013 pending approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education and the College of Registered Nurses of BC. Please refer to this website often for updated information.
The current curriculum is based on the concepts of caring and health promotion. It has been developed in consultation with nursing practitioners, theorists, professional associations and various government ministries. The program includes courses from other disciplines which complement nursing theory and practice courses.
This program uses an innovative educational design that is well-suited to preparing the kind of professional that is required in health care today. The program is rich in nursing practice experience where students come face-to-face with people's experiences of health and healing. From real-life experience, students come to know the role that nurses play in helping people remain healthy and cope with illness. Critical and creative thinking and compassionate care are emphasized in the program. The program is offered in a climate which is supportive of individual rights and diversity. The curriculum incorporates innovative technology as learning tools and in preparing students for practice. Students in the program are active participants in the learning process. Students' interests are recognized and they are provided some choice related to their practice experiences. This curriculum design ensures that students will become effective practitioners who are committed to and capable of ongoing learning.
Location
David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
Final intake/Application Deadline for Fall 2012
Note: There is no Winter 2013 intake.
The new program is planned for Fall 2013 pending approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education and the College of Registered Nurses of BC.
Completed applications with all required documents must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by February 1, 2012.
A current (within three years) First Aid Certificate and a current (within one year) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate at the Health Care Provider (HCP) level will be requested as part of the final admission requirements if a conditional offer of acceptance is made.
Information Sessions
Free information sessions for this program are held throughout the year. Please check online at www.douglascollege.ca/new-students/information-sessions or phone the Registrar's office at 604-527-5478 for exact dates and times of these sessions.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation needs while in the BSN program. There are nursing practice experiences at various hospitals and health care agencies in multiple Lower Mainland locations. During community nursing practice experiences students must be able to utilize a reliable vehicle. These experiences will occur during Semesters 6 through 8.
Transfer Credit
* Please note that transfer credit from other educational institutions is not automatically granted.
Students must request transfer credit by submitting an official transcript with their Application for Admission or Re-admission along with a Transfer Credit Request Form. Detailed course outlines of courses taken at a BC institution may also be required before credit can be evaluated. Detailed course outlines are required for credit evaluation of courses taken outside of Douglas College. Foreign credentials cannot be evaluated.
Students are strongly recommended to request transfer credit at least four months in advance of the first semester of attendance. Requests for evaluation of credit received after this time may not be processed in time for registration prerequisite checking.
Nursing Program Transfer
Due to the program’s curriculum being reviewed, we are not accepting applications for program transfer from other nursing programs at this time.
Admission
I. Minimum Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements listed in sections A and B below. Applicants are then selected based on PREFERENTIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
A. Academic Admission Requirements
1. Graduation from BC Senior Secondary School (or equivalent) or mature student status (see Douglas College Calendar for definition).
AND
2. Completion of the following courses (or one of the equivalents):
a) English 12, within the past four years, with a minimum grade of "B" or completion of the Douglas College Writing Assessment Test, within the past four years, with a level designation of College Level Writing Courses (recommended for entry into English 1130). Refer to the Faculty of Language, Literature and Performing Arts for information on assessments, equivalencies and exemptions.
b) Foundations of Math 11 or Principles of Math 11 with a minimum grade of "C" or one of the equivalents.
Equivalents: Algebra 11 with a minimum grade of "C", or Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Math 12 or Principles of Math 12, Algebra 12 or Math 12 with a minimum grade of "P", or DVST 0411 with a minimum grade of "C", or acceptable score on the NURS Readiness Assessment, or a minimum grade of "P" in any university transferable Math or Stats course (including PSYC 2300) or Math 1101 with a minimum grade of "P".
c) Chemistry 11 with a minimum grade of "C+" or one of the equivalents.
Equivalents: Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or university transferable Chemistry course with a
minimum grade of "P".
d) Biology 11 with a minimum grade of "C+" or one of the equivalents.
Equivalents:
Biology 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or university transferable Biology course with a minimum grade of "P".
e) One Grade 12 Science course with a minimum grade of "C+".
Approved Science courses are:
Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Geography 12, Geology 12 or Physics 12 with a minimum grade of "C+" or university transferable Science course with a minimum grade of "C".
OR
Instead of Chemistry 11, Biology 11, and one grade 12 Science course, successful completion of nine university transfer credits with a minimum grade of "C" in each course.
* It is recommended that applicants who do not have the high school courses select nine University Transfer Credits from the following required program support courses:
- English 1130
- English Elective (must be three credits and university transferable)
- two General Electives (each must be three credits and university transferable, e.g. Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy)
- Biology 1103 and Biology 1203
Note: Only those applicants who do not have English 12 or one of the approved exemptions are required to complete the Douglas College Writing Assessment Test.
B. Other Requirements
1. The following documents will be requested if an offer of admission is made (appropriate forms will be provided):
- Current (within three years) Standard First Aid Certificate
- Current (within one year) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate - HCP (Health Care Provider)
- A satisfactory health assessment completed by a physician
- Current record of recommended immunizations
- Criminal Record Search - In this program, students are placed in a variety of different health care settings (hospitals, community agencies etc.) for nursing practice experiences. Agency policy requires all students to demonstrate that they have a satisfactory criminal record search. Therefore, all applicants must have a satisfactory Criminal Record Search completed prior to acceptance into the program
* Applicants are responsible for all costs related to Criminal Record Searches.
2. An interview may be requested by the Interim Nursing Director for the purposes of providing information, seeking clarification and academic counselling.
II. Preferential Admission Requirements
The selection process for preferential admission, using the criteria listed below, is now in effect for applicants. It is recommended that applicants contact an Academic Advisor for more information to assist in planning to increase chances for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Applicants must first meet the minimum admission requirements as listed above in sections A and B. Applicants are then assigned to one of the two categories below and ranked based on the preferential admission criteria for the category.
Category "A" - Grade 12 Graduation
1. High School GPA based on the following courses (= maximum of 5 points):
- The higher grade of Chemistry 11 or Chemistry 12
- The higher grade of Biology 11 or Biology 12
- The higher grade of another Science 12 (excluding Chemistry 12 and/or Biology 12 if used above)
- The higher grade of Foundations of Math 11 or Principles of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 12 or Principles of Math 12
- English 12
2. Completion of a Credential (= maximum 2 points)
- Certificate in a health-related field from a recognized/credited institution in an English speaking Country = 2 points
- Citation in a health-related field from a recognized/credited institution in an English speaking Country = 1 points
3. Volunteer/Work experience (= maximum 3 points):
- 301 - 400+ hours = 3 points
- 201 - 300 hours = 2 points
- 100 - 200 hours = 1 point
Total Maximum points for Preferential Admission Category "A" is 10 points
Category "B" - Successfully completed 9 university transfer credits
1. Cumulative GPA of all UT credits (= maximum of 5 points)
2. Completed Credential (= maximum 6 points)
* Only the highest credential will be awarded points.
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized/credited institution in an English-speaking country = 6 points
- Bachelor’s Degree in a non-English-speaking country = 4 points
- Associate Degree from a recognized/credited institution in an English-speaking country = 3 points
- Diploma from a recognized/credited institution in an English-speaking country = 3 points
- Certificate in a health-related field from a recognized/credited institution in an English-speaking country = 2 points
- Citation in a health-related field from a recognized/credited institution in an English-speaking country = 1 points
3. Volunteer/Work experience (= maximum of 3 points)
- 301 - 400+ hours = 3 points
- 201 - 300 hours = 2 points
- 100 - 200 hours = 1 point
Total Maximum points for Preferential Admission Category "B" is 14 points
Credentials
This program is a baccalaureate nursing program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) credential granted by Douglas College after successful completion of four years of study. On program completion, graduates are eligible to write the national registration examination. Upon successful completion of this exam, graduates may apply to become registered as Registered Nurses in British Columbia.
Program Content
NOTE: Students in the BSN program are required to maintain a passing grade of 60% in all courses in order to progress in the program.
Note: Students are required to achieve a semester average of 65 percent.
Year I: Semester I: Personal Meaning of Health
| NURS 1100 | Nursing Practice I |
4.5 |
Health I: Health Styles |
2 |
|
Self and Others I: Self-Awareness |
2 |
|
Professional Growth I: Nurses' Work |
2 |
|
Human Biology I |
3 |
|
Academic Writing |
3 |
|
16.5 |
* Successful completion of Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) (current within one year) course is required prior to entering semester two.
Information about this course will be provided prior to semester one start. This course is offered through Continuing Education at a cost of $180.
Year I: Semester II: People's Experiences of Chronic Health Challenges
| NURS 1200 | Nursing Practice II |
7.5 |
Health II: Facilitating Health and Healing in Families |
2 |
|
Self and Others II: Creating Health-Promoting Relationships |
2 |
|
Human Biology II |
3 |
|
ENGL(elective) |
English Elective (university transfer) |
3 |
17.5 |
Year II: Semester III: People's Experiences of Episodic Health Challenges
| NURS 2100 | Nursing Practice III |
7.5 |
Healing I: Episodic Health Challenges |
4 |
|
Professional Growth II: The Nursing Profession |
2 |
|
Health Science III: Pathophysiology |
2 |
|
15.5 |
Year II: Semester IV: People's Experiences of Complex Episodic Health Challenges
| NURS 2200 | Nursing Practice IV |
7.5 |
Healing II: Complex Episodic Health Challenges |
4.5 |
|
Health Sciences IV: Pathophysiology |
2 |
|
ELECTIVE |
General elective (university transfer) |
3 |
Consolidated Practice Experience II |
5 |
|
22 |
Year III: Semester V: People's Experiences of Prevention
| NURS 3100 | Nursing Practice V |
8 |
Health III: Teaching & Learning for Prevention |
3 |
|
Professional Growth: Nursing Ethics |
3 |
|
Healing/Health Science: Advanced Health Challenges |
2 |
|
16 |
Year III: Semester VI: Health Promotion and Community Development
| NURS 3200 | Nursing Practice VI |
5.5 |
Health IV: Health Promotion and Community Empowerment |
3 |
|
Self & Others III: Reflection on Caring Practice |
3 |
|
Professional Growth: Nursing Inquiry |
3 |
Consolidated Practice Experience III |
6 |
|
Consolidated Practice Experience IV |
4.5 |
|
|
|
25 |
Year IV: Semester VII: Societal Health and Nurses Influencing Change
| NURS 4100 | Nursing Practice VII |
5.5 |
Professional Growth: Research |
3 |
|
Professional Growth: Nurses Influencing Change |
3 |
|
ELECTIVE |
General elective (university transfer) |
3 |
|
|
14.5 |
All students are required to complete the following course, with a minimum grade of "C", by the end of Semester VII:
One Nursing Elective: acceptable courses will be identified by the program
Year IV: Semester VIII: Area of Clinical Focus
| NURS 4200 | Nursing Practice VIII |
6 |
Consolidated Practice Experience V |
6 |
|
|
|
12 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (New program)
Douglas College plans to offer a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in September 2013 pending Ministry of Advanced Education and the College of Registered Nurses of BC’s approval. This new and innovative program will educate graduates to provide safe, competent and compassionate nursing care that is grounded in theory and professional standards. They will be prepared to practice nursing working collaboratively with individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of settings to promote health and well-being.
Graduates will demonstrate strong leadership qualities that support an inter-professional collaborative model of client centered care. They will be able to positively influence the future of nursing practice and health care in Canadian context with a strong understanding of the global health care environment. Upon completing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, graduates will be able to apply to write the Canadian Nurses Registration Exam (CRNE) and register with the College of Registered Nurses of BC.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates are prepared to practice nursing in a variety of settings. These include: acute care (general and selected specialized areas), intermediate care, long-term care, and community.
Curriculum
The curriculum is a 4 year program with a 1+3 structure. The first year is the Academic Foundations in Nursing; this first year will provide students with a strong liberal arts and science foundation. Applicants are required to successfully complete 30 University Transfer Credits with a grade of C+ or better in each of the required courses (refer to the admission requirements for additional information). The remaining three years focus on the practice of nursing and nursing studies.
The initial development of the curriculum is based on the concepts of relational practice, leadership, nursing inquiry and dignity of care. There is a strong emphasis on critical and reflective inquiry and working in collaborative partnerships with clients to promote their health and well being. Students begin their nursing education in both theory and practice settings. Innovative teaching strategies are used, such as simulations, to provide safe and realistic learning situations prior to performing hands on care with live clients. Expert faculty teach in a supportive environment that respects diversity and inclusiveness. The draft structural framework below provides more details about the curriculum.
DRAFT: BSN CURRICULUM STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK
DRAFT: BSN CURRICULUM STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK |
||||||
YEAR II: |
YEAR III: |
YEAR III: |
YEAR IV: |
YEAR IV: Professional Transition |
||
Nursing Art & Science: |
Nursing Art & Science: Family-Centered Care |
Nursing Art & Science: Vulnerable Populations |
Nursing Art & Science: Acuity and Complexity |
Nursing Art & Science: Professional Transition |
||
Health Assessment: Acute Health Challenges |
Health Assessment: Maternal and Child Care |
Health Assessment: Community Health and Mental Health |
Health Assessment: Complex Health Challenges |
Nursing Practice: Professional Transition |
||
Pediatric |
Maternity |
Mental Health/ Psychiatry |
Community |
|||
Nursing Practice: Acute Health Challenges |
Nursing Practice: Family Centered Care |
Nursing Practice: Community Health and Mental Health |
Nursing Practice: Complex Health Challenges |
|
||
Pediatric |
Maternity |
Mental Health/ |
Community |
|||
Leadership: Interprofessional Collaboration |
Leadership: Partners in Health Promotion |
Leadership: under development |
Leadership: Influencing Health Care Reform |
|
||
Nursing Inquiry: Evidenced-Informed Practice |
Relational Practice: Engaging with Families |
Nursing Inquiry: Research in Nursing |
Nursing Elective: Issues in Nursing Practice Focus |
|
||
16.5 credits |
16.5 credits |
16.5 credits |
16.5 credits |
11.5 credits |
||
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
There are two intakes each year: Fall (September) and Winter (January).
*No nursing courses are offered during the summer semester (May-August).
Completed applications with all required documents must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by February 1 for the Fall (September) intake and June 1 for the Winter (January) intake.
Information Sessions
Free information sessions for this program are held throughout the year. Please check online or phone the Registrar's office at 604-527-5478 for exact dates and times of these sessions.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation while in the BSN program.
There are nursing practice experiences at various hospitals and health care agencies in multiple Lower Mainland locations. During community nursing practice experiences students must be able to utilize a reliable vehicle.
EFFECTIVE FALL 2013
Pending approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education and the College of Registered Nurses of BC
I. Academic Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the Academic Foundations of Nursing requirements. The requirements include the completion of 30 university transfer credits (10 - 3 credit courses) (or one of the equivalents) with a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in each course as listed below:
- BIOL 1103 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 1203 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 2401 Introductory Microbiology for Health Sciences OR BIOL 2400 General Microbiology
- BIOL XXXX Pathophysiology – Course Under Development
- ENGL 1130 Academic Writing
- English Elective (3 credit University Transferable)
- MATH 1160 Introduction to Statistics OR PSYC 2300 Data Analysis in Psychology
- Any Human Social Sciences Course (3 credit University Transferable) (Recommended subject areas include: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Women’s Studies)
- 2 Open Elective Courses ( each course is 3 credit University Transferable)
II. Non-Academic Admission Requirements
A. Prior to an offer of admission to the BSN program, the applicant is required to comply with the following:
- Mandatory Program Orientation - Attendance at a Douglas College BSN Program Orientation prior to admission to the program is mandatory. The orientation will be conducted by BSN faculty and is designed to provide the applicant with information about the profession and the program. Applicants will be notified by mail of the Program Orientation date.
B. With an offer of admission to the BSN program, the applicant is required to comply with and/or provide documentation of the following:
- Potential Interview - Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with a representative(s) of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for the purposes of providing additional information and/or for academic counselling.
- Deposit - A non-refundable deposit of $350.00 (applied to tuition) upon acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is required.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Basic Rescuer (CPR) Level HCP Health Care Provider Certificate current within 1 year of the start date of the program Standard First Aid Certificates that include CPR Level HCP within 1 year of the date of application are also accepted.
Note: Re-certification of CPR Level HCP Certificates is required every year for all students once admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
- Standard First Aid Certificate current within 3 years of the start date of the program. Unlike the CPR Certificates, the Standard First Aid Certificates do not need to be updated yearly once admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
- Health Assessment - A satisfactory health assessment completed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
- Immunization Record - A current record of recommended immunizations consistent with the requirements of practice agencies. These include:
- Tetanus-Diphtheria (within 10 years)
- Polio Vaccine
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Varicella Vaccine
- Flu Immunization (annual)
- TB Skin Test or X-ray (within 1 year)
Note: Although immunizations are optional; students who have not received the recommended immunizations may be prohibited from participating in clinical practice experiences due to agency policy.
- Criminal Record Search - Applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record search that satisfies the requirements of the program and professional nursing association (College of Registered Nurses of BC).
Note: A criminal record search is required by the Ministries of Health and Social Services prior to students being placed in health care agencies. The College of Registered Nurses of BC also requires a criminal record search in order to be eligible for licensure (eligible to write the National Exams at the end of the program and become a Registered Nurse).
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certificate
- Respiratory Mask Fit-test (N95) - Upon admission to the Nursing program all semester one students will be required to be fit-tested for a respiratory mask. There is an additional applicant cost student for fit-testing.
Note: Repeat fit-testing is required annually to ensure that the face seal remains effective. This requirement is in compliance with Work Safe BC and the BC Practice Education Guidelines.
Program Content
NOTE: Students in the BSN program are required to maintain a passing grade of 65% in all courses in order to progress in the program.
Year I: Academic Foundations in Nursing
Year II: Semester I: Health & Health Challenges (Elder Care)
| NURS 2111 | Nursing Art and Science: Professional Foundations | 3.0 |
| NURS 2112 | Health Assessment: Adults and Older Adults | 2.5 |
| NURS 2113 | Nursing Practice: Beginning Client Care | 5.0 |
| NURS 2114 | Pharmacology: Introduction for Nurses | 3.0 |
| NURS 2116 | Relational Practice: Introduction | 3.0 |
| Total | 16.5 |
Year II: Semester II: Health & Acute Health Challenges (Adult/Older Adult)
| NURS 2211 | Nursing Art & Science: Acute Health Challenges | 3.0 |
| NURS 2212 | Health Assessment: Acute Health Challenges | 2.5 |
| NURS 2213 | Nursing Practice: Acute Health Challenges | 5.0 |
| NURS 2215 | Leadership: Interprofessional Collaboration | 3.0 |
| NURS 2217 | Nursing Inquiry: Evidence-Informed Practice | 3.0 |
| Total | 16.5 |
Year III: Semester III: Health Transitions & Challenges (Maternity/Pediatrics)
| NURS 3311 | Nursing Art & Science: Family-Centered Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 3312 | Health Assessment: Maternal and Child Care | 2.5 |
| NURS 3313 | Nursing Practice: Family-Centered Care | 5.0 |
| NURS 3315 | Leadership: Partners in Health Promotion | 3.0 |
| NURS 3316 | Relational Practice: Engaging with Families | 3.0 |
| Total | 16.5 |
Year III: Semester IV: Community Health & Mental Health and Psychiatry (Health Promotion)
| NURS 3411 | Nursing Art & Science: Vulnerable Populations | 3.0 |
| NURS 3412 | Health Assessment: Community Health and Mental Health | 2.5 |
| NURS 3413 | Nursing Practice: Community Health and Mental Health | 5.0 |
| NURS 3415 | Leadership: under development | 3.0 |
| NURS 3417 | Nursing Inquiry: Research in Nursing | 3.0 |
| Total | 16.5 |
Year IV Semester V: Complex Health Challenges (Adult/Older Adult)
| NURS 4511 | Nursing Art & Science: Acuity and Complexity | 3.0 |
| NURS 4512 | Health Assessment: Complex Health Challenges | 2.5 |
| NURS 4513 | Nursing Practice: Complex Health Challenges | 5.0 |
| NURS 4515 | Leadership: Influencing Health Care Reform | 3.0 |
| NURS 4518 | Nursing Elective: Issues in Nursing Practice Focus | 3.0 |
| Total | 16.5 |
Year IV: Semester VI: Complex Health Challenges (Professional Transition)
| NURS 4611 | Nursing Art & Science: Professional Transition | 1.5 |
| NURS 4613 | Nursing Practice: Professional Transition | 10.0 |
| Total | 11.5 |