Practical Nursing-A Respected Medical Field
Practicing in a professional manner within a legislative and ethical
framework; developing and sustaining therapeutic relationships with
clients; communicating effectively with clients, healthcare team members
and others; participating effectively as team members to support
clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes; and integrating
theory, principles and concepts into competent nursing practice are
some of the skills students walk away with from Centennial College’s
practical nursing program.
This respected undertaking prepares
students to work at hospitals, long-term care facilities and community
settings by offering a curriculum based on the College of Nurses’
Standards of Practice and Entry to Practice Competencies (2009) for
Ontario Registered Practical Nurse Students. To apply, applicants must
have completed, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Meanwhile, academic
requirements include: compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, Math
11M or U, or 12C or U, or equivalent, Biology 11C, or U, or 12C, or U,
or equivalent and one of the following sciences chemistry or physics
11U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent. In addition, non-academic requirements
are as follows: English proficiency, official transcripts of upgraded
courses (if required), Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition
(PLAR), where applicable; Canadian citizenship, permanent residence of
Canada or authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada); no criminal
convictions including those under the Narcotic Control or Food and
Drugs Acts; no subject of proceedings, with respect to professional
misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in
Ontario, or in nursing in another jurisdiction; no suffering from a
mental or physical disorder that makes it desirable in the public
interest that you not practice; annual clear vulnerable police check
prior to clinical placement, a completed immunization review form;
successful completion of a current recognized course in CPR Level HCP
(Health Care Provider) and standard first aid and a mask fit testing.
Once
students have met the requirements of the practical nursing program,
they will study for two years to obtain an Ontario College Diploma.
During that time, nursing students have access to a range of
knowledgeable, highly-regarded and experienced faculty members,
well-equipped labs (including an interactive simulation lab), academic
and personal counselling, on-campus activities and free tutoring. Small
group instruction in the clinical and laboratory settings utilizes
the latest technology, such as computerized simulation. Meanwhile,
classroom instruction is supplemented by independent study, multimedia
support and on-going clinical experience.
Graduates may pursue
further study in Centennial Continuing Education programs: RPN -
Perioperative Nursing or RPN - Advanced Mental Health. They may also
pursue further study a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through
Centennial’s innovative Bridging program
Upon graduation, duties of those in practical nursing
include: providing both comfort and emotional support, offering basic
bedside care, administering medications, completing charts, checking
vital signs and keeping track of intravenous therapy. The Canadian
Nurses Association predicts that this year, there will be a severe
shortage of nurses. This shortage could mean that from 59,000 to
113,000 nurses will be needed.
Emma wrote this article. She notes
that Centennial College offers students the training they need to
become practical nurses. Instructors in the practical nursing program all have experience in the field, which is highly beneficial to students.
