Practical Nursing
There is a growing demand for practical nurses who have the skills and knowledge to work in healthcare environments such as medical, rehabilitation, and surgical facilities.
Over the course of 52 weeks, Vancouver Career College's Practical Nursing diploma program teaches students the clinical and holistic practices necessary to excel in this rewarding field. The curriculum covers topics such as gerontology, community medical care, and acute care, and meets the standards of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia.
Students gain hands-on nursing experience over the course of three separate practicum placements. They will also be mentored through a preceptorship that will help them to gain further insights into their chosen career field.
"I had a great instructor. She had worked in the field for many years and had been nursing her entire life. She taught us practical things and answered any question that we had, even if she had to do a little research.” - Mallory Y. Vancouver Career College Graduate
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia.
Term 1 - Course Information
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
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- This course will cover the fundamental roles, responsibilities and expectations of PN students and PN faculty members in this highly intensive educational program. There will be an emphasis on students taking an active role in their own learning. There will also be coverage of essay and research report writing, understanding plagiarism, referencing and citations. This course will develop student skills so that they are able to maximize learning in theory and lab coursework (i.e. listening skills development, effective note-taking) and are able to practice effective study strategies outside of class. Tips for time and stress management will be overviewed. Group theory and effective work in groups will also be introduced in this course. Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060.
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- This course introduces the learner to the concept of health as a dynamic, non-static process, rather than a goal. Viewed within the context of Canadian society, health is seen as a holistic process on which our daily choices have a significant effect. The integration of body, mind and spirit will be examined in order to develop an appreciation for the idea that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an impact on our state of health, and that health is comprised of six dimensions, each of which impacts well-being. Health promotion will be examined throughout the lifespan. Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: PN1000, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060.
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- This course will provide the learner with the opportunity to explore healing as a holistic process. In doing so, the following concepts will be examined: complimentary approaches to healing, common challenges to the healing process, the needs of persons with disabilities from a healing perspective, the concept of primary health care as a method of promoting healing, and basic Pharmacology.
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- This course will provide opportunities for participants to examine and practice the importance of caring within the context of human relationships; their own interpersonal style and how it affects others; interpersonal skills necessary to establish helping relationships; the phases of helping relationships between nurses and their clients; effective communication skills in groups; and ways of adapting communication when interacting with the physically and/or mentally disabled person.
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- This course introduces the learner to the evolution and position of practical nursing as a health profession within the health care system. It focuses on the legal, ethical, and philosophical bases for practice. The PN role, inter-disciplinary team, partnership, delegation, reporting and documenting are discussed. This course also explores reflective writing, practice and critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1050, PN1060.
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- This course gives an overview of the structure and function of 10 body systems. It also discusses various health promotion strategies toward optimal function of these systems.
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- This course emphasizes the development of basic nursing skillsthat support health promotion. The classroom and laboratorycomponents will assist the learner in acquiring the basicknowledge and skills of nursing assessment of health andenvironment, promotion of independence, activity, comfort, andpersonal care skills. This course is intended to help learnersintegrate theory from other courses with selected clients.Organizational skills, safety to practice and therapeuticcommunication are underlying themes of Nursing Arts.Prerequisites: None; Corequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020,PN1030, PN1040, PN1050.
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- Community practicum experiences (84 hours in total) provide the learner with opportunities to integrate the theory from semester I into practice. Through observational fieldwork with corresponding assignments, students will gain practical skills in communicating and caring for individuals with health challenges in a variety of community settings including residential care, community care, palliative care, ambulatory care, community clinics, adult daycare, and respite care. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060; Corequisites: None.
Term 2 - Course Information
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
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- Society is bombarded with a variety of myths, stereotypes, and prejudices related to aging. To gain a more factual picture of aging, we will explore the process and theories of aging. In particular, we will examine the demographic profile of the older adult, along with issues such as the aging family, personal adjustments required by the aging individual, and community resources available for the aging person. Health promotion and wellness in the older adult is a major theme. Geropharmacology will be addressed in this course. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070; Corequisites: PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060.
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- This course introduces the learner to gerontology, gerontological nursing, and the legal and ethical considerations related to caring for the older adult. It examines the age-related diseases in all body systems including psychogeriactric disorders and associated nursing interventions. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070; Corequisites: PN2010, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060.
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- This course focuses on effective communication with the olderadult. While it is generally agreed that the ability to communicateis an essential ingredient of being with others, age-relatedchanges often interfere with the process. The nurse needs tolearn not only to communicate effectively with the older adult ona one to one basis, but also needs to understand the benefits ofgroup communications to the psychosocial well being of theolder adult. In addition, this course emphasizes the importanceof effective communication and leadership skills with co-workersin long-term care settings. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010,PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070;Corequisites: PN2010, PN2020, PN2040, PN2060.
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- A further exploration of the legal and ethical responsibilities of the LPN, with a view towards the standards of practice, competencies, code of ethics and the scope of practice of other regulated health professionals (i.e. RNs and RPNs). Role analysis of the regulatory bodies, including the CLPNBC and the RNABC will be conducted. The importance of confidentiality for health care workers will be explored and learners will demonstrate their understanding of the seriousness of issues such as plagiarism, cheating, harassment and patient abuse. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070; Corequisites: PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2060.
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- This course emphasizes the development of practical nursing competencies in order to promote health and healing when caring for the older adult. Clients are viewed from a holistic perspective based on an accurate and comprehensive assessment of their unique needs. Laboratory and clinical experience component with promote integration of theory of practice. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070; Corequisites: PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040.
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- This 180-hour practicum is intended to provide the student with supervised experiences which will enhance the learner’s ability to integrate theory to practice in caring for the older adult in diverse care settings. The number of weeks of practicum will depend on the availability of the host agency (it will not exceed five weeks). Some examples include adult day centers, intermediate care, extended care, special needs units / psychogeriatric care. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060. Corequisites: None.
Term 3 - Course Information
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | CREDITS |
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- This course focuses on the promotion of health for individuals across the lifespan in acute care. Health promotion programs will be examined. The role of the practical nurse in supporting and assisting clients in acquiring information is explored to include the maternal and child client group. The responsibilities of accurate reporting and documenting will be discussed. The nurse also needs to understand the collaboration between various health sectors in order to ease transition when clients enter or leave acute care. Opportunities for client teaching and learning will be stressed. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070. Corequisites: PN3020, PN3040, PN3060.
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- This course emphasizes the promotion of healing of individuals across the lifespan in acute care and chronic diseases. The practical nurse must understand the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and the appropriate nursing interventions to plan and deliver care for clients. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070. Corequisites: PN3010, PN3040, PN3060.
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- This course is intended to prepare the student for the role of alicensed practical nurse. It further explores his/her role as anadvocate and partner. Issues such as Standards of Practiceand professional and union affiliations in practical nursing arediscussed. Being an effective team member, change theory andlifelong learning are explored. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010,PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070,PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070.Corequisites: PN3010, PN3020, PN3060.
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- This course emphasizes the development of nursing skills in the promotion of health and healing when caring or individuals who require acute nursing interventions. Building on the theory and practice from semesters I & II, a nursing process approach to the management of care is reinforced while integrating new knowledge and technical skills relevant in an acute care setting. The focus is on performing accurate, comprehensive nursing assessments and using the nursing process to determine care for clients requiring acute care across the lifespan. Opportunities for client teaching and learning will be stressed. The laboratory setting as well as the hospital setting will provide the opportunity for integration of theory to practice. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070. Corequisites: PN3010, PN3020, PN3040.
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- This supervised practicum provides the student with experience, which will enhance his/her ability to integrate and build on theory and practice in caring for individuals across the lifespan who require acute nursing interventions. The number of weeks of practicum will depend on the availability of the host agency (it will not exceed five weeks). The selection of learning experiences should be based client acuity and complexity. The distinct role of the practical nurse as a partner, collaborator and advocate with the health care team and the client needs to be emphasized. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070, PN3010, PN3020, PN3040, PN3060. Corequisites: None.
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- This one week course is developed specifically to prepare the Practical Nursing student for Preceptorship and clinical work after graduation. Guidance will also be given to the student in filling out forms required to apply for the National Exam (CPNRE) and for CLPNBC licensing.
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- The intent of the preceptorship is to provide transition for the learner from student to graduate. During this time, the student will work closely with a preceptor who will guide the student as a facilitator, teacher, and as a mentor to help the student gain further insights, awareness and knowledge through the realities of the work setting. The number of weeks of practicum will depend on the availability of the preceptor (it will not exceed five weeks). Program instructors will collaborate with the preceptor and learner to facilitate the preceptorship. Prerequisites: PN1000, PN1010, PN1020, PN1030, PN1040, PN1050, PN1060, PN1070, PN2010, PN2020, PN2030, PN2040, PN2060, PN2070, PN3010, PN3020, PN3040, PN3060, PN3070. Corequisites: None.
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- Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students review core program concepts and learning in order to market their skills effectively.