Practical Nursing Access

Practicing* and certified HCA’s are awarded credit towards their practical nursing program. This full-time diploma program was initiated in response to the need for recognizing past education, training and work experience of applicants to the Practical Nursing program. If applicants have achieved certification in the following programs: Health Care Assistant (HCA) or Resident Care Attendant (RCA) or a combined Home Support/Resident Care Attendant (HS/RCA) may be admitted to the access semester of the Practical Nursing program. This program includes a practicum placement. This experience within a workplace enables Instructional staff to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field. * 600 Hours of work experience, within the last two years, in a care facility where care is provided to a group of Gerontological clients. Work experience must be verified by an official employer letter. Individualized home care experience is not acceptable.

Learning Objectives

The Sprott Shaw College (SSC) Practical Nursing Program curriculum is based on the BC College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP, formerly the CLPNBC) Standards of Practice Framework. These include the Scope of Practice Standards, Professional Standards, and the Practice Standards as set out by BCCNP. On completion of this program graduates will:

• Apply the Entry to Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care to clients across the lifespan
• Practice within current legislation, Scope of Practice Standards, Practice Standards, and Professional Standards for Licensed Practical Nurses
• Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence
• Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients
• Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision-making processes
• Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting an evidence-informed practice
• Make practice decisions that are client-specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources
• Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed-upon care of plan
• Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing, and exploring with them in a caring environment
• Provide culturally safe, person-centred care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety and diversity
• Provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers as  appropriate
• Identify one’s own values, biases and assumptions and the influence of these on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team