Practical Nursing

Program Description

As a student in PND, you’ll learn nursing theory in class, on-line, and through hands-on clinical placements. In addition, you will study anatomy and physiology, English, computer applications and take general education subjects such as psychology and Canadian studies.

Experience in the nursing practical laboratory and in several hospital and community settings will be integral to your studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards for all Ontario College Credential programs as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the following:

• practise in a professional manner within a legislative and ethical framework.
• develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with clients.
• communicate effectively with clients, health care team members, and others.
• participate effectively as a team member to support clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
• integrate theory, principles, and concepts into competent nursing practice.
• complete assessments in a holistic, comprehensive, and analytical manner.
• prioritize and organize nursing and health care.
• implement and evaluate nursing interventions competently.
• use a variety of technological tools to support clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
• apply principles of teaching-learning to promote clients’ health and wellness.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation(C), University Preparation(U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)

All applicants require:

• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 11 Biology (C)
• Grade 12 Physics or Chemistry (C)
• Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)

Applicant Selection:

• Applications will be selected on the basis of a Reading Comprehension, English and Mathematics test, usually administered at a College orientation session. A questionnaire may be administered to applicants during the College orientation session. This assessment, along with academic achievement (i.e. grades in the pre-requisite subjects or their equivalents), will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined.

Required:

• A valid certification in Basic Rescuer Level Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Health Care Provider prior to clinical placement.
• A valid certificate in Standard First Aid (SFA) prior to clinical placement.
• A current medical and immunization report prior to clinical placement.
• A current police record check.
• A record of respirator fit test prior to clinical placement.

Note: Since the number of eligible applicants frequently exceeds the number of places available, every effort is made to ensure the applicants selected are those with the highest likelihood of success.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

Prepare for your career in Practical Nursing with this five-semester diploma program. Our graduates find employment opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities and in the community.

Provincial Registration

In order to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse, Practical Nursing Program graduates must be successful in the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario, and must maintain their certificate of competence thereafter. As a result of regulations arising out of the Nursing Act 1991, applicants for registration in Ontario must not have:

1. been convicted of a criminal offence or an offence under the Narcotic Control Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada);
2. any physical or mental condition/illness that may affect ability to practice.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be reviewed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (C.N.O.) to determine if registration will be granted.

Successful Ontario registrants are eligible for registration throughout Canada (French required in Quebec).

Affiliations and Associations

• College of Nurses of Ontario
• Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Curriculum

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