Practical Nursing Program

Also see: Practical Nursing Access Program

Learn with the largest Practical Nursing career trainer in Canada.

Sprott-Shaw Community College’s Practical Nursing programs will prepare students in the rewarding career of health care. With the aging population, Health Care and Health Care Providers are one of the hottest career opportunities available. Practical Nursing is one of the quickest growing segments in healthcare. They provide care for patients under the direction of physicians, nurses, and other health team members. In other provinces this occupational group may be referred to as licensed nursing assistants, registered nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants or registered practical nurses.

Practical nurses (PN) provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations. They distribute medication to patients, treat bedsores, prepare and give injections and enemas, apply aseptic dressings, insert catheters and perform other personal treatment. They help patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene. They feed them, keep them comfortable and care for their emotional needs.

Outside the ward, PNs observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They may collect samples from patients for testing and perform routine laboratory tests.

• Fully accredited 12 Month program…(plus a free, upgraded exam prep course).
• Starting April 2012 all Practical Nursing programs in BC will be longer than 12 months.

Our grads are working at most major hospitals and care facilities in the province.

Want to speak to someone regarding our LPN program? Click here to contact us.

Entrance Requirements: Grade 12/GED or mature student status. Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and entrance assessments.

Prerequisites: Biology 12 (C grade or equivalent) or SSCC Biology Basics; English 12 (C grade or equivalent—ask an advisor for Language Proficiency Requirements equivalencies form); Math 10 (C grade or equivalent is recommended). Portfolio including: PN Composition; English Essay (2 pages); two letters of reference; Resume; Immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chicken pox, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B and flu immunization within flu season). Physician’s letter; approved Criminal Record Check; Clear TB skin test / chest x-ray (all must be done no more than 3 months before the start date of the program).

Other specifications: Word processing and computer skills are an asset; a caring attitude with sincere interest in people of all ages who require all levels of care; supportive courses in biology, psychology and/or sociology are assets, as is a basic foundation in mathematical calculations; flexibility to changing practicum shifts and to a variety or clinical settings and locations. For those without work experience, a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer work in a health-related agency is strongly recommended, along with a letter of reference.

Note: CPR Certificate (Basic Life Support) Level C and Standard First Aid, FoodSafe and WHMIS will be completed during the program.

Diploma Requirements: Passing grade in all courses of 70% or higher (exceptions are PN102 and PN202); 70% average for Diploma; 90% average for Honours Diploma. NOTE: Successful completion of this program does not guarantee a license to practice. That license is issued by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C. only after successful completion of the mandatory national examination.

Total Program Hours: 1390 Hours.
Full-time Program Length: 50 Weeks (11.6 Months).
Clinical/Practicum/Preceptorship: Required hours as set out by CLPNBC – Work Placement Overview.

Career Opportunities: Practical Nurse; Certified Nursing Assistant; Nursing Assistant

Program may not be available at all campuses. Program content is subject to change.

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