Practical Nursing

Program Overview

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Conestoga College's Practical Nursing program prepares students to become Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) through a two-year, full-time program. Emphasizing hands-on learning, work-integrated experiences, and a focus on seniors care, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to provide person-centered care in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are well-positioned for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• The Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College is a career-focused program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and a valued member of the healthcare team.
• The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and compassion in delivering person-centered care within a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.
• Students gain a solid foundation in the physical, psychosocial, and nursing sciences, with a particular focus on seniors care to meet the needs of an aging population.
• The program features extensive hands-on learning through real-life experiences and career-related work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, fostering professional development and career readiness.

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Objectives:

• Prepare graduates to practice safely and effectively as entry-level RPNs in diverse healthcare settings.
• Equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for professional practice, including ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and effective communication.
• Foster a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development among graduates.
• Empower graduates to advocate for clients and contribute to the provision of safe, quality care within the healthcare system.

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Program Description:

• The Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College is a full-time, two-year program delivered in Kitchener – Doon campus.
• The program is divided into four semesters, each spanning approximately 13 weeks.
• The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience through various learning activities, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Skills labs
• Clinical placements
• Simulations
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Self-directed learning

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The Practical Nursing program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Mental Health
• Nutrition
• Health Assessment
• Communication Skills
• Ethics and Law
• Leadership and Management
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Seniors Care
• Community Health
• Acute Care
• Chronic Care
• Students typically take 4-5 courses per semester, with each course running for approximately 13 weeks.
• The course schedule balances theoretical instruction with practical application through various learning activities.

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Individual Modules:

• The program is divided into several modules, each focusing on specific areas of nursing practice.
• Each module includes a combination of theoretical and practical learning activities, culminating in a summative assessment.
• Examples of modules include:
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Health Assessment
• Pharmacology
• Mental Health
• Seniors Care
• Acute Care

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes, including:
• Written examinations
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Clinical performance evaluations
• Skills demonstrations
• Portfolios
• Reflective journals

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are based on established criteria aligned with program learning outcomes and professional standards for RPNs.
• Key assessment criteria include:
• Knowledge and understanding of nursing theory and practice
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Clinical skills and judgment
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism and ethical behavior
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Client-centered care

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and promote active engagement.
• Examples of teaching methods include:
• Interactive lectures
• Small group discussions
• Case-based learning
• Problem-based learning
• Simulations
• Role-playing
• Clinical supervision
• Guest speakers
• Online learning resources

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a dedicated team of experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in various nursing specialties.
• The faculty includes:
• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Educators
• Physicians
• Other healthcare professionals
• These approaches include:
• A strong emphasis on work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
• Integration of technology into the curriculum, such as simulations and online learning resources, to enhance learning and assessment.
• A focus on interprofessional education, allowing students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and develop teamwork skills.
• A commitment to cultural competency, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive care to diverse populations.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the Practical Nursing program are prepared for a variety of career paths within the healthcare field, including:
• Hospital-based nursing
• Long-term care facilities
• Public health agencies
• Community health centers
• Home care agencies
• Private clinics
• Occupational health settings
• Graduates of the Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College are well-positioned to secure employment in various healthcare settings.
• They can expect competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages, with opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

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Career Outcomes:

• Conestoga College graduates of the Practical Nursing program have consistently achieved high employment rates upon graduation.
• The program maintains a strong reputation for producing job-ready and highly competent nurses who are valued by employers in the healthcare sector.

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Other:

• The Practical Nursing program at Conestoga College is recognized by the College of Nurses of Ontario, and graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Practical