STUDENT HANDBOOK RPN TO BSCN BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAM
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RPN TO BSCN
BLENDED LEARNING PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2020-2021
COVID-19
During this unprecedented and continuously changing time there may be
necessary revisions to certain sections of this handbook. Please review the
information on the Nipissing University website and information sent to
your email for the most current information regarding changes relating to
COVID-19.
Revised June 2020
WELCOME It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Nipissing University’s Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Blended Learning Program. We are delighted that you have chosen to pursue a Nipissing University degree in nursing that utilizes a unique partnership model with your employer and other clinical sites to support your educational experience. It is our sincere hope that you enjoy your experience of blended learning and that you find the program both academically challenging and professionally rewarding. At the heart of the Nipissing experience is our commitment to personalized learning; this is one of our defining strengths and is at the root of our consistently high student satisfaction ratings. The University is committed to ensuring you have the right academic and student resources to set you up for success. There are numerous tools and supports available to you as you embark on this new journey. Many of those resources are listed in this handbook and we encourage you to explore everything Nipissing has to offer you. This handbook addresses program specific policies and information for the RPN to BScN Blended Learning Program. Please read it carefully. If the information in the handbook is not clearly understood you should seek clarification from the program administration, nursing faculty, program staff and/or an academic advisor. We wish you success in your studies and in your future nursing career. The Blended Learning Program Faculty, Staff & Administration
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CURRICULUM..........................................................................1
Introduction ............................................................................. 1
Statement of Nursing................................................................ 1
Nursing Education.................................................................... 1
Mission, Vision and Values........................................................ 2
RPN to BScN Blended Learning Program Curriculum Weave....... 2
Values Defined.......................................................................... 2
Program Description................................................................. 4
Program Outcomes................................................................... 4
References................................................................................ 4
COLLEGE OF NURSES OF ONTARIO..........................................5
GENERAL ACADEMIC GUIDELINES............................................6
Grades..................................................................................... 6
Required Withdrawal from a Program....................................... 6
Course Syllabi.......................................................................... 6
Textbooks................................................................................. 6
Assignments............................................................................. 6
Absences from Quizzes, Tests, etc.............................................. 7
Examination Location................................................................ 7
Absences from Final Examinations............................................. 7
Expected Theory Course Commitment........................................ 8
Expected Clinical Commitment .................................................. 8
Requesting/Reporting Time Off................................................. 9
Policy on Academic Dishonesty.................................................. 9
Plagiarism/Dishonest Behaviour................................................ 9
PROCEEDING IN THE PROGRAM..............................................9
ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR CLINICAL PRACTICUM COURSES......10
Clinical Commitment Form (Clinical Intention to Register)........... 10
Clinical Course Registration..................................................... 11
Clinical Planning - Student Responsibility and Fees................... 12
Students Contacting Agencies Regarding Clinical Placements.... 13
Student Employment at a Partner Health Care Agency.............. 13
Attendance Policy (for Clinical Practicum courses)..................... 13
Clinical Experience Location.................................................... 14
Clinical Location Requirements................................................. 14
Clinical Experience Cancellation.............................................. 14
INCIDENT OR INJURY DURING CLINICAL PRACTICUM.............14
NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS..........................................14
Submission of Documents for Clearance................................... 14
Submission Schedule............................................................... 15
Police Vulnerable Sector Check
(PVSC):.................................................................................... 15
Health Requirements - Communicable
Disease Screening Form (CDSF):............................................... 15
Transportation........................................................................ 16
Uniform Policy in Clinical Practice Setting................................. 16
Acute Care Placement Centers ................................................. 16
Dress Code for Community Based and
Mental Health Placements ....................................................... 17
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WRITING GUIDELINES..........................18
ONLINE LEARNING TOOLS....................................................19
USB Headset........................................................................... 19
Computer and Laptops............................................................. 19
Respondus LockDown Browser................................................. 19
Wireless vs ‘Wired’ Connections.............................................. 19
ACADEMIC RESOURCES.........................................................20
Academic Advising.................................................................. 20
Harris Learning Library ........................................................... 20
University Technology Services (UTS)........................................ 20
Student Development and Services (SDS).................................. 20
Student Accessibility Services (SAS).......................................... 20
Student Learning & Transitions (SLT).......................................... 20
OTHER RESOURCES...............................................................21
Financial Aid, Scholarships, Bursaries, And Awards................. 21
Student Financial Assistance.................................................... 21
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)............................. 21
Codes of Conduct.................................................................... 21
Code of Student Conduct.......................................................... 21
Professional Conduct............................................................... 21
Privacy and Confidentiality Conduct......................................... 22
Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Violence Response....... 22
NETIQUETTE GUIDELINES.......................................................23
CURRICULUM, STUDY PLAN AND COURSE AVAILABILITY.........26
NCLEX-RN STUDENT PREPARATION........................................32
CONTACT INFORMATION......................................................34CURRICULUM
Introduction Learning Nursing Program.
The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to Health is a personal and societal resource.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Health is defined and redefined by each
Blended Learning program provides individual (family, community, population)
learners with a quality university education and has a unique meaning to each. Health
through an alternative delivery model, is affected by a variety of determinants that
which is a ‘blend’ of both online courses are dynamic across the lifespan. Wellness
and face to face clinical practicum and illness may coexist and, in fact, may
experiences. Nursing is a dynamic, intersect. Health may be promoted at any
demanding profession, therefore, learners time and may be enhanced, maintained,
must demonstrate intellectual and clinical or destroyed by the actions of persons or
competence, and function according to environments. Health facilitates the work
the professional standards of the College of individuals, families, communities and
of Nurses of Ontario. The purpose of the populations in working toward their life
program is to assist you in developing goals.
the competencies required to become a Person is an ever-changing being
Registered Nurse. in constant interaction with his/her
As an adult learner you have made environment. Each person is unique in that
significant personal, professional, each comes with individual experiences
and financial commitments towards that inform the moment and the process
furthering your education. You are of dynamic and creative change. For the
joining a community of learners and a purposes of nursing and nursing education:
program team who respect and share persons are individuals; persons may be
these commitments. Your experience will clients, nurses, colleagues; persons are
include the rewards and challenges of role members of and form families, groups,
transition from RPN to BScN graduate. communities and populations.
As a distance education student, your Environment is the ever-changing context
active involvement in this online learning within which we live and work and hence,
community is essential. Connecting with experience health. Our relationship
your classmates and the program team with the environment is interactive and
will support your success and enjoyment allows for an ever-evolving perception
in earning this BScN degree. The skills, of our potential for change and growth.
knowledge, and experience you bring as Components of the environment may be
a practicing RPN will complement your political, economic, social, biological,
coursework. As a successful learner, you technological, spiritual, cultural and
will take initiative to reflect, research, and ecological.
build on current knowledge and skills to
broaden your learning experience and Nursing is the art and science of caring
ultimately, transform your nursing practice within a therapeutic relationship. The
(Legg, Adelman, Mueller, & Levitt, 2009; nurse uses caring, communication,
McAllister, 2015). critical thinking and change to co-create
health with clients and with members of
Statement of Nursing multidisciplinary teams. The process is
oriented to the activities of promotion,
Nursing, as a profession, has agreed on
protection, maintenance, restoration, and
four major concepts that are common to
palliation.
nursing theories and nursing program
curricula. The following definitions of the
Nursing Education
concepts reflect the values and beliefs of
the Nipissing University RPN-BScN Blended Nursing education is an interactive process
1between teachers and learners within an • Critical Inquiry
environment that encourages self-directed • Scholarship
learning and participant accountability. • Knowledge
Uniqueness, open inquiry, and a • Leadership
commitment to continued education are • Innovation
promoted. Application of knowledge and • Personalized Role Transition
skills in a professional, caring, and holistic
manner is expected. Nursing education RPN to BScN Blended Learning
should provide a broad general education, Program Curriculum Weave
preparation in professional nursing, and a
The values of the RPN to BScN Blended
basis for graduate study.
Learning Program are woven throughout
Curriculum development in this program the curriculum with a specific emphasis
embraces knowledge from a variety of on four core values of professionalism,
disciplines. The natural sciences, social leadership, critical inquiry, and caring.
sciences, and human sciences contribute
The values act as curricular threads,
to the development of nursing knowledge
interwoven to connect the courses of the
in providing a broad basis for students
curriculum as depicted in the Curriculum
to understand the context of the human RPN to BScN Blended Learning Program
Weave diagram below.
health experience. Faculty and students Nipissing University
explore curriculum content, nursing
concepts, and nursing issues from a variety
ry
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Mission, Vision and Values ity
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To graduate caring, professional nurses hi
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prepared through critical inquiry and Le on m &
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scholarship. The blended nursing program n ov d
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encourages a personalized student o s
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education and prepares students to engage
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in evidence informed practice with diverse
individuals, families, and populations.
Vision Values Defined
To provide quality Baccalaureate of Critical inquiry is a process that expands
Science in Nursing education to Registered on critical thinking where students reflect
Practical Nurses within a collaborative and examine their beliefs, assumptions,
and diverse learning community in which ideas, principles, relevant theory, and
nurses will continue to expand their resulting actions in nursing practice
professional knowledge and role as leaders (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2014).
in healthcare. Theoretical and clinical practicum
Values courses provide students with diverse and
personalized learning opportunities to
• Caring synthesize, evaluate, generate, and apply
• Safe and competent practice knowledge as students engage in their
• Communication discovery and transition to the Registered
• Professionalism Nurse (RN) role.
• Collaboration
• Diversity Scholarship involves intellectual and
2creative activities that guide students and technology supported learning
through the process of generation, environment.
validation, synthesis, and application of
Caring is a process in which a nurse
knowledge to nursing practice (Canadian
creates a healing environment to address
Association of Schools of Nursing, 2013).
clients’ holistic needs (Lukose, 2011).
Students are encouraged to expand their
Students build on their skills, experience,
depth and breadth of knowledge by
and knowledge of caring concepts by
researching scholarly databases, current
incorporating relational caring for self
literature, and incorporating evidence-
and others, developing and maintaining
informed theory in all courses.
a holistic and client-centred practice, and
Knowledge refers to the conceptual, sharing the human experience.
factual, and theoretical information
Diversity is “the variation between people
that is learned in a program (Canadian
with respect to ethnicity, national origin,
Association of Schools of Nursing,
race, gender, ability, age, physical
2015). The Blended learning program
characteristics, religion, values, beliefs,
supports students to further develop their
sexual orientation, socioeconomic class
foundational knowledge and nursing
or life experiences” (Canadian Nurses
practice by incorporating various
Association, 2010, p. 16). In the program,
ways of knowing. The diverse ways of
we recognize and value diversity by
knowing include empirics, aesthetics,
acknowledging, appreciating, and
ethics, personal knowing (Carper, 1978;
supporting the uniqueness of individuals
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario,
and communities. Students engage in
2013), and emancipatory knowledge
self-reflection and learning activities as a
(Chinn & Kramer, 2011).
means to identify and analyze their own
Professionalism is demonstrated by ethical values and beliefs, and integrate cultural
behaviour, integrity, respect, responsibility, safety within all learning environments.
and the values associated with the
Safe and competent practice refers to
practice of nursing. It is a core value and
the “nurse’s independent ability to use
an expectation within the RPN to BScN
her/ his knowledge, skill, judgment,
Blended Learning program. Students are
attitudes, values and beliefs to perform
supported in their commitment to lifelong
in a given role, situation and practice
learning and in the transformation of their
setting” (College of Nurses of Ontario,
professional presence.
2014, p. 11). Students are prepared for
Collaboration involves working together the added responsibilities and challenges
in a coordinated approach to achieve of the RN scope of practice by expanding
a common goal. The program provides their judgment and competency, and by
opportunities for learners to collaborate incorporating evidence-informed practice
within an online learning community and to ensure optimal health outcomes for
values the importance of collaboration clients, families, and populations.
among interprofessional healthcare team
Leadership is an interactive process
members with a focus on client-centred
which influences or inspires people to
care.
work together towards a common goal.
Communication is the exchange of Leadership skills develop from personal
information between two or more people. qualities that are gained through
Nurses intentionally use communication knowledge, skills, experience, and
skills to develop and maintain therapeutic education (Registered Nurses Association
relationships with individual clients, of Ontario, 2013). Nurses demonstrate
families, populations, and interprofessional leadership by providing, facilitating, and
health care teams. In the blended program, promoting the best possible care to the
students learn to navigate the complexities public. Students in the program enhance
of communicating in both a traditional their capacity for leadership through
3experiential engagement of theoretical when practicing professionally within the
and clinical learning within the healthcare legislative and ethical requirements.
community. 2. Exemplify professional communication
and collaborative behaviors in
Innovation is the application of knowledge
relationships with individuals, families,
and skill to redesign or re-imagine ideas
populations, nursing colleagues, and
and experiences. Innovation requires
interprofessional healthcare team
deconstructing long-held assumptions and
members.
traditions in order to enable evidence-
3. Demonstrate cultural competence
informed approaches that support a
in nursing practice among diverse
culture of smart risk-taking, creativity,
populations in a variety of contexts to
and excellence. The program challenges
ensure culturally safe care.
students to critically think among people,
4. Integrate critical inquiry through ongoing
ideas, and technology in preparation
reflection and examination of relevant
for a professional nursing career that is
theories and knowledge in nursing
adaptable to the complexity of current and
practice.
future healthcare environments.
5. Demonstrate leadership attributes that
Personalized role transition refers to the promote adaptation, goal achievement,
evolution of an individual’s state of mind and innovation.
as it applies to their professional role (Suva 6. Commit to self-regulation, scholarship,
et al., 2015). To facilitate role transition and nursing competence through
from RPN to BScN, the program respects the personalized role transition from
individuals’ previous nursing education registered practical nurse to BScN.
and practice, integrates principles of adult 7. Integrate evidence-informed literature
learning, and emphasizes learner-centered with the nursing process to practice safe
experiences. By becoming actively engaged and competent nursing care.
in their role transition, students take 8. Synthesize new knowledge by using
initiative in their learning and ownership various sources of information and
for their continued competence, scholarly communication technologies towards
practice, and success within an inclusive monitoring and evaluating health
and positive learning community. outcomes in individuals, families, and
populations.
Program Description
The RPN to BScN Blended Learning References
program provides an opportunity for Carper, B. A. (1978). Fundamental patterns
RPNs to transition into a Baccalaureate of knowing in nursing. Advances in
of Science in Nursing through multiple Nursing Science, 1(1), 13-23.
modalities such as face to face,
Canadian Association of Schools of
synchronous and asynchronous distance
Nursing. (CASN, 2013). Position Statement
learning. The program uses Blackboard as
on scholarship among Nursing Faculty.
the learning management system for course
Retrieved from
delivery. Students participate in varied
https://casn.ca/wp-content/
learning activities that are technology
uploads/2014/10/
supported and accessible throughout
ScholarshipinNursingNov2013ENFINALmm.
Ontario. Students actively collaborate with
pdf
a diverse group of faculty who facilitate
scholarly learning. Canadian Association of Schools of
Nursing. (CASN, 2015). National Nursing
Program Outcomes education framework: Final report.
On completion of the RPN to BScN Blended Retrieved from
Learning program, the graduate will: http://www.casn.ca/wp-content/
uploads/2014/12/Framwork-FINAL-SB-
1. Apply caring concepts and caring theory Nov-30-20151.pdf
4Canadian Nurses Association. (2010). Lukose, A. (2011). Developing a practice
Canadian Nurse Practitioner core model for Watson’s theory of caring.
competency framework. Retrieved from Nursing Science Quarterly, 24(1), 27-30.
http://www.cno.org/globalassets/for/ doi:10.1177/0894318410389073
rnec/pdf/competencyframework_en.pdf
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
Chinn, P. L., & Kramer, M, K. (2011). (RNAO, 2013). Developing and sustaining
Integrated Theory and Knowledge nursing leadership best practice guideline
Development in Nursing (8th ed.). St. Louis, (2nd ed.). Retrieved from
MO: Mosby/Elsevier http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/
LeadershipBPG_Booklet_Web_1.pdf
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2014).
Entry to practice competencies for Ontario McAllister, M. (2015). Exploring
registered practical nurses. Retrieved from transformative learning and the courage
http://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/ to teach a values based curriculum. Nurse
reg/41042_entrypracrpn.pdf Education in Practice, 15(6), 480-484.
Legg, T. J., Adelman, D., Mueller, D., & Suva, G., Sager, S., Mina, E. S., Sinclair,
Levitt, C. (2009). Constructivist strategies N., Lloyd, M., Bajnok, I., & Xiao, S.
in online distance education in nursing. (2015). Systematic review: Bridging the
Journal of Nursing Education, 48(2), 64- gap in RPN‐to‐RN transitions. Journal of
69. Nursing Scholarship, 47(4), 363-370.
COLLEGE OF NURSES OF ONTARIO
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) 4. Provide evidence of nursing practice.
is responsible for regulating nursing For most Ontario nursing graduates,
in Ontario. Here are some important evidence of practice is demonstrated by
Registration Requirements for those successful completion of a nursing program
applying to practice nursing in Ontario. for the category (RN or RPN) to which they
You must: are applying.
1. Complete a nursing program. You must 5. Demonstrate language proficiency
demonstrate the successful completion of in English or French. You must provide
a nursing program designed to prepare evidence that you are proficient in English
graduates for the category (RN or RPN) to or French. This includes demonstrating
which you are applying. you can communicate and comprehend
effectively, both orally and in writing, in
2. Complete a registration examination.
either language.
You must successfully complete the
registration examination approved by the 6. Provide proof of citizenship, permanent
College for the category (RN or RPN) to residency or authorization under the
which you are applying. Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
(Canada). You must be a Canadian citizen
3. Complete the jurisprudence
or a permanent resident of Canada or hold
examination. You must successfully
authorization under the Immigration and
complete the RN/RPN Jurisprudence
Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to engage
Examination. This online exam assesses
in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
your awareness and understanding of
the legislative and regulatory framework 7. Report past offences, findings and
(i.e., laws, regulations, and College by- other specified matters. You must truthfully
laws, practice standards and guidelines) state if you have ever been found guilty
governing the nursing profession in Ontario. of an offence, had a finding related to the
practice of nursing or another profession
5against you, or are involved in certain For more information on registration and
proceedings. practice requirements, please contact the
CNO at :
8. Meet College requirements related
www.cno.org/en/become-a-nurse/
to health and conduct. Before you are
new-applicants1/ontario/registration-
registered, the College must be satisfied
requirements-for-rns-and-rpns/
that you do not suffer from any physical
or mental condition or disorder that could CNO website: www.cno.org
affect your ability to practice nursing in a or call 1-800 387-5526
safe manner.
GENERAL ACADEMIC GUIDELINES
Please refer to the academic calendar for Required Withdrawal from a
the most complete and current information Program
regarding Nipissing University policies and
regulations. Students will be withdrawn from the BScN
http://academiccalendar.nipissingu.ca program should they receive more than one
grade of “Unsatisfactory” in any Clinical
Grades Practicum courses. See the academic
calendar for additional information on
• Successfully complete all NSGD courses being asked to withdraw.
with a minimum grade of 60%, and
all clinical practicum courses with a Course Syllabi
“Satisfactory” grade;
• A student may be allowed to repeat a In each course you will be provided with
course once. A student may attempt a a course syllabus (outline). This outlines
theory course for a third time only with all course activities and acts as a contract
departmental approval. between student and the course instructor.
• A student in the nursing program may
not receive an “Unsatisfactory” grade Textbooks
in more than one clinical practicum Required textbook information can be
course throughout the program. If found by going to the campus bookstore
a second “Unsatisfactory” grade is at www.nipissingu.bkstr.com. Students who
achieved, the student will be required wish to be successful need to be using the
to withdraw from the nursing program. most recent edition of the textbook. The
• Complete the program within seven (7) School of Nursing strongly recommends
years of the original date of admission; that students obtain the most recent version
• Distinction at Graduation; of the required textbook(s). Courses are
Undergraduate students who graduate taught using the most recent version of the
with an overall average of 80% or textbook to ensure that students are not
higher on all courses taken at Nipissing learning out of date/incorrect information.
University and presented for the degree Do not photocopy or share PDF’s of
will be granted their degree “with textbooks.
distinction”. The overall average must
be calculated on a minimum of 60 Assignments
numerically graded credits (10 full The following guidelines apply unless
courses or equivalent) completed at indicated otherwise in the course outline.
Nipissing University and presented for All assignments must include references
the degree. and follow APA format. Assignments
must be submitted on time. Students can
normally expect five percent (5%) of the
6potential mark standardized to 100% any applicable deadlines will be sent to
will be lost for each workday of lateness. your Nipissing University student email
Spelling and grammar must be accurate. account each semester within eight weeks
All students are expected to develop of the final exam period.
skill with APA formatting throughout the
Some courses in this program have online
program, and deductions will be assigned
tests, quizzes and final exams. These may
for APA formatting errors. All assignments
be set up in your course using Secured
are due on the specified date. If permission
Online Testing Tools such as Respondus
is received for a late submission, the
Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor.
assignment will be due on the agreed upon
See section ONLINE LEARNING TOOLS on
date.
p. 19 for further details.
Absences from Quizzes, Tests, etc. Absences from Final Examinations
The following guidelines apply unless
Students who are unable to write final
indicated otherwise in the course outline.
examinations because of illness or other
A mark of zero (0) will be given for any
circumstances beyond their control, or
missed test or quiz. There will be no
whose performance on the examination
rewrites or supplemental tests or quizzes,
has been impaired by such circumstances,
unless alternate arrangements are made
may, on application, be granted permission
with the course instructor.
to write a deferred final examination.
Examination Location Details regarding the application and
process of deferred examinations may be
Some courses in this program have
found in the Final Examinations section of
in-person final exams at our North Bay
the Academic Calendar. Please be advised
campus on a set, inflexible date within
that travel or work arrangements or
the final exam period for that session. The
misreading the examination schedule are
dates of the final exam period for each
not valid reasons for requesting a deferred
session are available in the Important
examination.
Dates section of the Academic Calendar
each year. The exact date and time of your
exam(s) will be made available to you on
WebAdvisor at least eight weeks prior to
the start of the exam period each session.
If you wish to complete your exam(s) at a
location outside of North Bay, you must
submit a Distance Exam Request Form
to the Office of the Registrar after your
final exam schedule has been posted for
each session and prior to the withdrawal
deadline each session. You would be
responsible for booking any such exams
at an approved testing centre near you on
the same date as the exam taking place
in North Bay for your course(s), for any
fees charged by the testing centre for
their services, and for ensuring that your
completed Distance Exam Request form is
submitted to the Office of the Registrar at
distance_exams@nipissingu.ca prior to the
withdrawal deadline each session.
Further details regarding this process and
7Expected Theory Course Paid RPN hours cannot be counted towards
Commitment any non paid clinical hours. The role/scope
of a practicing RPN and BScN student
Time commitment for theory courses will are very different and the two cannot be
vary based on each student as well as the combined. Claiming paid hours towards
course, but expected time commitment is learning hours will be considered academic
eight to ten hours a week for each course. dishonesty under Nipissing University’s
It is expected that each student will have the policy on Academic Integrity. Students
required text. demonstrating this behaviour will be
subject to consequences that may include
Expected Clinical Commitment being reported to the CNO, and expulsion
To provide the best clinical experiences from the RPN to BScN Blended Learning
possible students can expect to commit Program.
the following hours in the clinical setting.
Please note that days per week/hours
may change based on the availability
of the clinical agency and the clinical
instructor. Clinical practicum course work
includes time in the clinical setting and
other assignments as listed in the course
outline. This may include assignments, case
studies, online discussions, testing or other
activities.
Total
Weekly Hours/
Course Hours/Term
Days in Clinical
(12 wk term)
NSGD 2106 - Clinical Practicum for RPN to 14 hours/
168
BScN 1 day
NSGD 2028 - Clinical Practicum - Nursing in 14 hours/
84 (6 wk term)
Specialized Settings - Mental Health 1 day
NSGD 2029 - Clinical Practicum - Nursing in 14 hours/
84 (6 wk term)
Specialized Settings - Women and Children varies
NSGD 3026 - Clinical Practicum - Family 14 hours/
168
Nursing in Diverse Settings varies
NSGD 3027 - Clinical Practicum - Nursing 14 hours/
168
Communities and Populations 1 to 2 days
NSGD 4026 - Clinical Practicum - Advanced 14 hours/
168
Nursing Practice 1 day
Varies
One semester
option = 36 hrs
420
NSGD 4027 - Clinical Practicum - Preceptorship per week
(12-24 wk term)
Two semester
option = 36 hrs
per two weeks
1260 Total
8Requesting/Reporting Time Off of the policy on academic dishonesty see
the appropriate section of the Nipissing
There are many circumstances which
Academic Calendar. Please note that
require students to withdraw from taking
instructors in this program are expected to
courses for a semester or more, such as
use plagiarism detecting software.
family commitments, financial concerns,
illness or injury and more. Students should Plagiarism/Dishonest Behaviour
notify the Program Manager if extended
time away from the program is expected. Students who commit acts of dishonesty
If ‘leave’ is required for illness or injury, are subject to penalty by the Dean. An
documentation from a health care provider example of such dishonest behaviour is
is required. For extenuating circumstances, when a student submits clinical documents
an extended leave may be granted. that have been falsified to the School of
Nursing. Any plagiarism or academic
Students who have not registered in courses dishonest behaviour that occurs during
for more than a 18-month period will be studies is reportable to the College of
required to apply for readmission before Nurses.
they will be permitted to register and will
be required to follow the degree and False, misleading, misrepresented, altered,
program requirements for the calendar omitted or forged documentation occurring
year in which they resume their enrolment. while in the program is considered
Previous enrolment in the program does not dishonesty. This behaviour can result in
guarantee readmission. serious consequences, including, but not
limited to; receiving a 0 or U in the course,
Policy on Academic Dishonesty suspension from the university, special
conditions for readmission, expulsion from
The University takes a serious view of such the program, and reporting the incident to
offences against academic honesty as the College of Nurses of Ontario. Please
plagiarism, cheating, and impersonation. see the academic calendar for additional
Penalties for dealing with such offences information.
will be strictly enforced. For full details
PROCEEDING IN THE PROGRAM
Please refer to the academic calendar for • Students who hold a previous university
the most complete and current information degree who have been exempted from
regarding Nipissing University policies courses, and students who have received
and regulations. http://academiccalendar. additional transfer credits must meet
nipissingu.ca with academic advising for assistance
• In order for the student to begin courses with a modified study plan. Although
in the next 1000 level, for example, it may sometimes be possible, students
from 2000 to 3000 level, all 2000 level who hold a previous degree or have
courses must be completed successfully, additional transfer credits should not
unless the student obtains prior approval expect to complete the program in less
from the RPN to BScN Blended Learning than five years.
Program Manager. • Students must adhere to the degree
• The RPN-BScN Blended Learning requirements in place for the year they
program is a part-time program were admitted to their program.
designed for students to take two courses • All NSGD courses require a minimum
per semesters over three semesters per grade of 60% to pass the course.
year for five years. It is not intended to • Clinical practicum courses are graded
be full-time and it is not designed with S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory).
options to fast track. Students must receive an S grade in
9these courses in order to proceed in the • Students who have not registered in
program. courses for more than a 18-month
• Limited enrolment assists the School of period will be required to apply
Nursing in managing clinical placement for readmission before they will be
opportunities. Students who follow permitted to register and will be required
the study plan, including selecting to follow the degree and program
their placements on their “Clinical requirements for the calendar year in
Commitment” form and meeting their which they resume their enrolment.
clinical clearance requirements will be Previous enrolment in the program does
prioritized for placement planning. not guarantee readmission.
• A student must complete the RPN to
BScN Blended Learning Program within
Dosage Calculation Competency
seven (7) academic years from initial Testing Schedule
registration in the Program. • All students will be required to
• All Students, including those taking time demonstrate proficiency in the Dosage
off of school are still expected to be Calculation Competency Course.
checking their Nipissing University email • Completion of the module and a grade
account for important messages from the of 90% on the final test are required to
University. be satisfactory.
Dosage When Module is Completion
Calculation Test to be Taken Required For
Test 1 During NSGD 2106 NSGD 2028/2029
Test 2 During NSGD 2029 NSGD 4026
Test 3 During NSGD 4026 NSGD 4027
ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR CLINICAL PRACTICUM COURSES
Satisfactory Performance: Students the student will have unsatisfactory
demonstrate consistency in meeting performance.
clinical learning outcomes, as well as • Students who fail a clinical course are
being satisfactory in clinical tests and encouraged to speak with the Program
assignments. Manager about the next opportunity to
repeat the course and program progress.
Unsatisfactory Clinical Performance:
• A student, who is unsatisfactory in 2
Students do not demonstrate consistency
clinical courses, will be required to
in meeting clinical learning outcomes as
withdraw from the nursing program.
outlined on the clinical evaluation form at
• In clinical practicum courses, students
the completion of a rotation.
must be satisfactory in all components
• If a student is not meeting the objectives (Practice, assignments and testing) of the
of a clinical practicum by mid-rotation, clinical course. An unsatisfactory grade
it will be documented and signed by in any one component will result in an
both the student and the professor/ unsatisfactory grade in the course.
instructor. Documentation will include
strengths, areas for improvement and Clinical Commitment Form (Clinical
strategies to structure success. Ongoing Intention to Register)
documentation will be maintained and Clinical planning for each year is done
signed by both the student and the based on the information students provide
professor/instructor. If improvement on their “Clinical Commitment” form in
is not noted by the final evaluation,
10WebAdvisor. The annual deadline for placements. The clinical placement team
submitting this form is November 1st for the needs each student to accurately indicate
following Spring/Summer, Fall and Winter. what placement they will be taking in which
Submission is done via WebAdvisor. semester (with careful consideration to
Information and Instructions are emailed to prerequisites and co-requisites and course
the student’s Nipissing email account in the offerings). This is important so we can
fall each year. Students who are admitted begin planning months ahead of course
in January will be required to submit their registration. If any plans change during the
initial selections in their first semester then year it is important to revise the selections
in the fall of that year and each year after. on the “Clinical Commitment” form by
submitting a change request.
Submitting the “Clinical Commitment” form
is not the same as registering for courses. Before making selections, please consult
This is our way to know the student intends the study plan, the academic calendar
to register for these clinical courses. This and/or any previously revised course plan
form is very important. It is what we use developed with Academic Advising or the
to make sure we plan the correct clinical Program Manager.
Clinical Course Registration
There are several additional requirements that need to be taken into consideration to
register for a clinical course. Please review these common issues if you are having difficulty
registering.
Clinical Have you been cleared for Clinical? You must meet all of the
Clearance clinical clearance requirements to be granted permission to register
in clinical courses. Contact clinicalclearance@nipissingu.ca for
additional information. NOTE - Winter semester clinical registration
is permitted only after the fall clinical clearance process is complete
in mid-December.
Clinical Have you previously selected your clinical course in the correct
Commitment semester on the “Clinical Commitment” form in WebAdvisor? If
Form you have not completed the form then we have not been planning
for you and we will not forward your name to the Office of the
Registrar to grant you permission to register. This form must
accurately reflect your intentions and be updated if your plans
change. Contact nursingblended@nipissingu.ca for additional
information.
Required Have you successfully completed all the required prerequisites? You
Prerequisites must complete the 2000 level courses before you can move onto
your 3000 level clinicals, and your 3000 level courses before you
can move onto your 4000 level clinicals. All NSGD courses require
a minimum grade of 60 to be considered successful. Refer to the
academic calendar for more information at
https://academiccalendar.nipissingu.ca/
Required Are you registering in corequisites at the same time? Several clinical
Corequisites courses must be taken with a corequisite. If you are registering in
these courses you must register for both courses at the same time.
Refer to the Academic Calendar for more information at
https://academiccalendar.nipissingu.ca/
11Tuition Have you paid all your fees? A financial restriction will be placed
and Fees on your account that will prevent you from registering. Please
contact the finance office for assistance in repaying any outstanding
fees or developing a payment plan, if required. Contact
finance@nipissingu.ca for additional information.
If you have answered “yes” to all of these questions and you are still having difficulty
registering then please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@nipissingu.ca.
Clinical Planning - Student November 1 after that.)
Responsibility and Fees • Students who fail to complete the form
by the deadline must request permission
Clinical planning begins months ahead of to submit the form late and will be
course registration. When placements are charged a $75 late fee.
arranged, the School of Nursing connects • For students who pay the $75 fee
with health care agencies and their and are permitted to submit a Clinical
placement representatives, hires instructors, Commitment Form late will have all
arranges clinical groups and adheres to selections pre-selected as ‘NONE’.
orientation requirements. Students have Students will then need to submit
an important role in the planning process. a “change request” to reflect their
Students need to be accountable for clinical intentions. Any clinical selection
careful selection of their clinical practicum change requested after November 1is
semesters. Late or incorrect selections and considered a “change request” and
untimely change requests create delays and may be subject to additional fees. (See
additional expenses for our agencies and Clinical Change Fee below - Changes
the university. requested with more than four months’
Please read the following message notice will not be subject to a change
carefully. fee.)
The “Clinical Commitment Form”(formerly Clinical Change Fee - $425.00
‘Clinical Intention to Register’) • Once the form is submitted, students who
Students will receive an email with detailed make changes to their clinical selection
instructions indicating when the form will less than 4 months before the start of
be available, how to access this form that course will be charged $425. (For
via WebAdvisor, and how to complete example, any change after January 1
the form. Students must complete their for a Spring/Summer clinical, May 1
selections by November 1 of each year. for a Fall clinical, and September 1 for
Students who begin the program in a Winter clinical are subject to fees).
January will have an initial deadline on Change requests affecting clinical
April 1 and then every November 1 after selections that are more than four months
that. The process is for selecting the clinical away will not incur additional fees.
practicum courses for the year ahead, Please see specific dates below.
Spring/Summer, Fall and Winter
1. 21SS: Spring/Summer 2021 Clinical
Clinical Commitment Form Late Fee - selection
$75.00 Any change requested after January 1
• The “Clinical Commitment Form” is to for a Spring/Summer clinical will incur a
be completed once a year in the fall and $425 fee. Change requests received up
the form is locked after the deadline of to December 31 will be processed with
November 1. (Students who begin the no fee.
program in January will have an initial 2. 21FW: Fall 2021 Clinical selection
deadline on April 1 and then every Any change requested after May 1 for
a Fall clinical will incur a $425 fee.
12Change requests received up to April 30 Student Employment at a Partner
will be processed with no fee. Health Care Agency
3. 21FW: Winter 2022 Clinical selection
Any change requested after September 1 Students are expected to remain employed
for a Winter clinical will incur a $425 fee. at a partner agency for the duration of
Change requests received up to August 31 the program and the School of Nursing
will be processed with no fee. must be notified when a student changes
employers. Due to the nature of our
For the majority of students who carefully partnerships, students who are employed
plan and select their clinicals and then at a partner agency will be given priority
proceed to those clinicals in the selected for confirmed placements. Students will
semesters, no fees will apply. not be removed from the program if they
This fee will be charged to students who are no longer employed at a partner
will not be attending a clinical that is agency, but must be aware that there
planned for them or for students requesting could be challenges in securing future
to be added to the clinical planning with placements. Being required to travel more
less than four months’ notice. The fee will than 100 kms, deferred or delayed clinical
be charged for reasons including, but placements, a delayed program completion
not limited to, failure to update the form, time are just some of the challenges that
completing the form incorrectly, geographic can arise when students are not employed
relocation without notification, conflicts with at a partner agency. Students are required
work schedules, financial restrictions that to inform the School of Nursing about any
prevent registration, lacking the required changes in employers so students are being
prerequisite courses, being absent from planned for appropriately. Failure to notify
orientation and not attending a planned the School of Nursing will be considered
clinical. dishonest behaviour and students may be
subject to consequences as laid out in the
Please note that making a change request Plagiarism/Dishonest Behaviour section of
to add a clinical after the four-month the RPN to BScN Blended Nursing Program
deadline will incur the $425 fee but does Student Handbook (see page 9).
not guarantee that a placement will be
secured. Any late requests will mean you Attendance Policy (for Clinical
will be added to a clinical planning waitlist.
Practicum courses)
The ability to secure a placement will be
affected by such things as how early in Full-time attendance is part of the value
the planning cycle the change is requested system of the professional nurse and of
and how many students and/or placement the nursing profession. Attendance at all
opportunities there are in the area. This clinical experiences (including pre-clinical
$425 fee is non-refundable, even if a and post-conference) is COMPULSORY and
placement is not secured. will contribute significantly to a student’s
success in nursing. All clinical orientation/
Students Contacting Agencies training is mandatory. Students who miss,
Regarding Clinical Placements or do not complete the required training,
will be removed from the clinical course.
All clinical placements are arranged Students must be aware of academic
through the Distance Placement dates, which can be found in the Academic
Coordinator. Students are not permitted Calendar. Students should NOT plan any
to contact agencies directly to discuss or travel during a clinical semester, including
try to arrange a placement or a preceptor during study week.
for any clinical course. The processes
established by the School of Nursing for Records of attendance during the clinical
placement must be followed. Circumventing experience (including pre-clinical and
these processes will pose a risk to your post-conference) will be maintained during
opportunity for placement. the length of the program. There will not
13be an opportunity for students to make up geographic areas (usually only NSGD
missed clinical time. For students missing 2028) a student may be required to
any time from clinical; their situation will defer the placement to the next available
be reviewed by the School of Nursing to semester.
assess if time missed has impacted the
student’s ability to consistently meet the Clinical Location Requirements
required course outcomes. Many placement agencies have mandatory
training and/or other requirements of
Clinical Experience Location students. Training sessions and other
Clinical placements are chosen with the requirements may be scheduled outside
expertise of the Program Manager, Clinical of the listed semester dates. The School of
Education Leader and Distance Placement Nursing does not schedule these sessions
Coordinator based on clinical areas that and cannot make changes to them.
agencies have available to create the
richest clinical experience possible to meet Clinical Experience Cancellation
the learning needs of the students. In some If clinical experience is cancelled due to
situations students may be required to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness
attend clinical placements in agencies other of the instructor, students will be notified.
than their home agency. The School of It is the responsibility of the student to
Nursing endeavors to limit students travel ensure that they always use their Nipissing
to no more than 100 km for their clinical University email and that the school has
experience, wherever possible. their most up to date contact information.
In some cases, if the School of Nursing is
unable to secure a placement in certain
INCIDENT OR INJURY DURING CLINICAL PRACTICUM
Students must notify the Clinical Instructor 8 hours of the incident occurring. The
immediately following any near miss, form can be found in all clinical course
incident or injury that occurs during a Blackboard sites.
clinical placement. In addition to an agency
Students will be assigned to a variety of
specific incident report a School of Nursing
agencies. Students assigned to clinical
Clinical Incident Form must be completed.
practice areas, as part of their program
The clinical instructor must notify the
requirements, will be covered by
Clinical Education Leader of the incident as
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
well as fax or email the completed School
(W.S.I.B.) All students will be required to
of Nursing Clinical Incident form to
complete a Student Declaration form on
705-474-6111 or
an annual basis in order to be covered by
nursingplacement@nipissingu.ca within
W.S.I.B while on clinical placement.
NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Students are responsible for all associated preparatory requirements, transportation to
costs and expenses incurred for application and from any theoretical and/or practicum
to or while enrolled within any Nursing course placement, etc.
program. These may include, but are not
limited to, the following: BCLS-HCP CPR Submission of Documents for
certification, police vulnerable sector check, Clearance
mask-fit testing, required lab/practicum
Clinical placement clearance requirements
equipment and/or supplies, licensure
are mandatory on an annual basis for all
14students in the clinical practicum courses documents are dated prior to September
including but not limited to Communicable 1st, they will not be accepted.
Disease Screening Form, CPR C, HCP or
equivalent certification, Mask Fit Testing Police Vulnerable Sector Check
and a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. (PVSC):
In addition, students may be required to
Your PVSC must have a request date
submit agency specific requirements or
within the first 30 days of the clearance
take part in agency specific training prior
period (i.e. January 1-30 and/or
to the start of the clinical placement. All
September 1-30). Requests dated outside
forms and instructions can be found on the
of this timeframe will not be given special
clearance website at the beginning of the
consideration due to delayed processing
clearance period at the following link:
if not received by the final deadline.
https://selfservice.nipissingu.ca/Student/
Processing times vary depending on region
Student/NursingApplication
and change during peak periods. It is in
False, misleading, misrepresented, altered, your best interest to request your PVSC
omitted or forged documentation occurring within the first 30 days of the clearance
while in the program is considered period.Police Vulnerable Sector Checks
academic dishonesty. This behaviour can are only considered valid by the School
result in serious consequences, including, of Nursing for one year from the date
but not limited to; receiving a 0 or U in of issue. Some placement agencies have
the course, suspension from the university, different “dates of validity” and students
special conditions for readmission, may be required to request and submit a
expulsion from the program, and reporting second PVSC if required by the agency.
the incident to the College of Nurses of Your local police authority may require a
Ontario. Please see the academic calendar representative of the School of Nursing
for additional information. to complete a “Consent to Disclosure”
form or letter. A personalized letter will
Submission Schedule be prepared and sent to your Nipissing
January intake - April 1st for initial University email by the Clearance Office in
submission, then November 2nd of the the beginning of each clearance cycle, if
same year and every year thereafter the police department requires additional
information please contact our office as
September intake - November 2nd for soon as possible.
initial submission, then November 2nd for
every year thereafter Health Requirements - Communicable
**NOTE** DEADLINES - It is strongly Disease Screening Form (CDSF):
encouraged that all required All students will be required to submit
documentation be submitted a minimum a completed Communicable Disease
of 30 days prior to the final submission Screening Form (CDSF) prior to starting
deadline. in the program. Communicable Disease
This will allow time for the School of Screening Forms must be renewed on
Nursing to review your documentation an annual basis. NOTE: Information
prior to the deadline. Documentation is only to be submitted using the CDSF
submitted at the last minute that is provided. No additional forms (i.e. medical
incomplete, out of date or missing will not documentation, lab results, etc.) will be
allow sufficient time for revision. accepted. Immunizations must be up-to-
date. TB testing and immunization for
Documentation received after the deadline
Hepatitis B (including a post immunization
will NOT be accepted.
Hepatitis B titer blood test) are required
Do not start renewing your documentation as mandated by the Ontario Hospital
too early. All documents need to have an Association. Failure to comply with the
issue date of September 1st or later. If your protocol for health records and submission
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