Full-time Programs
NURS - Nursing (BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING)
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Four-year Baccalaureate Degree (September–April each year)
Four-week intersession (April–May) following Year 3
Years 1 and 2 at Loyalist College; Years 3 and 4 at Brock University
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Vicki Niblett | niblett@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Meet new challenges every day in this personally and financially rewarding profession.
- In Ontario, across Canada and abroad, there is a strong demand for Registered Nurses.
- Loyalist is an international leader in integration of human simulation technology, with intensive, hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art Sim Lab.
- Students work in small clinical groups under the guidance of experienced faculty.
- The Brock/Loyalist collaborative degree delivers more clinical hours than any nursing program in the province.
To view our Human Simulation Laboratory web page click here.
Career Opportunities
Nursing today offers many choices, from making split-second decisions in the ER, to preventing illness through community health promotion. Nurses work:
- in hospitals: specializing in surgery and post-surgical care, emergency, intensive care, maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiovascular care, oncology (cancer) and psychiatry
- as educators: in public health units, schools, STD clinics, poison control centres, workplace wellness programs, family planning and baby wellness clinics
- providing ongoing care to patients in rehabilitation centres, hospices, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and community agencies providing home care
- in research and progressive leadership positions in health and government agencies
From prenatal health to palliative care, nurses deliver care at all stages of life. Like other essential service providers, nurses are needed 24 hours a day, and should expect to work evenings and weekends.
Program Description
Loyalist College and Brock University worked together to design a program that builds on the strengths of both institutions, delivering:
- two years at Loyalist followed by two years at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario
- innovative curriculum based on current nursing standards
- hands-on practice combined with academic excellence
- varied placements in the distinct health care environments of Belleville and St. Catharines, building a broad range of experience, and the critical ability to adapt to change
- upon graduation, a BScN from Brock University
Beginning in the first semester, students will experience:
- a combination of theory, lab work and clinical practice
- varied clinical placements in nursing homes, hospitals, and community health care agencies
- practice experience in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and psychiatry
- learning in small clinical groups under the guidance of an experienced faculty member
- realistic practice scenarios with hi-fidelity human clinical simulators in our Sim Lab
- the opportunity to develop confidence and competence in a safe, realistic learning environment
Before their third year, students achieve a smooth transition from Loyalist to Brock with:
- a campus orientation in St. Catharines
- meetings with Brock faculty and senior students
- access to housing assistance
- ongoing communications from faculty advisors at Brock
Graduates are eligible to write the Registered Nurse exams and, if successful, become registered members of the College of Nurses of Ontario. Registration in Ontario allows nurses to practice across Canada (except in Quebec) and in many U.S. states without further preparation.
Approximate Cost
Tuition: $5,063 (two semesters)
Books: $1,600 (Year One)
Equipment and Supplies: $500 (includes lab coat, uniforms, and stethoscope)
Travel expenses may be incurred during clinical placements
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent, with six OAC or Grade 12 (U) level courses; and
- Applicants must have a minimum average of 70% in each of biology, chemistry and English at the OAC or Grade 12 (U) level.
Recommended academic preparation –
- Mathematics: Any senior level mathematics, college (C) or university (U) level.
(b) Mature Applicants: Applicants who are 21 years old as of the first day of classes in the year of admission, who have been out of school for at least two years, and who do not have a secondary school diploma, may be considered for admission as a mature student. Mature applicants are required to have completed OAC or 12 (U) (or equivalent) biology and chemistry, and must demonstrate competence through diagnostic testing in English.
(c) Admission from Pre-Health: Applicants who have completed the Loyalist College Pre-Health Science Certificate, or an equivalent certificate from another college, and who have achieved an average of 70% or higher will be eligible for admission.
(d) Admission from Practical Nursing: Applicants who have successfully completed the Loyalist Practical Nursing diploma program with a minimum overall average of 70% will be eligible for admission. Course exemptions will be considered on an individual basis.
(e) Health: A formal, confidential personal health history as well as up-to-date immunization are required as part of the registration process.
(f) Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) is required prior to Year 3.
(g) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in most clinical placements, students will be required to complete a clean criminal record check by their local police service.
NOTE: To become a Registered Nurse in the province of Ontario, a recent Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Record Synopsis (CPIC) is required.
Opportunities for Further Study
Loyalist is committed to providing comprehensive learning opportunities for all stages of post-secondary education. Registered Nurses with a BScN can enroll in a Nurse Practitioner program and write a separate registration exam to become a Registered Nurse – Extended Class.
Graduates of the collaborative nursing degree are also eligible to pursue a graduate degree in Nursing or Education, to develop skills that would lead to a career in:
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
ANAT 1001 Human Anatomy & Physiology
This course provides a detailed examination of the anatomy and physiology of the healthy human body as well as basic concepts of microbiology. This course is an applied science course which provides a basis for understanding disease processes and therapeutic approaches.
COMM 1014 Self & Others
Provides the basic concepts and principles of intra and interpersonal communication. Explores factors influencing the perception and interpretation of communication including the use of self.
NURS 1000 Nursing Lab 1
This course introduces the beginning nursing student to skills required for promoting health and preventing illness. It includes practice in communication skills, holistic client assessment, analysis of data, health promotion, teaching/learning techniques, and selected psychomotor skills to promote fulfilment of basic needs.
NURS 1001 Nursing: The Canadian Context
This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and theoretical concepts in nursing and health care. It includes history of nursing, nursing education and the Canadian health care system. Standards of nursing practice, the nursing process, principles of Primary Health Care (PHC), determinants of health and the role of nursing are discussed.
NURS 1002 Nursing & Health Promotion
This course explores concepts of health, health promotion, health protection and illness prevention throughout the lifespan. The role of the nurse in encouraging positive health change in the areas of determinants of health is included.
NUTR 1000 Nutrition
This course provides an introduction to proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fuel in the production of energy for living. It includes the nutritional needs of specific client groups throughout the lifespan.
PSYC 1008 Lifespan Development
Lifespan Development This course examines growth and development from infancy to old age with an emphasis on the changes that occur in relation to physical, psychological, social, cognitive, moral and spiritual factors. Principles and determinants of development, as well as application of developmental theories, are studied.
First Year - Semester Two
NURS 1003 Health Assessment
This course examines health assessment through the lifespan. Students will study methods of obtaining and recording a holistic health assessment, including a health history, physical, and psychosocial assessment.
NURS 1004 Experiencing Illness and Hospitalization
This course includes theory related to the experience of illness/hospitalization with focus on clients experiencing surgical intervention, including pathophysiology, therapeutic management of common health problems and nursing care using the nursing process within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care. Trends in health care for surgical clients are explored, including movement to community and evidence-based practice.
NURS 1005 Nursing Practice: Experiencing Illness and Hospitalization
The course provides nursing practice experience related to care for clients experiencing surgical intervention. Practice settings include inpatient agencies, selected supportive community experiences. in-home experiences and simulated laboratiry experience.
NURS 1006 Pathophysiology
This course examines pathophysiological processes and their relationship to selelcted disease processes that impact on human wealth and wellness.
PHAR 1001 Pharmacology
This course includes theory related to drug absorption and movement across body membranes, drug distribution, biotransformation and clearance. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics and nontherapeutic responses will be examined. Drug development, and Canadian legislation governing the control of drugs is included.
Second Year - Semester Three/Four
NURS 2000 Self Perception and Interaction
This course explores therapeutic use of self in relationship building. Focuses on stressful situations, advocacy, improvement and group development.
NURS 2001 Nursing Care of the Young Family
This course examines theories, trends, and issues related to childbearing families including issues of health and illness related to pregnancy, labour and delivery, post partum, and care of infants and well children. Exploration of normal changes/processes, common problems, relevant pathophysiology, diagnostics and therapeutic management, including health promotion is included. Nursing care is examined using nursing process within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
NURS 2002 Nursing Practice: Nursing Care of the Young Family
This course provides students with practice experience related to the care of the childbearing family. Placement settings include inpatient unites and supportive community settings.
NURS 2003 Understanding Nursing Research
This course focuses on nursing research, its relevance to evidence based practice, both quantitative and qualitative methods, and the process of critiquing research. A brief discussion of basic statistics and their purpose is included.
NURS 2004 Care of the Acutely III Client
This course focuses on caring for clients of all ages who are experiencing acute illnesses or acute episodes of chronic health challenges, using nursing processes within a framework of the principles of Primary Health Care.
NURS 2005 Nursing Practice: Care of the Acutely III Client
This course provides students with the practice experience related to clients of all ages experiencing acute illnesses or acute episodes of chronic illness. Practice settings include hospital, community nursing agencies and supportive community experiences.
PSYC 2004 Psychology
This course is designed to promote familiarity with basic vocabulary, principles, and concepts of psychology. Areas of psychology include: research methods, sensation and perception, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation and emotion, thinking and language, attitude, health and personality.
SOCI 2003 Sociology
This course examines key concepts regarding society and socialization, self, culture and diversity, economic and political systems, environmental issues, analysis of family, and a discussion of the mandate for social change.
Third Year - Semester Five (at Brock University)
MATH 1P98 Basic Statistical Methods
Descriptive statistics; probability distributions, estimation; hypothesis testing; normal, chi-squared, t- and F-distributions; mean and variance tests; regression and correlation; and the use of statistical computer software.
Lectures, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one grade 12 mathematics credit.
Note: designed for students in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Business, Earth Sciences, Economics, Environment, Geography and Health Sciences. Not open to students with credit in any university statistics course.
NUSC 3P14 Promoting Mental Health
Nursing models and selected interdisciplinary theories, underlying foundations, principles and concepts related to adults, older adults, and families experiencing mental health challenges.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 2P94.
Co-requisite: NUSC 3P92.
Note: students enrolled in the Degree Completion program or who have taken the first two years at Loyalist College are permitted to register without the prerequisite.
NUSC 3P20 Nursing Ethics
Ethical and legal principles, models and theories. Application to professional practice.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
NUSC 3P92 Nursing Practicum: Promoting Mental Health
Practice, application and integration of skills and theory in relation to adults, older adults, and families experiencing mental health challenges.
15 hours per week, selected laboratory sessions.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 2P94.
Co-requisite: NUSC 3P14.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR required. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
Third Year - Semester Six (at Brock University)
NUSC 3P12 Experiencing Chronicity
Nursing models and selected interdisciplinary theories, underlying foundations, principles and concepts related to chronicity and selected chronic conditions.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 2P94.
Co-requisite: NUSC 3P90.
Note: students enrolled in the Degree Completion program or who have taken the first two years at Loyalist College are permitted to register without the prerequisite.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade in NUSC 3P10.
NUSC 3P50 Health Education
Principles of teaching and learning and their impact on knowledge, awareness, attitudes, skills and behaviour. Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes in development of a variety of health teaching strategies.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
NUSC 3P90 Nursing Practicum: Experiencing Chronicity
Practice, application and integration of skills and theory in relation to individuals and families experiencing chronic conditions.
15 hours per week, selected laboratory sessions.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 2P94.
Co-requisite: NUSC 3P12.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR required. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
NUSC 3P94 Nursing Practicum: Intersession
Practice, application, and integration of skills and theory in a variety of health care settings.
30 hours per week for four weeks, selected laboratory sessions.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisites: NUSC 3P90 and 3P92.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR required. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
NUSC 4P20 Leadership in Nursing and Management
Current issues, opportunities and challenges for nursing leadership in different nursing, community and organizational venues.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Year Four - Semester Seven (at Brock University)
NUSC 4P40 Community Health Nursing
Community as client emphasizing primary health care principles, assessment and health promotion with individuals, children and families, and population groups.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors and permission of the Department.
Prerequisites: NUSC 3P12 and 3P14.
Co-requisite: NUSC 4P92.
NUSC 4P50 Applied Nursing Research
Application of principles of research design, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination through research projects.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 3P70.
NUSC 4P60 Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing
Historical to current overviews of significant trends and issues impacting the profession of nursing. Image, burnout, environment, roles, culture, politics and economics affecting client and nursing care.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
NUSC 4P75 Diversity and Nursing
Transcultural and interdisciplinary conceptual theories and models for providing culturally competent nursing care in diverse societal and health care settings with diverse clients. Examination of knowledge, issues, beliefs and behaviours related to culture, ethnicity, and health.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
NUSC 4P92 Nursing Practicum: Community Health Nursing
Practice, application and integration of skills and theory in community settings.
15 hours per week, selected laboratory sessions.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors and permission of the Department.
Prerequisites: NUSC 3P94 and 4P40.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR required. Brock/Loyalist students must take NUSC 4P40 concurrently. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
Year Four - Semester Eight (at Brock University)
NUSC 4F96 Nursing Practicum: Pre-graduation I
Practice, application and integration of skills and theory in a variety of health care settings.
32 hours per week for six weeks.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors with a minimum of 18.0 credits.
Prerequisite: NUSC 4P92.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR required. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
NUSC 4F98 Nursing Practicum: Pre-graduation II
Practice, application and integration of skills and theory in a variety of health care settings.
32 hours per week for six weeks.
Restriction: open to NUSC majors.
Prerequisite: NUSC 4F96.
Note: proof of immunization and CPR. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.
