Faculty
Kimberley A. Critchley, Professor, Dean
Janet Bryanton, Associate Professor
Barbara Campbell, Associate Professor
Rosemary J. Herbert, Associate Professor
Gloria McInnis-Perry, Associate Professor
Donna A. Murnaghan, Associate Professor
Vicki Foley, Assistant Professor
Terri Kean, Assistant Professor
Jo-Ann MacDonald, Assistant Professor
Janet MacIntyre, Assistant Professor 
Christina Murray, Assistant Professor
Brandi Bell, Adjunct Professor
Carol McClure, Adjunct Professor
Carolyn Sanford, Adjunct Professor

Departmental Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Nursing Courses

THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
The mission of this School is to generate, advance, and disseminate knowledge for excellence in nursing; to create an academic environment which encourages creative and critical inquiry; to prepare competent practitioners grounded in the principles of Primary Health Care; and to provide leadership to a changing system of health care.

Nursing is a unique health profession which integrates studies in the social sciences and the life sciences. Its practitioners must be competent in critical thinking, problem-solving, and psychomotor skills. Their practice is based on research findings and the fundamental beliefs of caring, and is guided by a code of ethics. The goal of nursing is to promote wellness and to provide health care for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
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The curriculum of the School of Nursing is based on the concepts and principles of Primary Health Care. Primary Health Care is defined by the World Health Organization (1978) as "essential health care made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford."

In keeping with the basis in Primary Health Care nurses collaborate with clients, other health care providers, and people from other sectors of society in promoting wellness. Nursing roles range from direct caregiver to formulator of healthy public policy and include advocate, leader, educator, researcher, and program developer.

Degree Requirements
The following regulations govern students' progression through the program:

Professional Conduct
1a) Nursing students are expected to be safe, ethical practitioners in all nursing practice situations. Student performance must be in accordance with the legal, ethical, moral and professional standards identified in the profession’s Code of Ethics (CNA, 2002), the Standards for Nursing Practice (ANPEI,1999), and the UPEI School of Nursing clinical course objectives. Nursing students are also expected to behave in a professionally appropriate manner, regardless of the setting.

b) The Dean may prohibit a student from attending a clinical placement or dismiss a student from the nursing program if there is reasonable evidence that the student's professional behaviour, level of clinical competency, or physical or psychological health might be detrimental to clients.

Clinical/Laboratory Performance
2.  Although clinical/laboratory components of nursing courses may be evaluated by a pass-fail system, students must pass the clinical/laboratory component for successful completion of the course.
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3.  Attendance at all activities related to clinical/laboratory components of nursing courses is mandatory. Students who are repeatedly absent from clinical/laboratory sessions without just cause will be removed from the course by the Dean and assigned a grade of “F”.

4.  Students must successfully complete designated nursing courses that have a clinical component in each semester before progressing to subsequent nursing courses with a clinical component in a subsequent semester.

5.  Students who are absent from nursing courses that have a clinical component for more than twelve months must reapply to UPEI through the Office of the Registrar. If readmitted, they will be permitted to register for subsequent nursing courses with a clinical component, only with the permission of the Dean. The Dean may require the student to complete preparatory remedial work before granting this permission to register.

Academic Performance

6.  A student may withdraw voluntarily from the clinical component of a course only once during the program. Special consideration may be given for a student with extenuating circumstances.

7.  The minimal grade for successful completion of any course with a Nursing acronym is 60%. Supplementals will not be permitted in these courses.

8.  The minimal grade for successful completion of all non-nursing courses is 50%.

9.  Students must obtain an overall average of at least 60% in all courses successfully completed in each academic year.

10.  Students may not take any required course specifically identified under the heading “Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program” more than twice.
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11.  Students who fail two nursing courses (courses with a nursing number) will be dismissed from the program.

12.  Any student who has completed a lab or class on medication or intravenous therapy must write a Mathematics Competency Test, and achieve a grade of 85%. Calculators are not permitted during the test. Detailed information on this policy can be obtained in the School of Nursing Handbook located on the School of Nursing website.

Student Dismissals
13.  Students who have been dismissed from the nursing program as a result of a clinical failure are not eligible for readmission to the program. Students dismissed for reasons other than clinical failures are eligible to apply for re-admission to the program after eight months following the date of dismissal. Reapplication must be made to the Registrar’s Office. Readmission is not automatic and the Dean may require students who are readmitted to complete preparatory remedial work before returning to the program.

Time Limit
14.  Except with special permission of the Dean, students must complete their BScN degree within seven calendar years from the date of their first registration in the program. Except with special permission from the Dean, registration in nursing courses which have a clinical/laboratory component is restricted to students registered in the School of Nursing.
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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

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NOTES:

Within their electives, students will be required to complete the following semester hours of credit:

1. a) Global Issues 151 and one Writing Intensive Course 
   b) 3 semester hours in statistics
2. Students will then be free to choose their remaining 9 semester hours of electives keeping in mind that no more than forty-eight (48) semester hours of credit may be taken at the introductory level in the degree program.
3. For course descriptions of BIO 121 and BIO 122, see Biology
4. For course descriptions of PSY 101, PSY 102 and 201, see Psychology
5. For course description FN 102, see Applied Human Sciences
6. For course descriptions VPM 101, VBS 212, see Veterinary Medicine.

THE ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Program is intended for applicants with a university degree who wish to become professional nurses. Students apply through the Registrar’s Office, and must submit the UPEI Undergraduate Application Form. Students in the Accelerated Program are required to take the same courses and have the same number of clinical hours as students in the four-year BScN program. They are governed by the academic regulations for Nursing as outlined in the Calendar.

To be eligible for the Accelerated BScN Program, applicants must have:

• successfully completed Grade 12 or equivalent courses in English, Math, Chemistry, and Biology;
• completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum average of 75% (GPA 3.0 or B) in the last 20 courses of the degree and normally registered as a full-time student;
• students who have completed courses after being granted a degree must have a minimum 75% average based on the best 20 courses of the last 22 courses taken
• completed courses for credit in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology; Developmental Psychology, Statistics, an introductory Nutrition course, two introductory Psychology courses, and two English courses. Students missing any of these courses are provided the opportunity to complete the courses before the start of the program in January.

Note:   Required courses in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology can be taken during the Accelerated Program. Enrolment is limited to 14 students per year. Application for admission is February 15. Applicants receive conditional acceptance into the Accelerated Program based on completion of the required prerequisites.

THE ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
First Year Required: 

January - mid-February
NURS 101 - Nature of Nursing

Mid-February - April
NURS 102 - Nursing in Health Care

January - April
NURS 245 - Health Assessment
NURS 232 - Introductory Pharmacology
VBS 212 - Pathophysiology for Nursing Students

Mid-April - August
NURS 213 - Nursing of Young Families
NURS 223 - Nursing of Individuals and Families in Wellness and Illness
NURS 306 - Nursing of the Childbearing Family

* Upon completion of NURS 306X, students in the Accelerated BScN Program merge with the year three BScN student cohort and remain with this group until NURS 402X.

September - December
NURS 323 - Partnerships with Clients and Families Living with Chronic Illness
NURS 303 - Issues in Nursing and Health Care
NURS 304 - Nursing Research Methods

Second Year Required: 

January - April
NURS 305 - Health Teaching
NURS 313 - Developing Partnerships with Clients in the Community
NURS 405 - Leadership for Health Professionals in a Primary Health Care Context

May - June                        
NURS 310 - Integrated Clinical Experience

July - August
NURS 402 - Advanced Nursing Focus

* Upon completion of NURS 402, students in the Accelerated BScN Program merge with year four students in NURS 401 and remain with this group until completion of their program in December.

September - December                
NURS 401 - Nursing and Population Health
NURS 404 - Conceptual Models and Nursing Theories  

NURSING COURSES

101 THE NATURE OF NURSING
This course is an introduction to the discipline of nursing. Students are introduced to the philosophy of primary health care and the framework for nursing at UPEI. Clinical experiences occur in community settings with well elderly clients. Students learn beginning skills in communication, assessment and psychomotor techniques through active involvement in classroom discussions, labs, tutorials and clinical practice.
PREREQUISITE(S): For Accelerated Nursing Students - Admission to the Accelerated Program
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab: 2 Other - Clinical Practice: 30 hours total (includes weekly Tutorial)

102 NURSING IN HEALTH CARE
Students are introduced to the theoretical concept of caring for clients within a primary health care context. Using primary health care as a framework, nursing concepts are explored and strategies for nursing care considered. Students begin to develop a conceptual framework to guide their nursing practice while working with clients in long term care settings.
PREREQUISITE(S): (Four Year Program - Nursing 101, Biology 121); (Accelerated Nursing Students - Admission to Accelerated Program and Nursing 101)
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab: 2 Other - Clinical Practice: 55 hours total
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203 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course provides the student with knowledge and skills for holistic assessment of individuals. Students learn data collection techniques (interviewing skills, critical thinking skills, and the physical examination techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation). The focus is on the well individual.
PREREQUISITE(S): Nursing 102, Biology 121 and Biology 122.
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

213 NURSING OF YOUNG FAMILIES
The focus of this course is on caring for healthy children and families in a variety of settings. Students are introduced to the concepts of family-centred care and empowerment and examine structure, function, and tasks of families at various stages of their development. Determinants of health are used as the framework for exploring factors which influence the health of children and families. Common childhood illnesses are also discussed.
PREREQUISITES: (Four Year Program - Nursing 102, Biology 121, Biology 122,  VPM 101 and Psychology 201 can be taken concurrently); (Accelerated Program - Admission to Accelerated Program, Nursing 101 and 102)
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab/Seminar: 3 Other - Clinical Practice 120 hours total   

223 NURSING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN WELLNESS AND ILLNESS
In this course the student focuses on the experience of illness and the impact of illness and hospitalization on the patient. The primary focus is the individual patient; however, the individual is considered within the context of the family. Each student has clinical rotations working with children in a community or hospital setting and adults in a hospital setting experiencing an acute episode of illness. Students learn to apply the principles of primary health care to nursing practice in the acute care setting.
PREREQUISITES: (Four Year Program - Nursing 203, Nursing 213); (Accelerated Program - Nursing 213, 245, and admission to the Accelerated Program)
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab/Seminar: 3 Other - Clinical Practice: 144 hours total
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232  INTRODUCTORY PHARMACOLOGY
This course is an introduction to the discipline of pharmacology and the response of the human body to pharmacological agents used to manage disease and promote wellness. The principal objective is to provide an introduction to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each major class of drugs used in nursing practise. As well, clinical case studies are included so the student gains knowledge of nursing assessments of drug efficacy, side effects and drug interactions, special considerations for geriatric and pediatric patients, drugs used in public health, emergencies and over-the-counter medications, and non-pharmacological ways to manage or prevent disease.
PREREQUISITES: Biology 122, Nursing 203 and 213, exceptions are made with permission of the Dean.
Hours per week: Lecture: 3

242W  HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR PRACTICING NURSES
Health Assessment is a three credit, 13 week course which emphasizes the knowledge and skills required for comprehensive health assessment. Specifically, the content focuses on helping learners’ develop health history interviewing skills, physical examination techniques, and nutritional assessment techniques for clinical practice and to identify the wide range of "normal" health states for adults. Emphasis will be placed on analysing assessment findings to identify health concerns as a basis for planning care. 
PREREQUISITE:  Available for any practising nurse
Web-based course

245W HEALTH ASSESSMENT
This course provides the student with knowledge and skills for holistic assessment of individuals. Students learn data collection techniques (interviewing skills, critical thinking skills, and the physical examination techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation). The focus is on the well individual.
PREREQUISITE: (Four Year Program - Biology 121 and Biology 122); (Accelerated Program - Admission to the accelerated program)
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Web-based learning  Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

291 SPECIAL TOPICS 

303 ISSUES IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE
In this course, students examine ethical, legal, political, and economic issues in a changing health care system and issues related to the profession and to patient care. Students apply principles of organizational theory and ethical decision making models in analysing issues in nursing and health care. This course offers a study of the professional practice of nursing and the values upon which to analyse current issues in Canadian nursing. Strategies for resolving issues in nursing will be emphasized.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor if not currently enroled in the third year of the program.
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3

304 NURSING RESEARCH METHODS
This course is an introduction to quantitative and qualitative nursing research.  It provides students with a solid foundation for the continued study of research and nursing scholarship.  Students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for all phases of the research process, with an emphasis on the novice professional’s role as an informed consumer of research.  Students will develop skills in critiquing published studies and in making judgements about the usefulness of research for nursing practice.
PREREQUISITE: A course in statistics and permission of the instructor if not currently enrolled in the third year of the program.
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Lab/Seminar: 3 Other - Clinical Practice: 120 hours total
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305 HEALTH TEACHING
In this course, students are introduced to theories and principles of teaching and learning within a primary health care context. The course focuses on the nurse’s role as health educator and change agent in promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing wellness through the use of an empowering approach. Students have an opportunity to apply theory and to develop teaching skills through participation in a variety of community-based teaching activities throughout the semester.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 101 and permission of instructor if not currently enroled in the third year of the program.
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture/Teaching practice: 3

306 NURSING OF THE CHILDBEARING FAMILY
This course focuses on theories, issues, and trends related to the care of the childbearing family. Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum are viewed as normal life processes with family members as partners in care.  The roles of the nurse are considered in relation to family-centred care and primary health care with an emphasis on the determinants of health and premature, preventive, and curative services.  Students apply theory from this course to their clinical practice in Nursing 313 and Nursing 310.
PREREQUISITE: (Four Year Program - Nursing 323); (Accelerated Program - Nursing 223 and admission to the Accelerated Program)
Semester hour of credit: 3
Hours per week: (Four Year Program -  1.5 hours tutorial/seminar, Clinical Practice: 184 hours in total between N 313 and 306); (Accelerated Program - Lecture: 3 Tutorial: 1.5 hours; Other - Clinical Practice 184 hours in total)

310 INTEGRATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
This course provides a consolidated clinical experience in which students can integrate theory and practice on a daily basis. Clinical experiences prepare students for the final year of study. Placements are arranged in a variety of settings with clients across the life span.
PREREQUISITE(S): Nursing 306, 313, 323
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Other: Clinical Practice: 288 hours in total

313 DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS WITH CLIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
This course focuses on promoting and maintaining health and providing support and assistance to individuals, families, and groups in the home and community. Students work in situations of increasing complexity, assessing health, providing and evaluating interventions, and building partnerships and supportive relationships. Students become more aware of community agencies and resources and begin to participate actively in the referral process. The course involves extensive travel throughout the province.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 323
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture: Other: Clinical Practice: 184 hours in total between N313 and N306
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323 PARTNERSHIPS WITH CLIENTS AND FAMILIES LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
This course encourages students to develop partnerships with clients and families to enhance the quality of life of those experiencing increasingly complex chronic illnesses. The principles of primary health care pertaining to accessibility, intersectoral collaboration and public participation for clients and their families with chronic illness will be examined in depth. Application of these principles to the population of adults experiencing increasingly complex illnesses in acute medical/surgical and mental health settings will be emphasized.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 223, 232, and VBS 212
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture/Seminar:3  Lab: 2 Other: Clinical Practice: 192 hours in total

342W CULTURE IN NURSING
This course focuses on multi-cultural awareness and recognition of specific health care beliefs and values, exploring the role of the nurse within each country’s health care system, and participating in a cultural immersion experience. Opportunities are provided to allow students to achieve a better understanding of cultural similarities and differences in a selected setting.
PREREQUISITE:  Available for any practising nurse or nursing st udent
Web based course

391 SPECIAL TOPICS

401 NURSING AND POPULATION HEALTH
This course provides theoretical and clinical opportunities to examine and apply concepts and skills related to population health. Emphasis is placed on the determinants of health, populations at risk for both physical and psychosocial disruptions in health, strategies to promote the health of populations and the role of the nurse in an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach to health promotion. A unit on epidemiology is included. Students work with community members in the development of a program to promote the health of the community. Students are assigned to work with a preceptor and gain experience in one or two of a wide variety of settings in rural and urban communities.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 310
Semester hours of credit: 9
Hours per week: Lecture: 3 Tutorial: 1.5 Other: Clinical Practice:  290 hours in total

402 ADVANCED NURSING FOCUS
This course provides a final opportunity for students to synthesize their knowledge, skills, and professional values in a selected nursing practice setting. Emphasis is on the complexity of comprehensive nursing care and the significance of health promotion measures. Students select an area of focus in consultation with a faculty member and a clinical preceptor. Placement is dependent on the availability of appropriate clinical experience. Students work with selected clients (individuals, families, and/or aggregates) to enhance their current level of health and maximize their active participation within various facets of health care.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 401
ACCELERATED PROGRAM PREREQUISITE:  Nursing 310 and admission to the Accelerated Program.
Semester hours of credit: 6
Hours per week: Lecture/Seminar: 2
Other: (Four Year Program - Hours per week: Lecture/Seminar: 2 Other:  Clinical Practice: 320 hours in total);
(Accelerated Program - Lecture/Seminar: 2 Other - Clinical Practice: 329 hours in total). 
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403 NURSING LEADERSHIP AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
This course extends the student’s ability to examine theoretical and practice concepts in nursing leadership/management and primary health care. Students discuss concepts in health care organization(s) and management and the implications of those concepts when analysing leadership styles in a clinical setting. Students explore leadership roles assumed by nurses and examine challenges confronting nursing leaders in an era of change. Emphasis is placed on strategies to enhance nursing influence on the evolving Canadian health care system. Models of partnership, decision making, collaboration and communication and the importance of team work are stressed.
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 310 or permission of the instructor if not currently enroled in the fourth year of the program.
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3

404 CONCEPTUAL MODELS AND NURSING THEORIES
In this course, students are introduced to the works of selected nurse theorists. Students develop skills in critical analysis and application of conceptual models and theories to practice. 
PREREQUISITE: Nursing 310
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3

405 LEADERSHIP FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN A PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CONTEXT
This web-based course will include blended learning techniques that examine theoretical and practice concepts in health care leadership/management within the context of Primary Health Care.  Students will critically analyze concepts in health care  organization(s) and management and the implications of those concepts using a variety of leadership styles in a clinical setting.  Students explore leadership roles assumed by health care professionals and examine challenges confronting these leaders.  Emphasis is placed on strategic methods that enhance leadership to influence the evolving Canadian health care system.  Models of partnership, decision making, collaboration and communication and the importance of team work are stressed. 
PREREQUISITE FOR ACCELERATED PROGRAM:  Nursing 310 and admission to the Accelerated Program
Semester hours of credit: 3
Hours per week: Lecture: 3
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