Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas College prepares students to become Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). The four-year program combines classroom instruction, clinical practice, and research to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work in a variety of psychiatric nursing settings. Graduates are eligible to write the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) to become certified as RPNs.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Are you empathic, adaptable and looking for a career that makes a difference? Get started on your path to a rewarding career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) with the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas College. As an RPN, you’ll work with a team of health care professionals to assess patient needs, develop treatment plans and address the complex relationship between a patient’s mental, emotional and physical health in the context of their social, cultural and religious situation. Psychiatric nurses are currently in demand, and as a Douglas grad your prospects will be particularly good: Douglas College has been the primary school for psychiatric nursing education in B.C. for over 30 years.
Objectives:
- To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).
- To prepare students to work in a variety of psychiatric nursing settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice.
- To promote the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in the field of psychiatric nursing.
- To foster a commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.
- To contribute to the advancement of the profession of psychiatric nursing through research and scholarship.
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) program is a four-year, full-time program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). The program is offered at the Coquitlam campus of Douglas College. The BSPN program curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, clinical practice, and research. Students will learn about the assessment and treatment of mental illness, the principles of psychiatric nursing, and the role of the psychiatric nurse in the healthcare system. Students will also develop the clinical skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to patients with mental illness. The BSPN program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Graduates of the program are eligible to write the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) to become certified as an RPN.
Outline:
Year 1
- Fall Semester
- BIOL 1103 - Human Biology I
- BIOL 1203 - Human Biology II
- ENGL 1130 - Introduction to University Writing
- MATH 1160 - College Algebra
- PSYC 1100 - Introduction to Psychology
- Winter Semester
- BIOL 2200 - Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 2401 - Microbiology
- ENGL Elective
- PSYC 1200 - Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
- PHIL Elective
Year 2
- Fall Semester
- PNUR 2101 - Psychiatric Nursing Concepts I
- PNUR 2121 - Therapeutic Relations I
- PNUR 2130 - Clinical Procedures I
- PNUR 2170 - Trauma Informed Practices I
- PNUR 2171 - Family Health Promotion
- Winter Semester
- PNUR 2201 - Psychiatric Nursing Concepts II
- PNUR 2221 - Therapeutic Relations II
- PNUR 2230 - Clinical Procedures II
- PNUR 2261 - Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Practice I
- PNUR 2285 - Psychiatric Nursing in Addictions and Mental Health
Year 3
- Fall Semester
- PNUR 3301 - Psychiatric Nursing Concepts III
- PNUR 3321 - Therapeutic Relations III
- PNUR 3330 - Clinical Procedures III
- PNUR 3350 - Psychiatric Nursing Pharmacology
- PNUR 3361 - Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Practice II
- Winter Semester
- PNUR 3401 - Psychiatric Nursing Concepts IV
- PNUR 3403 - Psychiatric Nursing and the Older Adult
- PNUR 3421 - Therapeutic Relations IV
- PNUR 3430 - Clinical Procedures IV
- PNUR 3441 - Group Theory
Year 4
- Fall Semester
- PNUR 4501 - Psychiatric Nursing Leadership and Management
- PNUR 4521 - Therapeutic Relations V
- PNUR 4562 - Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Practice IV
- PNUR 4572 - Psychiatric Nursing Community Concepts
- PNUR 4573 - Psychiatric Nursing of Children and Adolescents
- Winter Semester
- PNUR 4661 - Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Practice V: Preceptorship
- PNUR 4670 - Trauma Informed Practices II
Assessment:
The assessment methods and criteria used in the BSPN program vary depending on the course. However, all courses use a combination of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are used to provide feedback to students on their progress and help them identify areas where they need to improve. Summative assessments are used to evaluate students' achievement of the learning outcomes for the course. Some of the assessment methods used in the BSPN program include:
- Exams (midterms, finals, etc.)
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Case studies
- Presentations
- Clinical evaluations The grading system used in the BSPN program is a letter grade system. The following grades are used:
- A+ (90-100%)
- A (85-89%)
- B+ (80-84%)
- B (75-79%)
- C+ (70-74%)
- C (65-69%)
- D (60-64%)
- F (below 60%)
Teaching:
The BSPN program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members. The faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. They use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn the material. Some of the teaching methods used in the BSPN program include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Clinical simulations
- Group work The BSPN program also has a strong focus on experiential learning. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical settings. This will help them to develop the confidence and competence they need to be successful psychiatric nurses.
Careers:
Graduates of the BSPN program are prepared to work in a variety of psychiatric nursing settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice. Some of the positions that graduates may qualify for include:
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Educator
- Researcher The job outlook for psychiatric nurses is excellent. The demand for psychiatric nurses is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing prevalence of mental illness and the aging population.
