Program Overview
The Practical Nursing program at the University of the Fraser Valley is a 19-month diploma program that prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The program combines theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical placements in various healthcare settings, providing graduates with the skills and knowledge to provide patient-centered care. Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam and pursue careers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The program also offers a bridging pathway for LPNs to upgrade their qualifications to Registered Nurses (RNs).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Objective: Prepare students to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in various healthcare settings.
- Duration: 19 months
- Program Type: Diploma
- Structure:
- Hands-on clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies.
- Supervised practice, preceptorships, and observational experiences.
- Coursework covering patient-centered care, routine care, observation, assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses, communicating home care and medication instructions.
- Outcomes:
- Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam.
- Upon successful completion of the exam, graduates can become licensed LPNs.
- Career opportunities in hospitals, residential care facilities, and the community.
Outline:
- Program Content:
- Patient-centered care
- Routine care
- Observation
- Assisting medical practitioners and registered nurses
- Communicating home care and medication instructions
- Pharmacology studies
- Mental health studies
- Community health studies
- Structure:
- Semester system
- 19 months of full-time study
- Combination of theoretical and practical learning
- Clinical placements in various healthcare settings
- Modules:
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods:
- Exams
- Assignments
- Clinical performance evaluations
- Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of nursing principles and practices
- Clinical skills and competencies
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Simulations
- Clinical supervision
- Faculty:
- Experienced and qualified LPNs and healthcare professionals
- Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on hands-on learning and clinical experience
- Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration
- Integration of technology into the curriculum
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Licensed Practical Nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.
- Further specialization in areas like emergency care, operating rooms, pediatrics, or community health with additional training and experience.
Other:
- Bridging Program: Available for LPNs to upgrade their qualifications to Registered Nurses (RN) through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
- Growing Demand: B.C. 's aging population leads to a growing demand for LPNs.
Conclusion
The Practical Nursing program at UFV provides a comprehensive and hands-on education for individuals seeking a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates to provide patient-centered care in various healthcare settings.
