Practical Nurse: PSW Pathway

This course focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to manage healthcare challenges and guide ethical decision making. The learner will explore ethical expectations and legal responsibilities of a healthcare professional.  Utilizing personal reflection and critical thinking, the learner will apply ethical principles and theories, the ANBLPN Code of Ethics, professional standards, and legal frameworks to promote professional practice. 

This course introduces the learner to the structure and function of the human body in its healthy state. Learners will examine individual body systems, their components and processes, and how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis.

This course provides learners with an overview of theories and principles of human growth and development to support the delivery of holistic care. Learners will identify physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial theories and their application across the lifespan. Nutrition and the Determinants of Health will be studied as influential factors in growth and development. Learners will also study palliative care, the grieving process, and spiritual and cultural influences at end-of-life. 

This course provides an introduction to alterations in mental health. The learner will explore the history of mental health care, concepts of mental health, common alterations, techniques to prevent and manage aggressive behavior, and strategies to support well-being for the client and self. 

In this course, the learner will explore various changes that occur with aging.  The learner will study population growth, expected physiological, psychosocial and emotional changes, pathophysiological alterations, and elder abuse.  Activities supporting cognition and well-being to effectively meet the aging population's needs will also be studied. 
 

This course provides the learner with introductory knowledge and techniques for developing professional communication and therapeutic relationships. The learner will explore the skills necessary to communicate within the healthcare environment effectively.  

This theory course provides the learner with the foundational knowledge of skills and rationales required for safe, holistic client-centered care.  The learner will study the concepts of client safety, medical asepsis, hygiene, focused integumentary system assessment, elimination, nutrition, mobility, and documentation. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1184B

This laboratory course provides the learner with the opportunity to practice the knowledge from NCSI 1183A. This application of skills will occur through a hands-on approach in a lab setting. The learner will apply theoretical knowledge of client safety, medical asepsis, hygiene, focused integumentary system assessment, elimination, nutrition, mobility, and documentation.  
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1183B

This clinical enables the learner to apply theoretical concepts and skills learned in NCSI 1183A and NCSI 1184A. The learner will demonstrate personal care skills, assessments, and rationales associated with the long-term care of adult and/or geriatric clients. 

Prerequisites:

• HCSS1087A
• NCSI1181A
• NCSI1182A
• NCSI1183B
• NCSI1184B
• SECU1221G

This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI1183 and NCSI1184, and introduces medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study vital signs, neurological vital signs, simple wound management, oxygen therapy, application of bandages, binders and immobility devices, hot and cold therapy, bowel and bladder elimination, enteral nutrition via gastrostomy tube, specimen collection, client undergoing a minimally invasive procedure, and post-mortem care. The learner will also study basic system assessments, focused gastrointestinal system assessment, and documentation of skills and assessments.
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1185B
• NCSI1189B

This laboratory course reinforces the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1188A. The learner will apply theoretical knowledge of medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. Through hands-on lab practice and simulation, learners will develop skills in vital signs, neurological vital signs, simple wound management, oxygen therapy, application of bandages, binders, and immobility devices, hot and cold therapy, bowel and bladder elimination, enteral nutrition via gastrostomy tube, specimen collection, client undergoing a minimally invasive procedure and post mortem care. The learner will also practice basic system assessments, focused gastrointestinal system assessment, and documentation of skills and assessments. 
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1185B
• NCSI1188B

This clinical provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1188 and NCSI 1189. Learners will demonstrate skills and provide rationales associated with the care of a subacute medical-surgical client. Ongoing development of critical thinking and clinical judgment will be practiced to provide safe, holistic care to meet the client’s individual needs.

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1185B
• NCSI1188B
• NCSI1189B

This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1183 and NCSI 1188. The learner will study complex wound management, enteral nutrition, oxygen management, IV maintenance, hypodermoclysis therapy, specimen collection, eye and ear irrigation, urinary catheterization, and post-operative care. Comprehensive assessments of the musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and peripheral vascular systems will be studied. This course incorporates the nursing process to support the care of an acute medical and/or surgical client. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1190B
• NCSI1192B

This lab course builds on the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1191. The learner will apply the theory of complex wound management, enteral nutrition, oxygen management, IV maintenance, hypodermoclysis therapy, specimen collection, eye and ear irrigation, urinary catheterization, and post-operative care. Comprehensive assessments of the musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and peripheral vascular systems will be practiced. This course incorporates the nursing process to support the care of an acute medical and/or surgical client. It is expected that the learner will incorporate knowledge and skills from the previous theory and lab skills courses.

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1190B
• NCSI1191B

This clinical provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI1191 and NCSI1192. The learner will demonstrate skills and provide rationales associated with the care of an acute client. The learner will apply critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to provide safe, holistic care to meet client’s individual needs. 

Prerequisites:

• PATH1187B
• NCSI1190B
• NCSI1191B
• NCSI1192B

This course explores the delivery and management of mental health in Canada. Learners will study components of mental health assessment, therapies, and medications used to treat mental health disorders. Signs and symptoms, treatment options, nursing considerations, and client education will be discussed for the following: anxiety, depressive, somatic, eating, dissociative, personality, and psychotic disorders.

Prerequisites:

• MENT1019A

This course builds on the concepts introduced in NCSI 1182.  The learner will explore phases of the nurse-client relationship, and communication techniques that support information gathering and client-centered care.  Nursing care plans will be examined using critical thinking skills to support optimal client outcomes. The learner will recognize the practical nurse’s role and responsibility for client and family health education.  Nursing leadership qualities and skills will also be studied to enhance professional, collaborative practice. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1182A
• PATH1187B
• ETHI1065A

This course focuses on fundamental concepts for maternal and newborn nursing care. The learner will study maternal and newborn assessments, complications, and nursing care.
Pre-natal and post-partum education will also be reviewed. The learner will develop an understanding of the practical nurse’s role in caring for maternal and newborn clients during the perinatal period.  

Prerequisites:

• HCSS1089A
• NCSI1205B

This course examines community health concepts and nursing practices that support healthy populations. The learner will study community nursing history, settings, health promotion, epidemiological principles, assessment modalities, Indigenous health, and vulnerable populations. Communicable disease prevention, environmental health, and disaster management will also be studied. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1195B

This course focuses on fundamental nursing concepts for the pediatric client and family. The learner will build upon previous nursing knowledge in adapting a family-centered nursing approach for the care and health promotion of the pediatric client. The learner will study assessment technique alterations, family centered nursing care, and common pediatric conditions. Communicable diseases and the Canadian vaccine schedule will also be reviewed. The learner will develop an understanding of the practical nurse’s role in caring for pediatric clients. 

Prerequisites:

• HCSS1089A
• NCSI1205B

This clinical course provides the learner with opportunities to apply community health concepts and nursing practices from NCSI1197. The learner will work with community agencies to develop an awareness of services and engage in activities which promote healthy populations.

 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1197B
• NCSI1193B

This clinical allows the learner to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1205, NCSI 1206, and NCSI 1207. Learners will demonstrate previously learned system assessments, advanced skills, and rationales associated with the care of an acute care client. This clinical experience will enhance the development of nursing skills, leadership qualities, client education, and individual competence to prepare the learner for preceptorship. 
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1205B
• NCSI1195B
• PATH1037B

This clinical provides opportunities for the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from previous nursing theory, lab, clinical courses, and NCSI1196. The learner will practice assessments and care of the mother and newborn, and provide perinatal health promotion and education. This clinical experience will reinforce the practical nurse’s role in the care of maternal and newborn clients.  

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1196B
• NCSI1205B

This clinical allows the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from PHMC 1032, PHMC 1033, and PHMC 1034. The learner will apply previously learned assessments and critical thinking skills to administer scheduled and PRN medications safely. Various oral, enteral, percutaneous, parenteral, and intravenous routes will be demonstrated when opportunity permits in the clinical environment. 
 
 

Prerequisites:

• PHMC1033B
• PHMC1034B
• NCSI1193B

This clinical allows the learner to apply the knowledge and skills from previous nursing theory, lab, clinical courses, and NCSI 1198. The learner will practice holistic, developmentally appropriate nursing assessments and care in a pediatric setting. This clinical experience will reinforce the adaptations required when caring for a pediatric client. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1198B
• NCSI1205B

This clinical allows the learner to assess and care for clients in a mental health setting. The focus of this clinical includes use of assessment tools, awareness of mental health treatments, observation of behavior, development of therapeutic relationships, and strengthening communication skills. Learners will integrate previously learned theories, assessments, skills, and the nursing process in providing care for clients experiencing mental health alterations. 
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1193B
• NCSI1194B
• NCSI1195B

This clinical provides learners with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from NCSI 1206 and NCSI 1207. Learners will demonstrate advanced skills and rationales associated with the care of an acute care client. Learners will apply previously learned system assessments, critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to provide safe, holistic care to meet client’s individual needs in the clinical environment.
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1206B
• NCSI1207B

This theory course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in previous nursing skills courses. The learner will be introduced to advanced medical surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study admission, transfer and discharge procedures, peripheral intravenous initiation, central venous access device assessment, phlebotomy, blood and blood products (transfusion protocol), nasogastric tube for decompression, airway management, tracheostomy care, chest tube care, bladder irrigation and assessment of parenteral nutrition. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the nursing process will be emphasized. 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1193B
• NCSI1207B

This lab course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in NCSI 1206. Through hands-on practice and simulation, the learner will perform advanced medical-surgical nursing concepts and skills. The learner will study admission, transfer and discharge procedures, peripheral intravenous initiation, phlebotomy, blood and blood products (transfusion protocol), nasogastric tube for decompression, airway management, tracheostomy care, chest tube care, bladder irrigation, and assessment of parenteral nutrition. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the nursing process will be emphasized. 
   

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1206B
• NCSI1193B

This preceptorship provides the learner with a comprehensive clinical experience under the guidance of an assigned preceptor. Integrating the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical judgment will further develop autonomous practice. The learner will apply nursing knowledge and skills, function as an effective member of the health care team, and implement ethical, legal, and cultural safety principles into practice.  

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1200B

This self-directed course prepares the learner for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Strategies that assist with the interpretation of exam questions will be explored. The learner will practice a variety of multiple-choice and case study exam questions, covering a broad range of nursing topics. This course simulates the national exam writing experience and provides a comprehensive review of nursing knowledge, skills, and assessments.  
 

Prerequisites:

• NCSI1208B

This course will build upon existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology by examining diseases and disorders that produce alterations in physiological function. The learner will study disease etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic tests. An overview of medical and/or surgical management, nursing assessments, interventions, and client education will also be studied.  

Prerequisites:

• PATH1187B

This course builds upon existing knowledge from HCSS 1087A by examining diseases and disorders that produce alterations in physiological function. The learner will study disease etiology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, medical management, client assessments, and care.  

Prerequisites:

• HCSS1087A

This course introduces the learner to concepts of pharmacology. The learner will examine pharmacological principles and Canadian regulations for medication safety. The learner will study indications for use, side effects, and nursing considerations from various medication classifications. Alternative pharmacotherapies and potential interactions will also be discussed.

Prerequisites:

• PATH1187B

This laboratory course will reinforce the knowledge, techniques and guiding principles learned in PHMC1034A. The learner will practice using credible resources, protocols for medication errors, controlled substance management, and using storage and distribution systems. Through hands-on practice, the learner will demonstrate accurate dose calculation, safe administration techniques, the rights of medication administration, and documentation.
 

Prerequisites:

• PHMC1032B
• PHMC1034B

This course will introduce the learner to principles of medication administration according to the practical nurse scope of practice. The learner will develop knowledge and skills regarding the rights of medication administration, storage and distribution systems, credible drug resources, accurate dose calculation, and safe administration techniques. Protocols for medication errors, controlled substance management, and documentation specific to medication administration will also be studied.  

Prerequisites:

• PHMC1032B
• PHMC1033B

A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.