Practical Nursing

HHPN 100 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses

An overview of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include medical terminology relevant to normal human anatomy and physiology and various health promotion strategies that support optimal function. This course is a pre-requisite for Vancouver Island University's Practical Nursing program. HHPN 100 was formerly called HHPN 001; credit will not be granted for both courses. Credit will only be granted for one of HHPN 001 or HHPN 100. (6:0:0 for 9 weeks)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in Anatomy and Physiology 12.

PNUR 117T Practicum I

An opportunity to integrate theory into practice, working with selected individuals with physical and mental challenges in a variety of settings. (0:0:0 -84 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Semester I theory and lab courses.

PRNU 101 (2) Pharmacology I

An introductory examination of the principles of pharmacology required to administer medications in a safe and professional manner. Topics include: medication administration; clinical decision making; various routes of medication administration; complementary, Indigenous, and alternative remedies; polypharmacy across the lifespan. (2:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 102, PRNU 103, PRNU 104, PRNU 105, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 102 (2) Health Promotion I

An introduction to the concepts of health promotion. Topics include: determinants of health; health inequities; normal growth and development; health enhancement strategies; health protection; disease prevention; health restoration/recovery, care, and support. (2:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 101, PRNU 103, PRNU 104, PRNU 105, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 103 (2.5) Variations in Health I (Effective Sep 2023)

An introduction to disease and illness across the lifespan. Topics include: pathophysiological alterations of body systems; nursing management with an emphasis on interventions and treatment; cultural diversity in healing approaches; and incorporation of evidence-informed practice. (2.7:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 101, PRNU 102, PRNU 104, PRNU 105, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 104 (2.5) Professional Communication I (Effective Sep 2023)

An experiential and self-reflective approach to promote self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent, and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include: the foundational knowledge for caring and professional communication in nursing; communication theory; the nurse-client relationship; therapeutic communication; cross-cultural communication; and effective teamwork. (2.3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 101, PRNU 102, PRNU 103, PRNU 105, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 105 (1.5) Professional Practice I (Effective Sep 2023)

An introduction to the profession of practical nursing. Topics include: legislation that informs practical nursing practice within British Columbia; the history of nursing and specifically the evolution of practical nursing within the Canadian health care system; and the philosophy and foundational concepts of the provincial practical nursing program. (1.7:0:0)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 101, PRNU 102, PRNU 103, PRNU 104, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 106 (3) Integrated Nursing Practice I

A focus on the development of basic nursing care that emphasizes the art and science of nursing. Topics include: nursing knowledge through the practice of clinical decision making, nursing assessment skills, and nursing interventions aimed at the promotion of health, independence, and comfort; theory integration from other courses. (0:0:9)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 101, PRNU 102, PRNU 103, PRNU 104, and PRNU 105.

PRNU 107 (3) Consolidated Practice Experience I

An opportunity to integrate theory into practice in various settings with a focus on healthy clients. Topics include integration of personal care skills, organization of care, focused assessment, beginning medication administration, and professional communication relevant to the role of the practical nurse. (0:2:0 -84 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 101, PRNU 102, PRNU 103, PRNU 104, PRNU 105, and PRNU 106.

PRNU 111 (2) Pharmacology II

A continuation of pharmacology in understanding pharmacotherapeutics prescribed for illnesses that clients experience across the lifespan. Topics include drug classifications, links with common diseases/illness based on a body system approach, and drug resistance. (2:0:0)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 112, PRNU 113, PRNU 114, PRNU 115, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 112 (2) Health Promotion II

A focus on health promotion as it relates to the aging process and continued independence. Topics include health-promotion activities aimed at supporting clients to maintain their physical and mental well-being, and normal aging changes. (2:0:0)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 111, PRNU 113, PRNU 114, PRNU 115, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 113 (3) Variations in Health II

A focus on the aging process and selected chronic illnesses, specifically the care of older adults experiencing a health challenge. Topics include cultural diversity in healing practices and evidence-informed research. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 111, PRNU 112, PRNU 114, PRNU 115, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 114 (2) Professional Communication II

An opportunity to develop professional communication skills specific to older adults and clients requiring end-of-life care. Topics include communication as it relates to interprofessional relationships, knowledge, and skills. (2:0:0)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 111, PRNU 112, PRNU 113, PRNU 115, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 115 (2) Professional Practice II (Effective Sep 2023)

An examination of legislation influencing practical nursing practice with clients experiencing chronic illness within the residential care setting. Topics include: responsibility, accountability, ethical practice, and leadership relevant to the role of the practical nurse; critical thinking and decision-making specific to clients with chronic health challenges; and interprofessional practice. (1.3:0:0)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 111, PRNU 112, PRNU 113, PRNU 114, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 116 (4) Integrated Nursing Practice II

A continuation of foundational courses, emphasizing the development of clinical decision-making ability, nursing assessments, and nursing interventions to promote the health of older adults. Topics include: theory integration; safe, competent, and ethical nursing care with older adults. (0:0:12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 1 courses, including PRNU 107.

Co-requisites: PRNU 111, PRNU 112, PRNU 113, PRNU 114, and PRNU 115.

PRNU 117 (5) Consolidated Practice Experience II

An opportunity to integrate theory into practice in residential care settings, focusing on aging clients with chronic illnesses. Topics include medication administration, nursing care, organization, comprehensive health assessment, wound care, and introduction to leadership. (0:0:0 -140 for 5 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 111, PRNU 112, PRNU 113, PRNU 114, PRNU 115, and PRNU 116.

PRNU 121 (4) Pharmacology A

An examination of the principles of pharmacology required to administer medications in a safe and professional manner, including an understanding pharmacotherapeutics prescribed for illnesses across the lifespan. Topics include drug classifications, medication administration, clinical decision-making, routes of medication administration, complementary, Indigenous, and alternative remedies, and polypharmacy across the lifespan. (3.5:0:0 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 122, PRNU 123, PRNU 124, PRNU 125, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 122 (2.5) Health Promotion A

A focus on the concepts of health promotion activities aimed at supporting clients to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Topics include determinants of health, health inequities, normal growth and development, health enhancement strategies, health protection, disease prevention, health restoration/recovery, care, and the aging process and continued independence. (2:0:0 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 121, PRNU 123, PRNU 124, PRNU 125, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 123 (4) Variations in Health A

Introduction to disease and illness across the lifespan focusing on care of older adults experiencing a health challenge. Topics include pathophysiological alterations, nursing management with an emphasis on interventions and treatment, cultural diversity in healing approaches, incorporation of evidence-informed practice, cultural diversity in healing practices and evidence-informed research. (3.5:0:0 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 121, PRNU 122, PRNU 124, PRNU 125, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 124 (3) Professional Communication A

An experiential and self-reflective approach to promote self-awareness and interpersonal communication skills in the context of safe, competent, and collaborative nursing practice. Topics include professional communication in nursing, communication theory, the nurse-client relationship, therapeutic communication, cross-cultural communication, effective teamwork, and communication as it relates to interprofessional relationships, knowledge, and skills. (2.5:0:0 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 121, PRNU 122, PRNU 123, PRNU 125, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 125 (3) Professional Practice A

A focus on the development of foundational nursing skills that emphasizes the art and science of nursing. Topics include nursing knowledge through the practice of clinical decision-making, nursing assessment skills, and nursing interventions aimed at the promotion of health, independence, theory integration, emphasizing the development of clinical decision-making abilities. (2.5:0:0 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program.

Co-requisites: PRNU 121, PRNU 122, PRNU 123, PRNU 124, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 126 (4) Integrated Nursing Practice A

A focus on the development of foundational nursing skills that emphasizes the art and science of nursing. Topics include nursing knowledge through the practice of clinical decision-making, nursing assessment skills, and nursing interventions aimed at the promotion of health, independence, theory integration, emphasizing the development of clinical decision-making abilities. (1:0:9 for 18 weeks)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing Access Program; Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses with a minimum grade of C+ or equivalent.

Co-requisites: PRNU 121, PRNU 122, PRNU 123, PRNU 124, and PRNU 125.

PRNU 127 (6) Consolidated Practice Experience A

An opportunity to consolidate theory into practice in residential care settings, focusing on aging clients with chronic illnesses. Topics include medication administration, nursing care, organization, comprehensive health assessment, wound care, and introduction to leadership. (0:0:0 -120 for 4 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 121, PRNU 122, PRNU 123, PRNU 124, PRNU 125, and PRNU 126.

PRNU 202 (2.5) Health Promotion III (Effective Sep 2023)

A focus on health promotion for clients across the lifespan as it relates to the continuum of care within the community setting. Topics include: normal growth and development from conception to middle adulthood; health-promotion activities aimed at clients experiencing mental illness and physical/developmental disabilities; and maternal/child health. (3:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 2 courses, including PRNU 117.

Co-requisites: PRNU 203, PRNU 204, PRNU 205, and PRNU 206.

PRNU 203 (3) Variations in Health III

A focus on the continuum of care and development of knowledge related to health challenges managed in the community setting. Topics include: pathophysiology and nursing care of clients requiring home health care, rehabilitation, and supportive services; cultural diversity in healing approaches; incorporation of evidence-informed practice and research. (3.8:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 2 courses, including PRNU 117.

Co-requisites: PRNU 202, PRNU 204, PRNU 205, and PRNU 206.

PRNU 204 (1.5) Professional Communication III (Effective Sep 2023)

A focus on specific professional communication skills with clients across the lifespan within the community setting. Topics include collaboration with clients and health care team members. (1.7:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 2 courses, including PRNU 117.

Co-requisites: PRNU 202, PRNU 203, PRNU 205, and PRNU 206.

PRNU 205 (1.5) Professional Practice III (Effective Sep 2023)

An introduction to practice in the community, utilizing the concepts from previous professional practice courses. Topics include the role of the practical nurse as leader in interactions with clients and their families, and other health care team members. (1.7:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 2 courses, including PRNU 117.

Co-requisites: PRNU 202, PRNU 203, PRNU 204, and PRNU 206.

PRNU 206 (3) Integrated Nursing Practice III

A continuation of theory integration as it relates to clients experiencing multiple health challenges within the community setting. Topics include utilization of the nursing process, including comprehensive nursing assessments, planning, and interventions. (0:0:10 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 2 courses, including PRNU 117.

Co-requisites: PRNU 202, PRNU 203, PRNU 204, and PRNU 205.

PRNU 207 (3) Consolidated Practice Experience III

An introduction to community and residential care settings for clients across the lifespan, focusing on the continuum of care. Topics include application and adaptation of knowledge, using a variety of approaches. (0:0:0 -84 for 3 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 202, PRNU 203, PRNU 204, PRNU 205, and PRNU 206.

PRNU 212 (1.5) Health Promotion IV (Effective Sep 2023)

A focus on health promotion for clients across the lifespan as it relates to exacerbations of chronic illness and/or acute episodes of illness. Topics include examination of health-promoting strategies during hospitalization to improve or help maintain clients' health status and prepare them for discharge from care. (2:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 3 courses, including PRNU 207.

Co-requisites: PRNU 213, PRNU 214, PRNU 215, and PRNU 216.

PRNU 213 (3.5) Variations in Health IV (Effective Sep 2023)

A focus on pathophysiology as it relates to acute disease and illness of clients across the lifespan, specifically for clients experiencing acute illness. Topics include: nursing interventions and treatment options; implications of the acute exacerbation of chronic illness; cultural diversity in healing practices; and evidence-informed practice and research. (4.2:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 3 courses, including PRNU 207.

Co-requisites: PRNU 212, PRNU 214, PRNU 215, and PRNU 216.

PRNU 214 (1.5) Professional Communication IV (Effective Sep 2023)

A focus on the advancement of professional communication with clients across the lifespan within the acute care setting. Topics include collaboration with clients and health care team members. (1.7:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 3 courses, including PRNU 207.

Co-requisites: PRNU 212, PRNU 213, PRNU 215, and PRNU 216.

PRNU 215 (1.5) Professional Practice IV (Effective Sep 2023)

An exploration of the role of the practical nurse in caring for clients with acute presentation of illness. Topics include: legislation influencing practical nursing, professional and ethical practice issues in acute care environments and those that occur across the lifespan, and collaborative practice with other health care team members. (1.7:0:0 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 3 courses, including PRNU 207.

Co-requisites: PRNU 212, PRNU 213, PRNU 214, and PRNU 216.

PRNU 216 (4) Integrated Nursing Practice IV

An emphasis on the development of nursing skills aimed at promoting health and healing with clients across the lifespan as it relates to acute health challenges. Topics include integration of new knowledge and skills related to the acute care setting. (0:0:15 for 12 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 3 courses, including PRNU 207.

Co-requisites: PRNU 212, PRNU 213, PRNU 214, and PRNU 215.

PRNU 217 (7) Consolidated Practice Experience IV

An opportunity to integrate and consolidate theory into practice in acute care and practice areas with clients across the lifespan as it relates to exacerbations of chronic illness and/or episodes of acute illness. Topics include postoperative care, surgical wound management, intravenous therapy, focused assessment, and clinical decision making. (0:1:0 -196 for 7 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 212, PRNU 213, PRNU 214, PRNU 215, and PRNU 216.

PRNU 218 (1) Transition to Preceptorship

An opportunity to prepare for preceptorship. Topics include simulation experiences and self-directed learning to increase competence and confidence. (30:0:0 for 1 weeks)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Semester 4 courses, including PRNU 217.

PRNU 219 (6) Preceptorship

An opportunity to demonstrate integration and consolidation of knowledge, skills, and abilities within the realities of the workplace and become practice ready. (0:0:0 -180 for 6 weeks)

Prerequisite: PRNU 218.