Practical Nursing

Anatomy & Physiology 1 is the first course in a two-part series introducing the fundamental principles of human structure and function. This course examines the levels of organization in the body, from chemical and cellular levels to tissues, followed by an in-depth study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students will examine anatomical models, specimens, and conduct virtual dissections to enhance their understanding of body structures. Physiological processes such as movement, neural signaling, and hormonal regulation will be explored.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of practical nursing. Course concepts include foundations of nursing within the wellness model.

This course improves students' ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

In this course, learners explore effective interpersonal communication through self-examination, communication processes and the opportunity to practice by a variety of exercises.

Prerequisites: SCIE-0005 Anatomy & Physiology 1, HLTH-0183 Canadian Nursing Principles, COMM-0038 Interpersonal Communications, PSSY-0026 Psychology, PSSY-0079 Sociology
This one-week practicum offers the learner an opportunity to observe the determinants of health in relationship to the local environment. Learners explore agencies providing health promotion and illness prevention services and observe individuals of all ages functioning within the community setting.

In this course learners begin to examine basic concepts and principles of individual behaviour. Nursing requires effective interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people in a broad range of circumstances.

This course explores the process of socialization and discusses how culture affects the totality of our lives. Learners examine social deviance and social control and look at the social dynamics of racial, ethnic and minority groups in our society. The processes and effects of social stratification are discussed.

Anatomy & Physiology 2 is the final course in the two-part series, which introduces new concepts associated with the fundamental principles of human structure and function. It examines the anatomy and physiology of the special senses, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as the composition, function, and formation of blood. Students will examine anatomical models, specimens, and conduct virtual dissections to enhance anatomical knowledge.

This course introduces the learner to health, well-being and aging. It examines the age-related changes in all body systems in order to assist the learner in assessing and understanding the status of the gerontological client. Gerontological nursing in diverse settings is explored along with the legal and ethical considerations for nursing practice.

Learners study the normal growth and development across the human lifespan and take into account the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and emotional factors.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0218 Practicum 1 - NURSD
This course has a laboratory component that focuses the learner on developing basic knowledge and nursing skills required to assist the clients in the promotion of independence, activity, comfort and personal care. Learners develop skills and medical terminology related to nursing practice.

Nutrition introduces the foundational principles of human nutrition across the lifespan, with an emphasis on social, cultural, and physiological factors that influence dietary needs and practices. The course considers the impact of social determinants of health and food access, while exploring essential nutrients and their roles in bodily functions and growth. Students will examine nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, and nutritional needs throughout the lifespan.

Prerequisites: SCIE-0006 Anatomy & Physiology 2, HLTH-0012 Gerontological Nursing, HLTH-0007 Human Growth and Development, HLTH-0010 Nursing Arts and Assessment 1, HLTH-0236 Nutrition, PRAC-0218 Practicum 1 - NURSD
This one-week practicum provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate theory learned in term two into practice. The learner cares for the gerontological client, accurately measuring vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living.

Medical Microbiology examines microbial structure, physiology, and interactions with humans to provide a foundation for understanding infectious diseases and the mechanism of action of antimicrobials. The course covers genetic changes that drive antimicrobial resistance and how the immune system defends against infections. Immunization strategies and their role in disease prevention are also examined. Students will examine microbial diversity, drug targets, genetic changes in resistance, immune defense, and analyse disease transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0219 Practicum 2 - NURSD
Learners build on the knowledge and skills acquired in term one, and develop clinical nursing skills required in caring for clients with assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating strategies that promote the client's health.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0219 Practicum 2 - NURSD
This course introduces the basic concepts and principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmcotherapeutics, and the practical nurse's role in drug therapy.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0219 Practicum 2 - NURSD
Physical health assessment is an integral aspect of nursing practice. Learners develop a systematic approach in obtaining complete and accurate historical information from clients, performing a physical examination and making clinical assessments regarding clients' needs. Learners differentiate between normal and abnormal findings. Emphasis is placed on the physical, psychosocial and cultural needs of individuals across the lifespan.

Prerequisites: SCIE-0073 Medical Microbiology, HLTH-0015 Nursing Arts and Assessment 2, HLTH-0184 Pharmacology 1, HLTH-0011 Physical Health Assessment
This three-week practicum provides the learner with a supervised experience in the long-term care setting. Learners are expected to integrate theory and practice while caring for the elderly in a structured environment. The learner studies the practical nurses' role and responsibilities for safe administration of medication by a variety of selected routes.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0220 Practicum 3 - NURSD
This course provides the learner with the knowledge and skills to care for clients and families in the acute and chronic phase of an illness in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0220 Practicum 3 - NURSD
This course focuses on conditions and considerations that may arise in the acute care of pediatric and maternal/newborn populations. It follows the child and family from neonate through normal growth and development.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0220 Practicum 3 - NURSD
Learners enhance their knowledge and skills acquired in the previous terms, and focus on the development of clinical nursing skills to care for clients of all ages.

Prerequisite: PRAC-0220 Practicum 3 - NURSD
This course covers the advanced concepts and principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmcotherapeutics and the practical nurse's role in drug therapy.

Prerequisites: HLTH-0133 Health Restoration & Reorg 1, HLTH-0134 Health Restoration & Reorg 2, HLTH-0185 Pharmacology 2, HLTH-0186 Nursing Arts and Assessment 3
This eight-week practicum provides the learner with an opportunity to integrate theory with clinical practice under the supervision of a nursing faculty member. Learners provide care to clients of all ages who are in the acute stage of their illness/ disease. Practicum settings include: surgery, medicine, maternity, pediatrics, and community.

Anatomy & Physiology 1 is the first course in a two-part series introducing the fundamental principles of human structure and function. This course examines the levels of organization in the body, from chemical and cellular levels to tissues, followed by an in-depth study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students will examine anatomical models, specimens, and conduct virtual dissections to enhance their understanding of body structures. Physiological processes such as movement, neural signaling, and hormonal regulation will be explored.

This course improves students' ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

Human Development & Family explores development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and sexual development, from the prenatal stage to late adulthood. Students will examine how heredity, environment, and social factors influence development. The course also explores family structures, relationships, and life transitions, including Indigenous family dynamics and impact on development. Key topics include interpersonal violence, elder abuse, and substance use disorders.

The Indigenous Health & Wellness course introduces the student to Indigenous worldviews of health and wellness, emphasizing relationship-based, culturally safe, and trauma-informed care. Students explore the historical, social, and political determinants that impact Indigenous health and examine how colonization, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma influence wellness and access to healthcare. The course encourages self-reflection, cultural humility, and collaborative approaches rooted in Truth and Reconciliation, while developing foundational knowledge to support respectful, equitable nursing care for Indigenous clients, families, and communities. Grounded in the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Ethuaptmumk), the course invites the student to integrate both Indigenous and Western perspectives to enrich holistic and inclusive nursing practice.

Nutrition introduces the foundational principles of human nutrition across the lifespan, with an emphasis on social, cultural, and physiological factors that influence dietary needs and practices. The course considers the impact of social determinants of health and food access, while exploring essential nutrients and their roles in bodily functions and growth. Students will examine nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, and nutritional needs throughout the lifespan.

Professionalism in Nursing examines the roles, attributes, and professional expectations of nurses within Manitoba's healthcare system, with an emphasis on the practical nursing profession. Students will explore professionalism, professional identity, and scope of practice while analyzing the core values, ethics, and competencies that guide nursing practice. Key topics include nursing theories, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, interprofessional collaboration, critical thinking, technology and informatics. By understanding the regulatory framework and expectations for Licensed Practical Nurses, students will develop the foundational knowledge and competencies required for client-centered care, education, research, advocacy, and leadership in nursing.

Psychology is the scientific study of human thought, emotion, and behaviour. In this introductory course, students will explore foundational concepts, major theories, and research methods that help explain how people think, feel, and act. Emphasis is placed on the biological, cognitive, and social influences on behaviour, including topics such as brain function, learning, memory, perception, development, motivation, emotion, personality, mental health, and social interaction.

Sociology provides the student with foundational sociological knowledge to understand how society, culture, and institutions shape individual and collective experiences. The student will examine topics such as identity, inequality, culture, socialization, and belief systems. The student will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper awareness of the social forces that influence human behaviour.

Anatomy & Physiology 2 is the final course in the two-part series, which introduces new concepts associated with the fundamental principles of human structure and function. It examines the anatomy and physiology of the special senses, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as the composition, function, and formation of blood. Students will examine anatomical models, specimens, and conduct virtual dissections to enhance anatomical knowledge.

Prerequisite: NURS-0010 Nursing Foundations; SCIE-0006 Anatomy & Physiology 2; NURS-0014 Physical Health Assessment; SIMN-0004 Physical Health Assessment Lab; NURS-0018 The Older Adult; NURS-0003 Essentials of Nursing 1; SIMN-0001 Nursing Competencies Lab 1 Practicum 1 is a 40-hour, long-term care clinical practicum. The student will apply basic nursing competencies acquired in the Nursing Competencies Lab 1 to clients in long-term care settings. Under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF), the student will apply the nursing process and learn how to integrate theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement in the provision of nursing care to stable clients in predictable environments. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive, safe, coordinated, client-centered care. Reflective practice integrated with knowledge, best-practice, and clinical leadership is emphasized.

Essentials of Nursing 1 is a theoretical course designed to help students understand the principles and rationale behind basic nursing competencies. It equips students with the foundational knowledge and critical thinking needed to carry out nursing care safely, ethically, and confidently. Through the exploration of key concepts that guide the nursing process—including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—students develop a professional framework for clinical decision-making and accountability.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0001 Block Practicum 1 Corequisite: NURS-0004 Essentials of Nursing 2, PRAN-0002 Integrated Practicum 2
Nursing Competencies Lab 1 provides students with the opportunity to learn core psychomotor nursing skills in a safe, supervised, and supportive environment. Building on foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and nursing theory, students engage in guided practice, reflective feedback, and hands-on learning to develop entry-level competencies. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and the nursing process to perform safe, ethical, and client-centered care. Students also develop competence in documentation and reporting to support professional nursing practice. By the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate basic nursing competencies required for progression to clinical placements.

Nursing Foundations introduces the foundational concepts, principles, and practices that underpin the role of the practical nurse in delivering client-centered care. This course emphasizes understanding diverse client needs, health outcomes, and the ethical responsibilities of nurses in promoting dignity and human rights. Students will explore key areas such as cultural competence, therapeutic communication, trauma-informed care, and interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, students will examine advocacy, collaboration, reflective practice, and the nursing process to address health inequities and ensure safe, ethical, and effective care across diverse settings.

Physical Health Assessment (PHA) is a theory-based course that introduces the principles of comprehensive and focused health assessments across the lifespan. Students will learn the techniques, components, and processes of health assessments, including subjective and objective data collection, documentation, and clinical applications. Emphasis is placed on nursing process integration, communication, cultural considerations, and professional standards. This course provides the theoretical foundation for health assessment competency development in the PHA lab course.

Physical Health Assessment (PHA) Lab is a lab-based course where students apply the knowledge gained from the PHA Theory course to develop competency in comprehensive and focused health assessments across the lifespan. Using appropriate interview and assessment techniques, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, students apply the nursing process to assess, interpret key findings, and support safe practice. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, documentation, client education. This course bridges theory to practice, preparing students for clinical application in nursing.

The Older Adult course introduces the student to the common age-related changes in the older adult. Emphasis is placed on the determinants of health and impact on aging. The course examines health promotion and disease and injury prevention with a focus on promotion and maintenance of physical, mental, spiritual health, as well as the prevention of disease and disability. The prevalence of chronic diseases in the older adult is discussed and how the role of culture, identity, and lived experience influence older adult’s response to chronic diseases. Health policy, legal, and ethical consideration for the older adult and nursing practice are examined.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0002 Integrated Practicum 2, SCIE-0073 Medical Microbiology, NURS-0012 Pathophysiology, NURS-0009 Mental Health & Substance Use, NURS-0017 Science of Pharmacology, NURS-0004 Essentials of Nursing 2, SIMN-0002 Nursing Competencies Lab 2
Block Practicum 3 is an 80-hour clinical practicum in subacute/acute medical or surgical care settings. The student will progress from the provision of basic nursing care to more complex entry-level competencies. Continued emphasis is placed on the nursing process, critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement, medication administration, documentation and reporting under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF). Students are introduced to the provision of nursing care to unpredictable, unfamiliar, and unstable clients. Reflective practice is reinforced.
The goal of this practicum is to provide 80 hours of in-person clinical experience, with a minimum requirement of 40 in-person hours completed in a subacute or acute medical/surgical setting. In-person high-fidelity simulation may be used to supplement up to 20 hours of this practicum, based on a 2:1 equivalency ratio that is, 20 hours of simulation equals 40 clinical hours. Use of simulation is reserved for extenuating circumstances only.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0001 Block Practicum 1 Corequisite: SIMN-0002 Nursing Competencies Lab 2, PRAN-0002 Integrated Practicum 2 Essentials of Nursing 2 is a theoretical course that builds on foundational nursing knowledge to prepare students for nursing practice in acute care settings. Students deepen their understanding of the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, while further developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and judgment. The course emphasizes ethical, safe person-centered care for clients with acute health conditions, and explores the scope of practice, regulatory standards, and interprofessional collaborative essential to acute care nursing.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0001 Block Practicum 1
Corequisite: NURS-0009 Mental Health & Substance Use, NURS-0017 Science of Pharmacology
NURS-0004 Essentials of Nursing 2, SIMN-0002 Nursing Competencies Lab 2
Integrated Practicum 2 is a 40-hour clinical practicum focused on caring for clients experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Building on skills from Nursing Competencies Lab 1 and related theoretical courses, students will apply the nursing process under the supervision of a Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF). Emphasis is placed on providing safe, client-centered, and recovery-oriented care while integrating critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and judgment. Through guided practice, students strengthen their ability to deliver coordinated and ethical care, engage in reflective practice, and apply principles of clinical leadership and best practices in mental health nursing.
At least 20 of the 40 hours in this practicum will be in person in a mental health setting. In-person high fidelity simulation will be used for up to 20 hours of the mental health and substance use clinical, using the ratio of 1 hour of in-person high fidelity simulation equals 2 hours of clinical i.e. 10 hours of high-fidelity simulation equals 20 hours of simulation.

Medical Microbiology examines microbial structure, physiology, and interactions with humans to provide a foundation for understanding infectious diseases and the mechanism of action of antimicrobials. The course covers genetic changes that drive antimicrobial resistance and how the immune system defends against infections. Immunization strategies and their role in disease prevention are also examined. Students will examine microbial diversity, drug targets, genetic changes in resistance, immune defense, and analyse disease transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Mental Health & Substance Use introduces the student to the concepts of mental health, mental illness, and substance use across the lifespan. The role of the determinants of health and colonization on individual’s mental health and well-being is examined. An historical overview is presented to situate the dramatic transformation in attitudes and perspectives of mental illness through time. The student will examine current legislation relevant to mental health practice, evidence-based interventions, stigma reduction, and recovery-oriented care. Emphasis will be placed on understanding common mental health conditions and substance use disorder across the lifespan. Using an interprofessional approach in clinical interventions, the student will learn how to apply the nursing process in the provision of culturally competent, safe, and ethical nursing care to clients and families across the lifespan.

Nursing Competencies Lab 2 is the second in a series of laboratory courses designed to advance students’ clinical proficiency in delivering safe, ethical, and client-centered care in acute care settings. Building on foundational skills and theoretical knowledge, students engage more complex competencies in areas such as oxygenation, perfusion, wound management, urinary and gastrointestinal elimination, fluid and electrolyte balance, and medication administration. Through guided practice and structured skill demonstrations, students apply principles of pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment to support clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on integrating the nursing process, inclusive of critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement, whole promoting reflective practice, professional communication, and accurate documentation. This course prepares students for practicum experiences in medical/surgical acute care environments.

Pathophysiology of acute and chronic diseases provides nursing students with a comprehensive understanding of the pathological processes that underlie common acute and chronic health conditions across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the integration of pathophysiological concepts with clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-informed treatment strategies. Students will explore the rationale for diagnostic testing and apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement to interpret findings and anticipate nursing interventions. The course prepares students to critically analyze disease progression and its impact on individuals, families, and populations.

The Science of Pharmacology introduces the student to the topics of pharmacological principles, legal and ethical considerations, and safety of medication administration. Major drug classifications are studied based upon body systems including the mechanism of action, therapeutic, and adverse effects of medications.

Community and Population Health introduces students to the foundational principles of public, community, and population health nursing, emphasizing social determinants, health disparities, and environmental influences on diverse populations. Students analyze the evolving role of Practical Nurses across a range of community, population, and public health settings. The course examines historical developments, evidence-informed practice, regulatory policies, and the ethical and legal dimensions of community-based care. Through a focus on health promotion, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration, students develop the ability to participate in assessing community health needs, support the planning of equitable interventions, and contribute to evaluating outcomes that promote culturally responsive and population-level nursing practice.

End of Life Care examines the principles of palliative and end-of-life care, emphasizing cultural safety, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. Students will analyze diverse cultural, religious, and Indigenous perspectives on death and dying to enhance client-centered and family-centered care. The nurse’s role in symptom management, communication, ethical decision-making, MAID, and advanced care directives are emphasized. The focus is on promoting comfort, dignity, and quality of life while addressing psychosocial, spiritual, and bereavement needs. Students will also examine post-mortem care, legal documentation, and reporting.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0003 Block Practicum 3 Corequisite: SIMN-0003 Nursing Competencies Lab 3, PRAN-0005 Integrated Practicum 5, PRAN-0006 Integrated Practicum 6 Essentials of Nursing 3 is a theoretical course that builds on foundational nursing knowledge to prepare students for the complexities of client care in acute and specialized settings. With an emphasis on pediatric care, central venous access devices (CVADs), blood transfusions, pain management, perioperative care, and medical emergencies, students deepen their understanding of nursing interventions and safety considerations in these higher-acuity contexts. Students also advance their skills in applying the nursing process and performing safe, accurate medication administration across specialized clinical scenarios. This course supports the development of professional competence by integrating regulatory standards, ethical and legal considerations, and collaborative care principles relevant to practical nursing practice in complex care environments.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0003 Block Practicum 3
Corequisite: NURS-0001 Community & Population Health
Integrated Practicum 4 is a 40-hour clinical placement in diverse communities. Under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF), students actively participate as members of the healthcare team while applying critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and judgment in real-world community settings. Students will participate in the assessment of community health needs, planning and implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes to support health promotion and disease prevention at the population level. Reflective practice is emphasized throughout the experience to support personal and professional growth.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0003 Block Practicum 3
Corequisite: NURS-0008 Maternity & Newborn Nursing, NURS-0005 Essentials of Nursing 3,
SIMN-0003 Nursing Competencies Lab 3
Integrated Practicum 5 is a 40-hour Maternity and Newborn clinical placement. Emphasis will be placed on developing competency in advanced nursing skills, application of the nursing process, medication administration, documentation and reporting under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF). Reflective practice is reinforced.
At least 20 of the 40 hours in this practicum will be in person in a maternity and newborn clinical placement setting. In-person high fidelity simulation will be used for up to 20 hours of the maternity and newborn clinical placement clinical, using the ratio of 1 hour of in-person high fidelity simulation equals 2 hours of clinical i.e. 10 hours of high-fidelity simulation equals 20 hours of simulation.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0003 Block Practicum 3
Corequisite: NURS-0013 Pediatric Nursing, NURS-0005 Essentials of Nursing 3, SIMN-0003 Nursing Competencies Lab 3
Integrated Practicum 5 is a 40-hour Maternity and Newborn clinical placement. Emphasis will be placed on developing competency in advanced nursing skills, application of the nursing process, medication administration, documentation and reporting under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF). Reflective practice is reinforced.
At least 20 of the 40 hours in this practicum will be in person in a maternity and newborn clinical placement setting. In-person high fidelity simulation will be used for up to 20 hours of the maternity and newborn clinical placement clinical, using the ratio of 1 hour of in-person high fidelity simulation equals 2 hours of clinical i.e. 10 hours of high-fidelity simulation equals 20 hours of simulation.

The Maternity & Newborn Nursing course introduces students to the principles of family-centered, culturally responsive, maternity and newborn care. Using the nursing process, students will develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and judgment to assess and manage maternal and newborn health. Emphasis is placed on prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care, including maternal and fetal assessments, clinical manifestations, diagnoses, and evidence-based interventions. Students will explore common complications, high-risk pregnancies, and strategies to optimize health outcomes. The course integrates justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in providing collaborative, compassionate, and ethical care to diverse families.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0003 Block Practicum 3 Corequisite: NURS-0005 Essentials of Nursing 3, PRAN-0005 Integrated Practicum 5, PRAN-0006 Integrated Practicum 6 Nursing Competencies Lab 3 is the final course in the series of laboratory courses designed to further develop students’ clinical proficiency in delivering safe, ethical, and culturally responsive care in acute and specialized settings. Building on foundational and intermediate competencies, students demonstrate complex nursing interventions with a focus on managing pain, supporting surgical recovery, caring for clients with artificial airways, administering blood transfusions, and providing pediatric, labour and delivery, and newborn care. Students also develop proficiency in central venous access device (CVAD) therapy, including the safe administration of medications through CVADs. Through guided practice and structured demonstrations, students apply knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment to support clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on integrating the nursing process, inclusive of critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement, whole promoting reflective practice, professional communication, and accurate documentation.

Nursing Leadership equips students with the principles of leadership and change management essential for navigating today’s healthcare environment. This course prepares students to influence change, drive ethical and evidence-based care, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will explore leadership theories, formal and informal leadership roles, policy, healthcare law, and organizational structures while developing strategies to support professional practice. Through reflection and applied learning, students will build the confidence and competencies needed to lead effectively, advocate for quality care, and contribute to a safe, equitable, and client-centered practice environment.

The Pediatric Nursing course explores the principles of pediatric nursing, focusing on family-centered, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive care. Students will apply the nursing process to promote health, safety, and wellness in pediatric population experiencing acute, chronic, and congenital conditions. Emphasis is placed on growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, ethical considerations, and interprofessional collaboration to optimize health outcomes. The course integrates justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles, ensuring students develop culturally competent, trauma-informed approaches to pediatric nursing.

Professional Nursing Autonomy explores the principles and frameworks that guide the development of autonomous nursing practice. This course supports students as they transition from learners to independent practitioners. Through critical reflection and applied learning, students will integrate self-management strategies to navigate role challenges, apply the nursing process to autonomous decision-making, and evaluate the impact of evidence-based practice on safe client care. Additionally, they will explore interprofessional collaboration as a foundation for professional growth and examine the regulatory, legal, and ethical dimensions of autonomy in nursing.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0004 Integrated Practicum 4, PRAN-0005 Integrated Practicum 5, PRAN-0006 Integrated Practicum 6
Block Practicum 7 is a 240-hour clinical practicum comprising of 120 hours in acute surgical settings and 120 hours in acute medical settings. Under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Education Facilitator (CEF), students will progress in the provision of advanced nursing care to medical and surgical clients with varying levels of complexity. Clinical environments may be stable or unstable, familiar or unfamiliar, and predictable or unpredictable. This practicum emphasizes the full integration of critical thinking, clinical judgment, and clinical reasoning, along with advanced nursing competencies, the nursing process, medication administration, documentation, and reporting. Reflective practice is reinforced throughout the experience.
At least 80 of the 120 surgical clinical hours will be completed in acute surgical settings. Up to 40 hours of the surgical component may be completed using in-person, high-fidelity simulation, following the equivalency ratio of 1 hour of simulation to 2 hours of clinical practice. For example, 20 hours of simulation would equate to 40 clinical hours.
Similarly, at least 80 of the 120 medical clinical hours will take place in acute care medical settings. Up to 40 hours may be completed using high-fidelity simulation, following the same 1:2 ratio.

Prerequisite: PRAN-0007 Block Practicum 7
Senior practicum is the final clinical placement of the PN program, consisting of 360 hours of in-person practice and an 8-hour on campus transition-to-practice lab. Students are paired with a staff nurse in a preceptorship model, that supports professional socialization and the development of an autonomous practice. This practicum provides the student the opportunity to consolidate entry-level competencies in diverse acute care settings, fully apply the nursing process, and integrate critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgement client-centered care. Reflective practice remains a key component of professional growth.