2024-2025 Graduate Calendar

This full-time, May-start program runs over five continuous terms and includes 20 mandatory courses. The integration of relational, research, and practice skills and knowledge equips graduates of this program to lead in the translation and integration of research into front line practice to positively influence health and healing and thoughtfully impact processes and policies that affect care.

The objectives of the program are: a) to foster students' ability to do high quality, scientifically rigorous research in their discipline; b) to expand their understanding of concepts, theories and practices in their discipline such that they can successfully advance to doctoral studies; c) to provide the knowledge base and skills to analyze and evaluate programs, policies, environmental issues, and organizational structures related to applied health sciences; d) to enhance students' abilities to apply and disseminate new knowledge and practices to colleagues, practitioners, policy makers/analysts, and other professionals in applied health sciences.

Terms are clustered into three undergraduate and two graduate terms which include lectures, seminars, technology assisted instruction and learning, skills labs, simulation, and clinical practica. Students are normally expected to successfully complete the program within three years of first registration in a course.

In terms 1 to 4, students will have the advantage of both blocked (continuous) clinical experiences as well as non-blocked experiences that occur concurrently with classroom learning. Non-blocked clinical may occur over weekdays, weekends, or evenings; blocked clinical will occur over various shifts at the end of each term. In term 5, students will be in practice areas continuously for the duration of the term. Transportation to clinical placement is a student responsibility.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to achieve the entry to practice competencies for registered nurses, as identified by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO),and will be able to write the National Council Licensure Examination RN (NCLEX-RN) and jurisprudence exams, which are required for licensure as a registered nurse.

The BN/MN program adheres to ethics and other practice standards established by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Students whose behaviour is unprofessional, or whose performance jeopardizes the safety of patients or others may be asked to leave the lab or clinical areas immediately and may receive a failing grade in that course.

Program Notes

1.	Admission to part-time study is not available.
2.	Admission to the BN/MN program is not available to students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in Nursing at Brock or elsewhere.
3.	Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in admission.
4.	An admission interview may be required.
5.	Students are advised to consult the Undergraduate calendar for Academic Regulations and University Policies for all 4(alpha)00 level courses. Note that due to the unique nature of the program, there may be a program note that overrides an Undergraduate academic regulation.
6.	Students are advised to consult the Graduate calendar for Academic Regulations and University Policies for all 5(alpha)00 level courses.
7.	Students must achieve a minimum of a B grade (70 percent) in all courses and complete all assessments in a course. Students who do not achieve a minimum B grade (70 percent) in any course must repeat the course the following year and will be required to take a two term leave of absence. Students may repeat a course only once. If a minimum B grade (70 percent) is not achieved on the second attempt of a course, the student will be withdrawn from the program. Students may repeat a maximum of two courses in the program. If a grade of less than B (70 percent) is achieved in a third course, the student will be withdrawn from the program.
8.	A degree cannot be awarded unless all courses in the program are successfully completed.
9.	COVID-19: Please note that placement providers now require students, faculty members and clinical instructors coming on the placement provider's premise be either vaccinated or have an approved exemption. Students, faculty and clinical instructors are required to follow the requirements of placement providers while on the placement provider's premise. If you have any questions, please contact nursing@brocku.ca. Please note that should your placement provider specifically require your COVID-19 vaccination status, further coordination and information may be requested from you.
10.	Due to the sequential nature of the program, a leave of absence must be 3 terms (one year) if not required to repeat a course, and 2 terms if required to repeat a course. Normally, only one leave of absence is permitted in the program.
11.	A student who has not successfully completed a clinical course for one year or longer will be required to pass a practical exam prior to registering for the next clinical course. The exam will be video recorded. The student may be charged a clinical skills exam fee. If the student fails the exam, the student must repeat a previous clinical course at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director.

Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a non-nursing Honours Bachelor degree from an accredited university, or equivalent, with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of study.

Applicants must also have completed the following bachelor's level credit courses with a B grade or higher:

Introductory psychology (full course equivalent)

Developmental (life span) psychology (half course equivalent)

Human Anatomy (half course equivalent)

Human Physiology (half course equivalent)

Microbiology (half course equivalent)

Statistics course (half course equivalent)

Research methods course (half course equivalent).

For students who are required to provide proof of English Language Proficiency, a IELTS score of 7.0 (with no section under 6.5) or equivalent score on other tests of ELP accepted by Brock University is required. For a full listing of accepted tests see: brocku.ca/graduate-studies/future-students/international/english-language-proficiency/.

Admission to part-time study is not available.

Degree Requirements

Basic degree requirements include the successful completion of 20 required courses (18.5 credits) over five continuous terms. Terms are clustered into three undergraduate terms with 13 required courses (11 total credits) and two graduate terms with seven required courses (7.5 total credits).

Term 1

NURS 4L01, 4P02, 4P07, 4P15 and 4P20

Term 2

NURS 4L03, 4P08, 4P16, and 4P21

Term 3

NURS 4L04, 4P09, 4P17 and 4P22

Term 4

	NURS 5L05, 5P18 and 5P23
	NURS 5P10

Term 5

NURS 5L07, 5D19 and 5P24

Students must successfully complete all courses in one term to progress to courses in the next term. Students must achieve a minimum of a B grade in all courses and complete all assessments in a course. In courses that include lab and clinical components, students must achieve a PASS to receive a grade in the course.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of all requirements for clinical practica prior to clinical experiences to avoid start delays or possible de-registration in courses that include lab and clinical components. These requirements include:

	CPR (level C or BCLS) certification is valid throughout the program. Note that re-certification is required annually.
	N-95 mask fit testing. Note that mask fit testing is valid for two years and must be renewed as necessary.
	Proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), hepatitis B, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, tuberculosis, COVID-19. Annual TB skin testing is also required. If TB skin testing occurs, students will require chest x rays every two years.
	CPR certification, N-95 mask fit testing certification records, and immunization records are to be submitted to Synergy Gateway Inc. by March 1 prior to the commencement of Term 1. Returning students (year 2) must submit their records by February 1.
	Some courses may require a recent police record check and vulnerable sector screening, at the student’s expense. This can take several weeks, so students are advised to begin this process early. Students will be advised if this is a requirement for a specific course.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable term timetable for details.

# Indicates a cross listed course

* Indicates a primary offering of a cross listed course

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

NURS 4L01

Nursing Foundations: Care of Adults and Older Adults

Introduction to person-centred care of adults and older adults within Canadian contexts of primary health care, provincial nursing standards and guidelines, and indigenous health. Introduction to Kantian ethics and bioethics, current nursing evidences, and common nursing interventions. Includes intensive lab practice in all basic technical skills as well as clinical practice in medical-surgical settings. Lectures, 3 hours per week; Lab + Clinical, 252 hours.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied. Clinical times include days/evenings/weekends.

NURS 4L03

Nursing Foundations: Care of Families and Communities

Nursing of families in various stages of development and transition within the context of community, with particular attention to environment, and impacts of globalization. Includes extensive lab practice with technical and assessment skills involving infants, children, pregnant and labouring women, and families and assessment of communities. Includes exploration of utilitarian ethics in health care decisions and advocacy skills. Practice includes both community and institutional settings. Lectures, 3 hours per week; Lab + Clinical, 260 hours.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied. Clinical times include days/evenings/weekends.

NURS 4L04

Nursing Foundations: Care of Persons with Chronic Health Concerns

Concepts of care for persons experiencing chronic and mental health concerns. Includes extensive lab practice in assessment skills related to mental health and chronicity and in interventions related to persons with chronic and mental health issues. Clinical practice includes settings that emphasize mental health and chronicity. Lectures, 3 hours per week; Lab + Clinical, 260 hours.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied. Clinical times include days/evenings/weekends.

NURS 4P02

Nursing Foundations: Assessment of Adults and Older Adults

Introduction to all basic assessment skills, health and social history interviewing, systems and medications review, lab and other diagnostic assessments, diversity, cultural safety, learning readiness, and nursing practice standards and guidelines. Emphasis is on assessment with older adults and adults. Lectures; labs, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P07

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics: Common Health Disorders

Introduction to common acute health conditions that affect adults and older adults. Includes discussion of related diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions, pharmacotherapeutics, informatics, impacts of environment and globalization on disease, and relevant health education and promotion. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P08

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics: Health Concerns of Families and Communities

Introduction to common health conditions across the lifespan, with an emphasis on infants, children, adolescents, and women, as well as on disorders and disease prevention at a community or population and global levels. Includes discussion of related diagnostic tests, pharmacologic and other therapeutic interventions, related health education and promotion, and cultural interpretations and competence. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P09

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics: Mental Health Disorders

Study of mental health disorders across the lifespan with respect to psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and specific interventions. Includes exploration of interactions between mental health and other disorders, especially those considered to be chronic, marginalization, social justice, and health education and promotion. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P15

Relational Care and Leadership: Basic Relational Skills

Introduction to basic skills and strategies in interpersonal communication, including recognition of bias, racism, cultural variations, giving and receiving feedback, and communication with members of intraprofessional and interprofessional teams. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied.

NURS 4P16

Relational Care and Leadership: Promoting Change and Health

Examination of theory and strategies related to teaching and learning, motivational interviewing, coaching, and change within therapeutic and leadership contexts. Explores ways to adapt the message to the audience. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P17

Relational Care and Leadership: Working with and Leading Groups

Explores and applies skills and knowledge related to working with and leading therapeutic and work groups. Special emphasis on working within interpersonal, intraprofessional, interprofessional, and intersectoral teams; influencing decisions; managing conflict; and negotiation. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P20

Critical Analysis of Evidence for Nursing Practice

Course introduces students to library search strategies, critical analysis, and literature review methodologies. Students will select a nursing topic of interest for ongoing research development throughout the program. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P21

Epidemiology in Nursing and Health Care

Introduction to fundamental methodological principles of epidemiology and the place of epidemiology in nursing, disease prevention, and population health within Canadian and global contexts. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 4P22

Qualitative Inquiry and Analysis

Exploration of the theoretical and philosophical bases of qualitative and interpretative inquiry as well as qualitative research designs, methods of data collection and data analysis and interpretation and rigour. Includes introduction to the use of computer software management and presentation of qualitative data. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 5D19

Practice of Relational Leadership and Management

Preceptored experience with a health care leader. Emphasis on applying relational leadership concepts and skills in a variety of settings. Lab, 40 hours; Preceptorship, 96 hours.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied.

NURS 5L05

Advancing Nursing Practice: Care of Patients Experiencing Emergent and Critical Illnesses

Care of persons experiencing complex health challenges, in a variety of settings, with an emphasis on those who experience critical or emergent illnesses and end of life decisions and on structures and policies that influence complex decisions. Extensive lab practice includes telemetry and disaster planning exercises. Lectures, 3 hours per week; Lab + Clinical, 252 hours.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: A course fee will be applied. Clinical times include days/evenings/weekends.

NURS 5L07

Preparation for Graduate Practice

Extensive clinical experience with a registered nurse preceptor. Preceptorship hours, 7 weeks for an average of 35 hours/week (245 hours total).

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of NURS 5D19.

Note: A course fee will be applied. Clinical times include days/evenings/weekends. May involve out of region placement. Final grade will be CR (Credit) or NC (No-Credit).

NURS 5P10

Basis of Nursing Practice and Inquiry

Inquiry into the philosophical, historical and theoretical foundations of nursing knowledge that influence nursing. Critical analysis of various concepts, theories paradigms and metaparadigms that influence nursing will also be emphasized.

Note: (Previously offered as AHSC 5P10) Course is also required for Master of Arts in Applied Health Sciences students in the Nursing specialization.

NURS 5P18

Relational Care and Leadership: Understanding the Context

Introduction to funding, economics, policy development, quality improvement, human resource issues, leadership, community development, and advocacy within the context of the Canadian federal and provincial institutional and community health systems and impacts of globalization on health care decisions. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 5P23

Applied Research

Research development and planning with an emphasis on application of research understanding and skills to a practical issue or problem in nursing practice. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

NURS 5P24

Translating Research into Practice

Explores strategies to disseminate evidence into practice settings, with an emphasis on how a research project is conducted and implemented in a clinical setting and how research is applied to enhance nursing patient care, quality improvement, advocacy, and change at local and systems levels. Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: Open only to students admitted to the BN/MN program.

Note: May be offered in a blended format.

Last updated: February 23, 2024 @ 01:42PM