Bachelor of Science (Nursing) Degree Program (Admitted in Sep 2016 or later)
In response to a health care system based on principles of primary health care, the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) Program prepares nurses to work in partnerships with individuals, families, groups and communities to promote, maintain and strengthen health. Graduates are prepared to respond to a range of health and illness needs in a variety of settings and organizational health care infrastructures. The curriculum is designed to enable graduates to meet the standards of nursing practice in Canada and be eligible for registration in Nova Scotia.
In addition to the Dalhousie Campus, students may complete a BScN degree on site in Yarmouth. Students interested in this option should contact the School for further information.
Program Objectives
The Bachelor of Science (Nursing) graduate will:
- Demonstrate application of people-centred nursing art and science through critical inquiry, commitment to life-long learning and informed practice.
- Practice competently by applying the principles of primary health care with diverse *clients in a variety of health care contexts and by responding to emerging trends, technology and concepts in health.
- Communicate, collaborate and partner with *clients, and other members of the health care team to increase capacity and enhance health of populations.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal and professional accountability in the practice of nursing and remain committed to professional competence through life-long learning.
- Influence nursing and health care through a social and political analysis of current health care issues and application of leadership skills.
*(individuals, family, groups, community and/or populations)
Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (for students entering in Sep 2016)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a 120 credit hour program. Graduates are eligible to write examinations for membership in the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia.
Before commencing semester 3 all students must have the following completed:
Immunization
Students are responsible for having complete and current immunizations against diphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B and a 2-step Mantoux. Access to clinical agencies will be denied if immunizations are not current and complete.
CPR, (HCP) and Standard First Aid Certification
Students must have CPR (Health Care Provider Level) and Standard First Aid certification. CPR (Health Care Provider Level) must be recertified biannually (or in compliance with the healthcare facility in which a student may be completing a clinical practicum). A cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course and standard first-aid course are the student’s responsibilities in time and cost. Access to clinical settings will be denied if certification is not current.
Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Search
Students are responsible for completing a criminal record check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Access to clinical agencies will be denied if these checks are not current.
Course of Study
The Program is offered at both the Halifax and Yarmouth sites. The following is an outline of courses that are taken in each semester. Advanced standing students commence in Semester 3.
Program requirements may change with ongoing curricular revisions.
Semester 1
- PHYL 1010X.03: Human Physiology
- ANAT 1010.03: Basic Human Anatomy
- ENGL 1100.03: Writing for University
- Open elective (3 credit hours)
- Open elective (3 credit hours)
Semester 2
- PHYL 1010Y.03: Human Physiology
- BIOC 1420.03: Introductory Biochemistry for Nursing Students (recommended; or 3 credit hour Science elective)
- STAT 1060.03: Introductory Statistics for Science and Health Sciences
- HAHP 2000.03: Human Growth and Development (recommended; or 3 credit hour open elective)
- MICI 1100.03: Health Science Microbiology
Semester 3
- NURS 2710.06: Nursing and Community Health
- NURS 2715.03: Clinical Integration I
- NURS 2720.03: Health and Healing I: Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
- NURS 2730.03: Foundation of Nursing Practice
Semester 4
- NURS 2725.03: Clnical Integration II
- NURS 2740.06: Nursing and Family Health
- NURS 2750.03: Health and Healing II: Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
- NURS 2760.03: Nursing Research and Evidence Informed Practice
Semester 5
- NURS 3710.06: Nursing and Episodic Illness: Preventative Care and Intervention
- NURS 3715.06: Clinical Integration III
- NURS 3720.03: Professional Formation of Nursing Practice: Leadership Perspectives
Semester 6
- NURS 3725.06: Clinical Integration IV
- NURS 3730.06: Nursing in the Context of Persistent Illness: Prevention and Recovery
- Nursing elective (3 credit hours)
Semester 7
- NURS 4710.03: Relational Practice and Advanced Clinical Reasoning
- NURS 4715.06: Exploratory Nursing Practice
- NURS 4720.03: Professional formation: Nursing and Social Responsibility
- Nursing elective (3 credit hours)
Semester 8
Course of Study
With the help of a Year Program Coordinator, an individual course of study is determined. Course of study may be affected by the actual courses offered in an academic year. Certain courses may have prerequisites as noted in the course descriptions. Part-time students are encouraged to complete most of the required non-nursing courses before starting nursing courses. The course of study varies considerably when the student applies transfer credits toward the degree. Transfer credit regulations are outlined under the Academic Regulations section of the University Calendar.