Regional Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing

This course provides an introduction to ethics and law within the context of mental health care in BC and Canada. Students will examine the major ethical approaches, such as deontology, utilitarianism, and ethical principles, as well as current mental health legislation in BC. Students will apply the ethical theories to a variety of clinical psychiatric nursing situations. The course relies on the concept of the ethical dilemma as a means to help students explore ethical structure and thought. Rather than being an exercise in academic thinking, students will be encouraged to explore how they can become ethical practitioners. Students will discuss common situations encountered in mental health practice from a number of different ethical positions.

This course begins where Pharmacology I ended. In this course, you will be using the knowledge you gained in Foundations of Pharmacology to continue the study of medications and drug classes. Here you will incorporate both the nursing process and evidence-informed practice in the study of drugs and drug classes. You will be studying medications through their interactions with body systems, and by this will be drawing on the knowledge you gained in both your pathophysiology and anatomy and physiology courses. You will be completing your study of pharmacology and nursing management in traditional body systems and drug-function approach. In this approach, your learning will be facilitated by grouping functionally related drugs and drug groups.

This course will assist you to further your knowledge of medical/surgical nursing procedures. You will continue to develop skills in collecting data, diagnosis recognition, assisting in the assessment, planning, and implementation of nursing care plans, performing basic nursing procedures, handling equipment and documenting patient outcomes. This 6-week online course will be followed by one week in a laboratory environment to practice skills and prepare for the clinical experience in Semester 4.

This course will complement pathological concepts by explaining the characteristics of micro –organisms and their role in the transmission of disease. The content will explore the differences between pathogens and non-pathogens, describing and differentiating between bacteria and viruses. It will be exploring micro-organisms within the healthy and non-healthy human body and the relationship between micro-organisms and the processes of inflammation, infection and healing. This course will also be explaining the concepts of asepsis as it relates to micro-organisms.

This course focuses on the history, health, and wellbeing of Indigenous populations in Canada. The impacts and historical and ongoing colonization on the realities of contemporary health status will be examined. Students will work to develop an understanding of the profound relationship between colonization and the health inequities that disproportionately burden Indigenous people. A focus on Indigenous resilience, knowledge, and approaches to health and healing will be examined while analyzing the relationship between ‘western’ medicine and traditional Indigenous approaches to health care. Nursing considerations and challenges of offering culturally safe and competent mental health care to Indigenous populations will be identified with a critical exploration of potential strategies. Specific attention will be given to the Canadian and Provincial governments’ forced assimilation policies, such as the Indian Residential School System, which created inter-generational trauma, leading to significant quality of life issues today. The vital need for trauma-informed practice and anti-racism in health care will be highlighted. Through self-reflection, learning from various Indigenous and ally voices, and critical analysis, students will increase awareness of systemic oppression in health care, thereby preparing psychiatric nursing students to develop awareness, sensitivity, cultural safety, and competency in their professional practice.

This course builds upon the capabilities in communication and interpersonal relationships learned in Therapeutic Relationships I. Students will learn the communication processes in the healthcare environment and will explore the role of basic attending and listening skills, the fundamental principles and practice of the communication process and its influence on the nurse-patient relationship. Therapeutic communication skills will focus on the use of warmth, genuineness, respect and empathy and developing self-awareness through the therapeutic use of self.

This course will continue with the principles and practices of nursing care of the older adult and build to caring for patients of all ages, enabling students to gain more advanced knowledge and ability required to care for chronic, progressive illnesses. Clinical practice occurs in a range of medical sub-acute care settings and with a variety of client populations requiring more advanced nursing care, treatment, and intervention. Students will be expected to apply previously learned theory and acquire and apply more advanced clinical skills. Students are provided with the opportunity to practice interpersonal communication skills, and physiologically oriented interventions, in a safe, and monitored environment.

Career Search Strategies

In this course, students will learn to network effectively (online and in-person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes, cover letters, and a portfolio. Students will be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on their resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview skills. Module 4 will support development of a portfolio in preparation for Module 5 in which students will role-play the interviewing process. Students will be provided with coaching and individualized feedback on their resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills. Module 6 will provide the student with the opportunity to revise their resumes and cover letters based on feedback provided.

Block Lab III

The medical surgical focused lab continues the sequencing of skills development from block lab 1 and 2, with the integration of advanced-level skills of physiological assessment and therapeutic communication skills. Additions to the curriculum include meeting competence in caring for diverse patient populations across the lifespan in an acute hospital medical setting. Students continue their demonstration of applying skills within the previous labs and clinical experiences with additional skills focusing on acute medical care such as care of post-surgical patients and/or those requiring catheterization, care of or initiation of NG tubing, care of other in situ tubing, ostomy care, advanced-level wound care, and care coordination management of the acutely ill patient. The skills demonstrated in this lab will be consolidated through the student’s subsequent medical surgical clinical learning experience.

This course will assist you in gaining knowledge of essential psychiatric nursing procedures. You will continue to develop skills in collecting data, diagnosis recognition, assisting in the assessment, planning and implementation of nursing care plans, with a particular focus on the psychiatric patient. This 6-week online course will be followed by one week in a laboratory environment to practice skills and prepare for the clinical experience in Semester 5.

This course continues to build upon the skills learned in Therapeutic Relationships I & II. The focus will be on assisting student to collect reliable data through a variety of health assessment tools. The various documentation techniques will be also examined. Introduction to specialized communication skills such as conflict resolution, managing resistance and the difficult client through the use of motivational interviewing and role play will be used. Specific attention will be paid to increasing self-awareness, information and knowledge, and more advanced therapeutic communication skills.

This theory course will introduce the many different perspectives from which psychologists try to understand human behavior. Throughout this course student will become familiar with biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, personality, social and abnormal psychology perspectives.

Medical/Surgical Nursing Theory

This theory course will introduce the key concepts, principles, and practices of medical/surgical nursing relevant in an acute care setting with various client populations across the life span. Specific content will include problem-solving, management of complex client situations, organization of care, and a deepened understanding of the professional role of the nurse. Students will be introduced to nursing care theory pertaining to the more commonly encountered physiological conditions and diseases.

Medical/Surgical Nursing Clinical Practice

This clinical course will introduce the principles and practices of medical/surgical nursing, enabling students to consolidate and extend their knowledge and ability in acute care nursing practice. Clinical practice occurs with client populations requiring acute medical/surgical care, treatment, and intervention. Students will be expected to apply previously learned theory and clinical skills, and they will have an opportunity to learn and practice the basic psychomotor skills that are involved in providing care to the person in need of medical/surgical nursing.

Ethics and Law in Canadian Health Care II

This course continues with concepts of ethics and law within the context of mental health care. Students will be required to begin to apply ethical and legal positions to a variety of clinical psychiatric nursing situations and the concept of the “ethical dilemma” will be used as a means to help students explore ethical structure and thought. Importantly, rather than being an exercise in academic thinking, students will be encouraged to explore how they can become an ethical practitioner. Specific focus will be on the BC Mental Health Act and the rights of patients and responsibilities that psychiatric nurses have to advocate for these individuals.

Students will gain insights into the rudiments, principles, and practices of groups and group work within mental health care. They will explore how to plan, organize, participate in, and utilize a variety of groups within psychiatric/mental health nursing. The context of group relations within a social setting will be covered. Specific therapeutic factors, processes, qualities, and interventions that can be utilized within groups will also be explored. In addition, theoretical elements of groups and group work will be covered, including the stages of group development, roles within groups, aspects of group leadership/facilitation, types of groups, beginning and ending in groups, and appropriate forms and mechanisms of supervision.

This course focuses on the development of skills and competencies necessary for providing psychiatric nursing care to people who are addicted to a substance or substances. The psychological, familial, and social impact of addiction is discussed. Theories for understanding addictive behaviour is presented for examination and application to psychiatric nursing practice. Students will explore and apply assessment and intervention strategies. Through examination of certain specified texts, and supplemented by additional appropriate readings, students develop an awareness of key concepts and issues related to substance use/misuse psychiatric nursing practice care including: fundamental concepts, theories on addiction, psychoactive substances and use and abuse treatment options, the treatment and recovery process, pharmacological therapies, assessment and intervention approaches in concurrent disorders, and trauma-informed practice (TIP) in addictions.

This theory course will introduce the basic principles and practices of acute psychiatric/mental health nursing. Through examination of specified readings, you will develop an awareness and knowledge of a range of important issues. The key aspect here is not to provide simplistic answers to nursing-related questions, nor is it to equip you with automatic responses to care situations and problems, but to help transform you into a more thoughtful, more critical, and more judicious practitioner.

This clinical course will introduce the principles and practices of acute psychiatric nursing, enabling you to gain the basic knowledge and ability required. Clinical practice occurs with a variety of client populations requiring acute psychiatric nursing care, treatment, and intervention. You will be expected to apply previously learned theory and begin to acquire and apply clinical skills. You will be provided with the opportunity to practice the basic interpersonal communication skills that are involved in providing care to a person in need of acute psychiatric nursing.

Career Search Strategies

In this course, students will learn to network effectively (online and in-person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes, cover letters, and a portfolio. Students will be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on their resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview skills. Module 7 will support students in continuing to add to their portfolios with consideration of new work experiences, or volunteer work with older adults or in the community. Module 8 will introduce the students to the importance of networking.

Block Lab V

The psychosocial rehabilitation and community nursing focused lab continues sequencing of skills development from the previous labs, with the integration of applying psychiatric nursing principles to the care of clients within community settings while incorporating scientific knowledge and research in the approach to practice. Students are introduced to working alongside preceptors in which advancing skills in reflective practice, demonstrating sound clinical judgment, and critical thinking processes are key areas of focus. Students continue to demonstrate application of holistic health assessments, advanced therapeutic communication skills, client care management and planning with an interprofessional community team while demonstrating understanding of accessing and utilizing health care systems and community resources on behalf of the client. The skills demonstrated in this lab will be consolidated through the student’s subsequent community mental health clinical learning experience.

This course continues to support your growth as you work towards consolidated practice efforts. Professional Practice and Leadership remains a cornerstone upon which nurses acquire the necessary attitude, skills, and knowledge for the Registered Psychiatric nursing profession. This course will bring forward concepts related to professional identity, expertise framework, leadership, followership and the scholarship of nursing practice as you begin to focus transitioning from student to new graduate.

This course will continue to build on and integrate foundational and advanced clinical practice skills. Students will also be introduced to the practice skills required in a counselling environment. This 7-week online course will be followed by one week in a laboratory environment to practice skills and prepare for the clinical experience in Semester 6. Students will be given the opportunity to role play counseling skills in various simulated scenarios.

This course will focus on the use of the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice. Steps of the research process are reviewed for both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research questions are explored with regards to nursing theory including methods of data collection, analysis, and the interpretation and use of study findings in the care of individuals, families, and communities. Published, peer reviewed research reports are critically analyzed to determine the usefulness of finding in psychiatric nursing practice. The roles and responsibilities of psychiatric nurses as researchers and scholars are examined.

This course will encourage you to explore sociological theories to add depth to your understanding of the Bio-psychosocial model of mental health. Knowledge of causes, effects, treatment and outcome from a sociological perspective will all be explored. You will learn about concepts that underlie a client’s presentation such as the impact of childhood experience, gender differences, stigma, social class, ethnicity as well as social competence and aging.

The course will introduce the basic principles and practices of psychosocial rehabilitative in psychiatric/mental health nursing care. Through examination of certain specified texts, you will develop an awareness of key issues related to psychosocial rehabilitative psychiatric nursing care including the concept of recovery, the importance of the concept of hope and ways to inspire/instill hope, the notion of empowerment, and ways to encourage individual choice. Key theories of providing care to this client group will be covered including consumer/significant other involvement, the reacquisition of life skills, community and social support systems, reducing stigma, and attention to the broader macro psychiatric nursing role.

Clinical practice will enable you to extend and consolidate your knowledge and ability in the principles and practices used with client populations requiring psychosocial rehabilitative psychiatric/mental health nursing care, treatment, and intervention. You will be expected to apply previously learned theory and clinical skills, and they will be provided with the opportunity to enhance your interpersonal communication skills, and the skills, attitudes, and interventions geared towards meeting the social, intellectual/emotional, and spiritual needs of the person engaged in psychosocial rehabilitation.

Block Lab VI

The advanced acute mental health focused lab continues sequencing of skills development from the previous labs, specifically in continuing from the block lab 4 and 5 psychiatric nursing practice specialty concepts. Advanced psychiatric nursing principles will include further integration of evidence-based best practices to prepare students for higher-level psychiatric nursing clinical considerations. All case scenarios and simulation activities are a comprehensive and holistic blending of the foundational medical with the psychiatric nursing principles and practices. The skills demonstrated in this lab will be consolidated through the student’s subsequent advanced acute mental health clinical learning experience.

Learning about Canadian health policy will provide essential context material with regards to how health policy is formed and amended. It will enable students to examine how health policy has both a direct and indirect impact on psychiatric/mental health nursing practice. In considering the macro aspects of it, students will begin to critique, discuss, and consider the particular values underpinning certain health policies and their construction. Students will be encouraged to ask questions around why these policies and not others, and whose needs/interests does the policy serve?

Students will be introduced to the rudiments, principles, and practices of the common theoretical approaches to counselling and will explore how to use counselling theory and skills within Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse practice, and the differences between formal counselling practice, working in a “counselling way”, and using counselling skills. Content includes definitions of counselling, the historical origins of counselling within psychiatric/mental health nursing, and the three principle theoretical approaches: psychodynamic (psychoanalytical), cognitive-behavioural, and humanistic (person-centered). Key attitudes and skills that are associated with these approaches are setting up counselling (including contracting), values of the relationship, roles and responsibilities, negotiating boundaries, and working towards healthy endings.

This course offers an introduction to women’s and gender studies, an interdisciplinary field that explores critical questions regarding the meaning of gender in society. The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the central issues in the feminist realm. The history of the feminist movement will be explored as well as key issues, questions, and debates in women’s and gender studies scholarship. Students will analyze themes in a range of social spheres including law, culture, education, work, nursing, social policy and the family. Students will also explore the concept of power-to versus power-over in the education of nurses.

The course builds on the basic principles and practices of psychiatric and mental health nursing (a good time to review material covered in previous courses!) however, focuses on special settings and contexts. Through examination of texts, and supplemented by additional appropriate literature and resources, students will develop an awareness and gain knowledge of a range of key issues. Topics will include an exploration of the Mental Health Act, developing an understanding the need for trauma-informed practice, and broadening the psychiatric nursing practice to include children and adolescents, the LGBTQ2SIA+ and Indigenous communities, medically compromised people and forensic psychiatric nursing practice. These components will assist students to engage in a thoughtful manner, critically analyzing the evidence-based knowledge to become more judicious and skilled practitioners. This will be achieved by developing the student’s ability to assimilate a range of material, both theoretical and empirical, to come to their own supported conclusions regarding special populations in the psychiatric nursing context.

This clinical course will continue with the principles and practices of acute psychiatric nursing, enabling students to gain further knowledge and the ability required to practice in a psychiatric nursing environment. Clinical practice occurs with a variety of client populations requiring acute psychiatric nursing care, treatment, and intervention. You will be expected to apply previously learned theory and begin to acquire and apply clinical skills. You will be provided with the opportunity to practice the basic interpersonal communication skills that are involved in providing care to a person in need of acute psychiatric nursing.

Block Lab VII

The consolidation lab will provide students with the opportunity to review all applied nursing concepts covered in each previously completed area of nursing clinical practice. After students complete the review portion of the block lab, they are then introduced into entry-level nursing concepts to support their transition into becoming new nurses. Concepts covered include supporting studying and preparation to write the RPNCE exam, outlining the BCCNM interim licensure processes, application to Employed Student Nurse (ESN) and new graduate positions alongside interviewing processes, concepts concerning professional practice and the preceptorship student/ new graduate nurse, and working through change and transitions. Simulation experiences will be in providing care to a full case load versus 1-2 patients to support students’ preparation and organization of care planning in the clinical setting, utilizing chart simulating patients in all areas of nursing clinical practice, and interprofessional collaboration and care planning with an interdisciplinary team to support advanced communications and documentation.

The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a self-directed, online certificate that enhances your soft skills. The six PPD workshops cover Professionalism, Quality Service, Feedback, Diverse Teams, Conflict Resolution and Leadership. Together, these workshops prepare you to effectively approach and resolve real life situations.

This course enables students to consolidate and extend knowledge and ability in this area of psychiatric/mental health nursing practice. Clinical practice occurs with client populations requiring psychiatric/mental health nursing care, treatment and intervention. You will be expected to apply previously learned theory and clinical skills. Additionally, you will be provided with the opportunity to enhance your interpersonal communication skills, skills and interventions geared towards meeting the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the person with substance challenges.

This 4-week course will help the student to prepare to sit the RPNC National Exam. The purpose of the supporting study material and practice exams are to help students focus on the topics that are most likely to be addressed on the exam.

Career Search Strategies

In this course, students will learn to network effectively (online and in-person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes, cover letters, and a portfolio. Students will be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on their resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview skills. Module 9 will support students in adding to and revising their portfolios to include completed certificates earned throughout the program and updated career documents, such as your updated resume and cover letter. Module 10 will have students assessing and reflecting on the competencies they have met in preparation for becoming a practicing RPN. Module 11 will have students finalizing their portfolios and submit a completed resume with a reflection of their progress throughout the course.