Specialty Nursing (Pediatric - Standard Option)

An introduction to the nursing specialty of pediatric nursing, this course focuses on characteristics of children and families which influence how they interpret and respond to life events and to their environments, and shapes how nurses respond to and interact with them. The overall intent of this course is to provide opportunity for you to increase your understanding of pediatric nursing practice as you consider some critical issues related to children and childhood, factors that influence children’s health, pediatric assessment and delivery of health care to children. Along with a focus on developmental assessment we will also look at medication safety, nutrition, prevention of infectious diseases within the context of these developmental stages. This course introduces you to the concept of oxygen supply and demand and the significance of this knowledge for the provision on optimal care. Finally this course also introduces the process of comprehensive pediatric assessment as a means of understanding the patients experience and the meaning they attach to these experiences.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This second required theory course in the Pediatric Nursing Specialty builds on NSPE 7100: Pediatric Nursing Theory 1. In NSPE 7100 you were introduced to the concept of comprehensive pediatric assessment. In this course you will build on what you learned and will have the opportunity to apply the concepts to patient based case studies, further enhancing your ability to think critically about your assessment findings. As well as a comprehensive assessment, each case study will focus on a particular body system. You will have the opportunity to complete focused assessments based on the presenting health challenges in the case study. Specifically, these modules address; fever and sepsis, dehydration, shock, respiratory distress, developmental delay and autism, UTI, neurological concerns, cardiac defects and concerns, orthopaedics, pain management, mental health, bullying, nutrition, aboriginal health and dermatology. Each case explores developmental, family and assessment issues. You will also have the opportunity to incorporate the oxygen supply and demand framework into your assessment. Additionally this course will provide you with the opportunity incorporate the concepts of; partnership with families, growth and development, social determinants of health, and the effects of stress on children and families. The children in the modules of this course face health challenges that bring them into contact with nurses. We will use the information about these health challenges to examine the effects on the child, and the role of the nurse in the care of the child and family.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSPE 7100

In this 3 week preceptorship course, students develop and begin to enact their role in pediatric nursing by exploring the pediatric environment and assessing influences pertaining to pediatric patient and family health. Students will focus on applying and integrating theory and frameworks from the preceding courses, developing comprehensive assessment skills and applying this knowledge in the care of pediatric patients and their families. Students will use this knowledge to provide nursing care for pediatric patients experiencing selected health problems such as respiratory distress, cardiac failure, acute gastrointestinal illness, neurological illnesses and mental health challenges. In this experience students focus on applying theory related to oxygen supply and demand, comprehensive assessment, monitoring skills and clinical decision making. Working in partnership with patients, students have an opportunity to develop an understanding of patients' experiences of illness. Students will work with preceptors to promote safe, competent, and ethical nursing care. In addition, students will develop and foster collaborative relationships with patients, families, colleagues, instructors, and other health care providers. The core concepts of family-centred care and relational practice are threaded throughout pediatric course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSPE 7200
• Registration with the Provincial Nursing Regulatory College and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP).

In this 3 week preceptorship course, students develop and begin to enact their role in pediatric nursing by exploring the pediatric environment and assessing influences pertaining to pediatric patient and family health. Students will focus on applying and integrating theory and frameworks from the preceding courses, developing comprehensive assessment skills and applying this knowledge in the care of pediatric patients and their families. The course is centered on learning activities which are flexible and enable students to obtain a tailored clinical experience. Through these learning activities, students are provided with opportunities to build on the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and systematic inquiry skills necessary to provide child and family-centered care. In particular, clinical decision making and articulation of a personal practice framework for pediatric nursing will be emphasized. Students will work with preceptors to promote safe, competent, and ethical nursing care. In addition, students will develop and foster collaborative relationships with patients, families, colleagues, instructors, and other health care providers. The core concepts of family-centered care and relational practice are threaded throughout pediatric course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSPE 7600
• Registration with the Provincial Nursing Regulatory College and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP).

Focusing on the partnership relationship between the nurse, the child, the family, and the multidisciplinary team, children with a variety of health challenges arising from serious illness are presented in a case study format in order to examine the principles guiding the management of the child’s care. This course builds on the understanding of nursing practice acquired in NSPE 7100, NSPE 7200 and NSPE 7300, by examining the pediatric nurse's role in the context of the patient's experience of selected serious illnesses. Specifically, learners will explore additional comprehensive assessment strategies, strategies to optimize oxygen supply and demand balance in seriously ill patients. Learners will be challenged to make clinical decisions and plan care for selected seriously ill children including those experiencing respiratory insufficiency, intracranial pressure, postoperative cardiac management, cardiac failure, and hemodynamic instability. The child's and family's experience of serious illness and hospitalisation will be explored in some detail.
Prerequisite(s):

• S in NSPE 7300

This course supports the development of fundamental knowledge required to systematically analyze and interpret basic cardiac dysrhythmias. Learners will explore myocardial electrophysiology in relation to cardiac monitoring and develop a systematic approach to dysrhythmia analysis and interpretation. Learners will also consider the predisposing factors of all conduction defects and the consequences of dysrhythmias to both systemic and myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Additionally, interventions for dysrhythmias are also discussed. Lastly, the significance of dysrhythmia analysis, interpretation, and management to critical care nursing practice will be explored. Though this course is conducted within the specific context of critical care nursing practice, it is also suitable for other nurses or qualified health professionals requiring this skill. If you are not a registered nurse or a student nurse in the final years of your BSN program, you must consult the Critical Care Nursing Program Head before registration. Health professionals who are not nurses may register for this course with the approval of the Critical Care Nursing Specialty Program Head. If you are registering in the NSCC, NSHA or NSER nursing program, follow the program course matrix. Program Head approval is required to take NSCC 7150 as a co-requisite with NSCC 7120, NSCC 7220, NSHA 7100, or NSER 7110. To be successful in the course, learners must achieve 75% or higher on each evaluative component in the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Healthy Childbearing Experiences and the Newborn is the combined introductory theory course of the Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing Specialty Programs. This course explores a number of concepts that are foundational to the practice of perinatal and neonatal nursing and healthy childbearing experiences. Within the context of building partnerships, learners are exposed to holistic caring for childbearing women, their fetuses and newborns, and their families.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course builds on the concepts presented in NSNE 7100. Specifically, the relationship among infant vulnerability, pathophysiology, and assessment will be explored. A case study format will be used to address common health challenges that increase infant vulnerability in preterm, late preterm, term and post-term infants. Concepts of family-centered care, infant transition, hypoxia, and multi-system organ effects will be examined throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSNE 7100

Building on the concepts presented in Pediatric Nursing Theory 1, students work through advanced, complex chronic and acute pediatric critical care patient presentations, while considering children’s growth and development stages and the unique physiology of the different pediatric age groups. Students will continue to develop a deeper level of understanding of pediatric pathophysiology, assessment, and decision making related to a variety of health challenges experienced by the child experiencing neurological health challenges and those requiring surgical intervention arising from acute or chronic illness. The relationship between the nurse and the child and family, will be the principles guiding the management of these children's care. Children’s experiences of illness, surgery, and hospitalization will be explored in some detail. One of the main focuses of this course is on the physiologic effects of illness and its treatment and the nurse’s role in the promotion of health and healing. Finally students will be challenged to make clinical decisions and plan care for selected critically ill individuals. Family-centred care, relational practice and inter-professional practice, professionalism, communication, collaboration and partnership are core concepts threaded throughout this and all subsequent pediatric critical care courses.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSPE 7200

A phenomenologic approach to family-centered care will be used to build on student’s communication, collaboration, systematic inquiry, critical thinking and professional caring abilities. This course builds on student’s philosophical and theoretical foundation when partnering with childbearing families. This online course focuses on nurse-family partnerships, and is shared among the Neonatal, Pediatric and Perinatal Nursing Specialties. Using a post-modern family framework, this course provides the opportunity to engage with a selected family in order to establish a relationship characterized by creative listening, respect for diversity, power sharing, and appreciation of own family values. Explores concepts such as family, family health, family health partnership, narrative, lived experience, meaning, context, and imagination.
Prerequisite(s):

• NSPE 7100 and NSPE 7200

An elective course in the Pediatric Nursing Specialty Program, this course is intended to provide students with additional clinical practice. The course learning intentions, learning activities, and evaluation strategies are established once the student and the course tutor have determined what a student’s learning needs are. The course may be used to provide novice pediatric nurses with additional time to focus on the basics, or it may be used to provide clinical practice in an area not addressed in the required clinical courses.
Prerequisite(s):

• S in NSPE 7500

A guided learning course addressing the nursing care of children with complex health problems who are living at home with their families. Using a case-study format, students will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills in order to promote the health of these children and their families. Students will explore nursing practice issues particularly relevant to nursing practice in the home and community settings.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in NSPE 7100

A guided learning course addressing nursing care when an infant or child faces respiratory and/or cardiac arrest. Using a case study format, students have the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, systematic inquiry and collaboration as they focus on anticipation and prevention in potential and actual arrest situations.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSPE 7200

Healthy Childbearing Experiences and The Newborn, is the combined introductory theory course of the Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing Specialty Programs. This course explores a number of concepts that are foundational to the practice of both perinatal and neonatal nursing, and healthy childbearing experiences. Within the context of building partnerships, learners are exposed to holistic caring for childbearing women, their fetuses and newborns, and their families.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The Breastfeeding Experience course explores foundational concepts for health care providers who support mothers, newborns and their families through the breastfeeding continuum. This is a theory-only course that will enable students to acquire the knowledge required by health care providers to support mother/infant dyads in a successful breastfeeding experience.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This is a 24-hour clinical course and is a mandatory component for students to successfully complete the 3-credit Breastfeeding Experience course. During this clinical component, students will have the opportunity to apply, integrate and build upon the knowledge and understanding acquired from NSPN 7155. The clinical experience will be organized by faculty and may include an instructor or preceptor-led arrangement preferably in the hospital and community clinical settings.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This 6 week online self-paced, course is for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Midwives (RMs) who are seeking competencies for Contraceptive Management Certified Practice. Students will be provided with the minimum requirements for safe assessment, provision and management of Combined Hormonal Contraception (CHC) and Progestin only Hormonal Contraception. (POC). It is recommended that learners spend an average of 4 – 6 hours per week of study time. Students will become competent in the certified practice realm of Contraceptive Management (CM) as mandated by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives Registered Nurses (BCCNM)). Registered Nurses: Upon completion of the course nurses will write an Exit Evaluation and if successful, will apply to be placed on the BCCNM Certified Practices Register and be eligible to use the certified practice designation. Registered Midwives: Upon completion of the course, midwives will write an Exit Evaluation and if successful, will apply to be placed on the BCCNM Specialized Skill Register. BCCNM/NNPBC-approved CM Decision Support Tools (DSTs) are supported by the World Health Organization & US CDC Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. For full information on BCCNM certified practice please visit https://www.bccnm.ca/RN/CertifiedPractice/Pages/Default.aspx
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This 10 week online, asynchronous and self-paced course provides students with baseline theoretical knowledge for diagnosing and treating various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students will apply the theory learned to the development of clinical skills, within the scope of certified nursing practice, with clients experiencing or at risk for STIs. It is recommended that learners spend an average of 4 – 6 hours per week of study time. Comprehensive assessment integrates history or present illness and review of systems into the sexual history when appropriate. Registered Nurses seeking certification in Reproductive Health – STI Management with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) must complete both NSPN 7735 theory course & NSPN 7736 – Sexually Transmitted Infections Management Clinical Course within a specified timeframe in order to be eligible to apply for certified practice designation. Students must be BCCNM registered to be eligible to take the practicum component NSPN 7736. ALL Students require approval from the BCIT to take the theory and clinical course. Registered Midwives: Registered Midwives become competent in the certified practice realm of STI Management as set out by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and are not required to take NSPN 7736.​​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Palliative Approach in Nursing Practice will prepare nurses to support and comfort patients and families who are facing end-of-life issues related to their disease progression or condition. Throughout this course you will examine your own attitudes towards living with a life-threatening illness, death, dying, and your assumptions about how care should be provided. The course will also support relational practice—inviting a way of being, knowing, and practicing that focuses on the patient and family’s lived experience as they approach the end of their lives.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in specialty nursing. You and the course tutor determine the learning intentions, activities and evaluation strategies for the course. For further details, contact the program head in your chosen specialty. Requires program head approval to register.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in specialty nursing. You and course tutor determine the learning intentions, activities and evaluation strategies for the course. For further details, contact the program head in your chosen specialty. Requires program head approval to register.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in specialty nursing. You and course tutor determine the learning intentions, activities and evaluation strategies for the course. For further details, contact the program head in your chosen specialty. Requires program head approval to register.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in specialty nursing. You and course tutor determine the learning intentions, activities and evaluation strategies for the course. For further details, contact the program head in your chosen specialty. Requires program head approval to register.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Introduces diverse perspectives on teaching and learning related to specialty nursing and explores the impact that connected teacher-learner relationships have on effective learning. Teaching and learning are viewed as mutual and parallel processes, being influenced by beliefs, intentions, and capacities of both teachers and learners. Teaching and learning abilities are further developed according to mutually agreed upon learning outcomes and intentions.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In this online course, learners explore how research informs evidence-based nursing practice. Foundational research concepts and processes in quantitative and qualitative paradigms are examined. Learners critique primary research reports of interest, both individually and in groups, and address research utilization in practice.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Provides the opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest in specialty nursing. You and course tutor determine the learning intentions, activities and evaluation strategies for the course. For further details, contact the program head in your chosen specialty. Requires program head approval to register.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This on-line course offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership knowledge and skills within the context of specialty nursing. Leadership is explored from multiple perspectives with an emphasis on contemporary theories and frameworks. Topics that are examined include followership, contextual influences, power, navigating change and transitions, and teambuilding. Students engage in a work related leadership project to apply leadership knowledge and skills to their practice.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Professional growth is explored from personal, professional, and historical perspectives. Students choose a focus for growth which is fostered by ongoing critical reflection and journaling. Relational practice is explored through the lenses of mentoring and harmful workplace relationships. Contemporary trends in ethical practice are examined, including the contextual influences on practice; the development of moral identity; and the enhancement of moral integrity. An anticipated trajectory for professional development is envisioned and described.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course explores contemporary community health nursing, examining multiple perspectives on community, health, and relational practice. Community health nursing is examined through the lenses of primary health care, health promotion, and ethics. Clinical practice is focused on facilitating participatory dialogue with a selected group to explore perspectives on relational practice in health care.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Based on the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice, this course provides opportunities for exploring contemporary perspectives on health promotion, protection of health, a community health nursing process, and participatory decision making. Clinical experience occurs through engaging in participatory dialogue with a selected group; exploring salient health issues; and facilitating collective health action.
Prerequisite(s):

• 75% in NSSC 8600

This course is an introduction to the dynamic forces which enhance effective communication between persons from various cultural backgrounds, primarily in a professional setting. By helping students to develop a truly international perspective, COMM 7100 encourages intercultural communication competency, otherwise known as ICC. Due to rapid globalization, ICC is not an option, but a necessity.
Prerequisite(s):

• 6 credits of COMM 1100 level or above, or 3 credits of university/college writing course.

This course introduces students to contemporary issues in health ethics by examining and applying ethical theories to moral dilemmas at the clinical, professional, and organizational levels. To this end, developing competence in moral reasoning is an important goal, one that will be emphasized through the analysis of case studies that test personal, professional, and societal values.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.