NEW NON-DEGREE PROGRAM PROPOSAL

NEW NON-DEGREE PROGRAM PROPOSAL Name of Institution: Vancouver Island University Title of Program: Practical Nursing Diploma Credential to be awarded to graduates: Diploma Length of Program: 2 years Target Implementation Date: September 2012 Institutional Contact: Lynne MacFadgen Title: Chair, Practical Nursing Phone: 250-740-6249 Email: Lynne.MacFadgen@viu.ca Executive Summary: Summarize the purpose of the proposal The Ministry of Advanced Education recently approved a new Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum (October 2011) to reflect the current practice of licensed practical nurses and the revised baseline competencies that will be assessed for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) in 2012. As of January 2012, the new curriculum for practical nursing education will be the only recognized curriculum in BC. All recognized educational institutions offering practical nursing (PN) programs must now meet the following criteria: (1) implementation of the new curriculum for students entering PN programs; and (2) completion of the new recognition process with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia (CLPNBC). The proposed Practical Nursing Diploma program is based on these provincial guidelines and replaces the existing 12-month certificate with a two-year, generic practical nursing diploma. Implementation of the diploma program will enable Vancouver Island University (VIU) to continue to provide students with quality practical nursing education and it will increase the capacity of the University to respond to relevant local, regional, and provincial health care needs and workforce demands. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 1

Briefly outline the key objectives and outcomes of the proposed program The key objectives of the Practical Nursing Diploma program are to: 1. Develop student knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes to perform the full range of competencies, as identified by the CLPNBC. 2. Provide a diploma credential that will prepare graduates to care for clients at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings. 3. Prepare program graduates to successfully complete the CPNRE. 4. Create additional opportunities for graduates to transfer their credits and ladder to relevant nursing degree programs. The key outcomes of the Practical Nursing Diploma program are to: 1. Contribute to local, regional, and provincial health care needs and workforce demands, particularly in response to population aging and increased health services. 2. Contribute to the field of nursing by fostering continued professionalism and enhanced leadership capacity. 3. Promote interprofessional practice and encourage effective team functioning across health care roles, responsibilities, and competencies. 4. Support the enhanced quality of health care for clients across the lifespan. Program Rationale: Provide rationale for the credential On October 31, 2011, the Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education for implementation by Practical Nurse Education Programs that have been recognized by the CLPNBC. To meet the College s new recognition process guidelines, institutions implementing the approved Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum must adhere to the following: 1. The new Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum (August 2011) will be the only recognized curriculum for PN education in BC. As of January 2012, all recognized educational institutions offering PN programs must have: (a) implemented the new curriculum for students entering PN programs; and (b) completed the new recognition process with the CLPNBC. 2. A British Columbia post-secondary educational institution may not admit students into its PN program(s) unless the institution has an updated (current) recognition by CLPNBC. 3. Graduates of PN programs from an institution that is not recognized by CLPNBC will not be eligible to proceed through the CLPNBC registration process and will not be allowed to register for the CPNRE. VIU must comply with these CLPNBC guidelines and meet the annual FTE targets set by the Ministry of Advanced Education to be in position to offer the new curriculum, thus, providing the primary rationale for implementing the new Practical Nursing Diploma program. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 2

The development and implementation of the Practical Nursing Diploma program also meets two key institutional priorities and objectives, as outlined in the Academic Plan (2010): - Student learning, engagement and success - promote student leadership and the application of intellectual and practical skills to ensure the success of our students; and - Program quality - explore the development of high-quality programs that address identified needs. Program Description: State the program centred goals and objectives of the new program. Do not include student outcomes; these will be addressed in the Curriculum section. The overall goal of the Practical Nursing Diploma program is to provide students seeking entry-level competencies with quality education that enhances their job prospects and career mobility to work in the health care field. Specific program goals and objectives for the new diploma program are to: 1. Develop student knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes to perform the full range of competencies, as identified by the CLPNBC, with an emphasis on: a) Client-focused care that promotes and supports self-determination in care planning and decision making; b) Care for clients across the lifespan with attention to clients unique biological, psychological, spiritual, cultural, and environmental complexity; c) Collaborative practice that is based on interdisciplinary understanding and effective team functioning; and d) Integrated learning experiences that build on learners prior learning and life experiences and that promote cultural safety, caring, independence, critical inquiry, and creativity. 2. Provide a diploma credential that that will prepare graduates to care for individuals (and by extension, families of individuals) at multiple life stages and in a variety of practice settings. 3. Prepare program graduates to successfully complete the CPNRE. 4. Create additional opportunities for graduates to transfer their credits and ladder to relevant nursing degree programs. The diploma program is comprised of 75.5 credits and will be delivered over two years. In September 2012, two concurrent intakes of the new Practical Nursing Diploma program are planned for implementation one at the Cowichan campus with 24 seats, and one in Nanaimo with 32. Thereafter, diploma programs will be offered yearly at the Nanaimo campus, and every second year at the Cowichan campus to reflect labour market demand and institutional capacity. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 3

Identify the target student audience(s) for this program The Practical Nursing Diploma program is a credential that may be of interest to the following prospective students: - Individuals interested in a short-duration program to acquire entry-to-practice competencies and professional licensure to work in the health care field (this could include high school entrants and mature students); - Health care workers who are seeking advancement opportunities or additional career mobility (this could include health care assistants who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills and/or those interested in a Practical Nursing Access program); and - Students who are interested in a credit-based program that could enable them to ladder to relevant nursing degree programs. All applicants must meet program admission criteria and demonstrate the ability to successfully complete theoretical and clinical program components in preparation for becoming entry-level licensed practical nurses. Successful program graduates must be capable of providing safe, competent, and ethical care when seeking employment in a variety of health care settings. State how the institution satisfied itself that there is not unnecessary duplication in the system VIU has been successfully offering the existing Practical Nursing program, along with numerous other education institutions across the province. Implementation of the new curriculum will enable VIU to maintain and enhance our program, in compliance with the provincially-approved curriculum. The addition of credit-based delivery will uniquely position VIU in the Vancouver Island/Coast Region to promote program bridging and credit transfers to relevant nursing degree programs over time. Provide evidence of labour market demand According to BC Work Futures, job prospects for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are expected to be above average over the next several years. This is attributed to the increased demand created by population aging, increased health service needs, and economic growth. The strong demand for LPNs across BC is reported to be higher in areas having more extended care and long-term care facilities, and larger acute care hospitals. Vancouver Island/Coast Region has a high concentration of health care facilities, largely due to the fact that the region has higher percentages of residents over the age of 65 when compared with provincial averages (e.g., 41% of the Qualicum population is 65 years, with a median age of 61 years, and seniors in Parksville represent 34% of the population, with a median age of 56 years). Outcomes survey data for the past three years (2008-2010), report that VIU Practical Nursing (certificate) graduates have had strong employment outcomes. Of the 116 outcome survey respondents, 98% of these graduates were employed (with 86% employment in permanent jobs). LPN Occupational Profiles are based on the 2006 Census, with information accessed from: http://www.workfutures.bc.ca; VIU outcome survey data for PN graduates were accessed from the Office of Educational Planning, November 2011. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 4

Curriculum: Student Outcomes - Describe the skills, knowledge, or other attributes students will develop from the program The following outcomes outline what learners are expected to achieve by the end of their PN education program and describe the key professional competencies that are incorporated in the new curriculum. Upon completion of the Provincial Practical Nursing Program, graduates will: 1. Apply the Baseline Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses Professional Practice (2009) to provide safe, competent, culturally safe, and ethical care. 2. Practice within relevant legislation, scope of practice, Standards of Practice, and Code of Ethics as set out by the Health Professions Act and the CLPNBC. 3. Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence. 4. Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients. 5. Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision-making processes. 6. Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting evidence-informed practice. 7. Make practice decisions that are client specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources. 8. Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed upon plan of care. 9. Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing, and exploring with them in a caring environment. 10. Provide culturally safe, person-centered care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety and diversity. Excerpted from the Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum, August 12, 2011 (p. 16). Describe the program/course structure. Please identify any new courses and provide course descriptions. All new courses and course changes must be submitted to the Course Management System. For questions regarding the Course Management System, contact Kyla Bruce. The 2011 Practical Nursing Program Provincial Curriculum uses core concepts and structures that must be adhered to, in order to receive program approval and recognition through CLPNBC; this includes a program matrix, minimum course hours, admission requirements, faculty qualifications, and course descriptions/learning outcomes. Course outlines and study guides have been developed for each course, at the provincial level, to further outline recommended learning objects, assignments/exams, and general teaching and learning resources. These established resources will be used to complete and/or update VIU course outlines. All course outlines have been submitted to the Course Management System. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 5

For more information, please refer to the following attachments: - Attachment 1: Handout PN Curriculum (from CLPNBC Educators Forum September 14, 2011). - Attachment 2: Guiding Principles for Implementation of New Practical Nursing Curriculum (Internal PN Team Development). - Attachment 3: Program Matrix. Identify the provincial, national and/or international certifications and standards achieved in the new program, if applicable The Practical Nursing Diploma program is based on the revised Baseline Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses Professional Practice (CLPNBC, 2009) to prepare entry-level practitioners. By faculty recommendation, graduates of the Practical Nursing Diploma program are able to write the new CPNRE in 2012. Program Consultations and Evaluation: List the other provincial post-secondary institutions consulted about the proposed program Over the past year, the current and past Practical Nursing Chairs have participated in several provincial Curriculum Advisory and PN Articulation meetings to review curriculum developments and to share program implementation plans. Within these forums, ongoing consultations have been held with the following post-secondary partners: - Camosun College. - College of New Caledonia. - College of the Rockies. - Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. - Northern Lights College. - Northwest Community College. - Okanagan College. - Thompson Rivers University. - University of the Fraser Valley. - Vancouver Community College. Provide a list and summary of the nature of all other consultations Deans and Directors of relevant programs across the province have met regularly to review provincial curriculum developments with BC Academic Health Council and CLPNBC representatives. PN faculty representatives have also attended PN Educators Forums in September/October 2011 where updated PN program information was exchanged and the new CLPNBC program recognition process was reviewed. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 6

State whether or not the program meets the BC Student Assistance Program eligibility requirements as outlined at www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/schoolofficials/welcome.htm#program_eligibility. Both the theory and clinical components of the new provincial practical nurse education program will be allowable educational costs for BC Student Assistance, as is the case with VIU s existing Practical Nursing (certificate) program. Indicate what policies/procedures are planned for ensuring adequate depth and breadth of ongoing review and evaluation once the program has been implemented The new Practical Nursing Diploma program will adhere to VIU s program review policies and schedules. In addition, all participating educational institutions will be required to complete CLPNBC s program recognition process before approval will be granted to deliver the new provincial curriculum. The BC Academic Health Council is developing a letter of agreement between all provincial educational institutions that will outline mutual commitments for evaluating and revising program curriculum on an ongoing basis. CLPNBC s full program review of VIU s Practical Nursing Diploma program will be conducted in May 2012 and will include site visits to both Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses. Indicate whether safety and other risk management factors have been addressed where appropriate The existing Practical Nursing (certificate) program has in place all relevant safety and risk management procedures. These will be applied to the new Practical Nursing Diploma program. Additional Questions re Consultation: Indicate who else was consulted (both internal and external to the institution), what issues were raised, and how you dealt with those issues. Over the past four months, the PN Chair has been in consultation with the following internal faculty and staff at both Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses: - Practical nursing program faculty (during regularly scheduled PN team meetings); - Health and Human Services (HHS) Chairs and Coordinators (relevant updates provided at biweekly meetings); - Dean and Associate Dean, HHS; - Office of Educational Planning and Financial Services (facilitated by the Dean, HHS); - Members of the HHS Faculty Council; - Timetable and space working groups (with representatives from all HHS programs); - Registrar, and Admissions and Registration Assistants; - Advising Coordinator and Assessment Services staff; and - Cowichan campus administrators and staff. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 7

The following implementation issues have been discussed and decided in collaboration with Registration and Student Services staff, timetable and space working group members, interprofessional committee representatives, and in accordance with VIU s New Non-Degree Program Approval Process: - Conversion of curriculum content to credit-based hours; - Application period that reflects site-specific program delivery (for the first year of implementation); - Targeted recruitment activities that are aligned with the application period (including liaison with our Aboriginal communities); - Development and delivery of Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses prerequisite course; - Allocation of space for lab and practice experiences; - Student placement protocols, in collaboration with other health programs and placement coordinators; and - Tuition fees and additional costs (including lab fees, books, and equipment). Admissions and Transfer: Program Admission Requirements Admission Requirements General admission requirements apply. Grade 12 graduation. English 12 with a grade of C+ OR Technical Professional Communications 12 with a grade of B+. Principles of Mathematics 11 with a grade of C, OR Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a grade of C. Biology 12 with a grade of C. HHPN 001 - Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses with a minimum grade of C+, must be completed before attending any Practical Nursing Diploma courses. Applicants may be granted conditional acceptance into the Practical Nursing Diploma program prior to successful completion of the required HHPN 001 - Human Anatomy & Physiology for Practical Nurses. Recommendations for Admission Recent course in writing skills. Volunteer experience in health care setting. Influenza immunization may be required by some clinical agencies. These are available in late Fall at no cost to students. Notes on Admission This program is not currently available to international students. Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal record checks are requested through VIU and processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Completed Immunization Requirements Form is required for the first day of classes. Immunization, as required by practice sites and recommended by BC Centre for Disease Control (2009) includes: tetanus and diphtheria; polio; hepatitis B; measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); varicella (chicken pox); and influenza (annual). Applicants must provide evidence of a negative tuberculin test, taken no more than <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 8

six months prior to the date of application, or evidence of an appropriate follow-up if tuberculin test is positive (e.g., chest x-ray). Students who do not meet the immunization requirements may be prohibited from attending practice experiences, in accordance with specific Health Authority, or practice site organization/agency policy. C.P.R. level C certificate (presumed to include 1 person, 2 persons, infant CPR and choking victim) is required for the first day of classes. Proof of W.H.M.I.S. training is required for the first day of classes. Note: An online W.H.M.I.S. course can be taken through the Vancouver Island University Powell River Campus. Proof of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training or approved equivalent is required prior to first practice experience. Applicants with English as an Additional Language (EAL) must meet the language requirements set by CLPNBC (2011), and be successful in one of the following prior to licensing: - International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version with minimum scores of:. Overall Band Score: 7.5. Speaking: 7.5. Listening: 8. Reading: 7. Writing: 7.5 - Canadian English Language Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN) with minimum scores of:. Speaking: 8. Listening: 10. Reading: 8. Writing: 7 Transfer from Other Institutions The program will consider accepting transfer students from other recognized Practical Nursing Diploma programs on an individual basis, space permitting. The Program Chair, in collaboration with Registration Services, will determine transfer eligibility based on a review of prerequisites, official transcripts, course outlines, and other supporting documentation. Policies and practices developed by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer for Practical Nursing programs in the BC Transfer System will be used to guide student transfers. Indicate how the institution plans to ensure students ability to access the program through transfer Throughout the PN curriculum development process, VIU representatives worked closely with Practical Nursing Articulation Committee members and the Articulation Coordinator of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfers (BCCAT) to discuss issues related to student access, mobility, transfer, and course/program articulation. Policies and practices developed by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer will be used to facilitate student movement among public, post-secondary institutions offering Practical Nursing programs in the BC Transfer System. New PN Access curriculum was developed by Vancouver Community College (VCC) and is now available through BCCampus; this curriculum could be implemented at VIU in future. Describe how students will be able to transfer out of the proposed program into other programs within the same institution or at another institution As above. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 9

Indicate how students will be able to transfer into related degree-level programs, if applicable Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and PN faculty are exploring the feasibility of establishing a PN Access program that would enable PN certificate graduates to enter the BSN program with advanced standing. In future, diploma to degree laddering opportunities may be pursued. Other: Include any additional information not addressed in the sections above that may be helpful in better understanding the major components of the proposal The existing Practical Nursing (certificate) program is in its final stages of program delivery, with two programs competing in: Cowichan (July 26, 2011 to July 27, 2012) and Nanaimo (August 29, 2011 to August 31, 2012). In September 2012, the following course numbers and names will no longer be active and should be deleted: - PNUR 151T Health I: Health Promotion/Prevention - PNUR 161T Healing I: Health Promotion/Prevention - PNUR 171T Human Relationships I - PNUR 181T Professional Issues I - PNUR 191T Human Anatomy and Physiology - PNUR 116T Nursing Arts/Clinical I - PNUR 117T Practicum I - PNUR 142T Pharmacology - PNUR 152T Health II: Gerontology - PNUR 162T Healing II: Gerontology - PNUR 172T Human Relationships II - PNUR 118T Nursing Arts/Clinical II - PNUR 119T Practicum II - PNUR 153T Health III: Acute/Chronic Care - PNUR 163T Healing III: Acute/Chronic Care - PNUR 183T Professional Issues II - PNUR 122T Nursing Arts/Clinical III - PNUR 123T Practicum III - PNUR 124T Preceptorship All new courses are being prepared for entry into the Course Management System. <HHSALL/PRNU (R)/CURR-COMM/ PRNU NonDegreePrgmProposal Final Submission (rev 2012-01-20)> 10