Centennial Prepares Students In Registered Practical Nursing

With a shortage of nurses predicted for 2011 by the Canadian Nurses Association, now is a great time to enter this important medical field. According to the Association, the shortage could mean that from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed. Although there are varying levels of nursing, depending on attained education, one important area is Registered Practical Nursing. These nurses obtain two years of training and graduate with a college diploma from institutions such as Centennial College, which boasts a reputable Practical Nursing Program.

With its College of Nurses’ Standards of Practice-based curriculum, the program at Centennial teaches theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction and facilitation of faculty who are experienced in the field. Graduates will learn to: practice in a professional manner, sustain therapeutic relationships and communicate effectively with clients, participate in a team as well as integrate theory principles and concepts into the nursing practice. One of the standout aspects of Practical Nursing training at Centennial is the school’s interactive simulation lab, which contains all the latest medical equipment used in the field. With this technology, students receive the most up-to-date knowledge. Classroom and lab instruction is also supplemented by independent study and multimedia support.

Because of the serious nature of the Practical Nursing field, Centennial College wants to ensure that applicants are devoted to their study. Therefore, there are many program prerequisites. First, Centennial College expects students to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are: Compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or equivalent, Biology 11C, or U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent and one of the following sciences chemistry or physics 11U, or 12C, or U, or equivalent. There are also non-academic requirements such as English proficiency, official transcripts of upgraded courses (if required), Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR), where applicable; Canadian citizenship, permanent residence of Canada or authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada); no criminal convictions including those under the Narcotic Control or Food and Drugs Acts; no subject of proceedings, with respect to professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in another health profession in Ontario, or in nursing in another jurisdiction; no suffering from a mental or physical disorder that makes it desirable in the public interest that you not practice; annual clear vulnerable police check prior to clinical placement, a completed immunization review form; successful completion of a current recognized course in CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid and a mask fit testing.

Once the requirements are met and the student completes the Practical Nursing Program, he or she will be prepared to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings. Registered Practical Nurses normally deal with patients who are in more stable condition, as opposed to Registered Nurses who encounter more critically ill patients. However, tasks are mostly the same for both professions. RPNs provide both comfort and emotional support to patients while administering to their practical needs. In addition, they offer basic bedside care (such as applying dressing or treating bed sores), administer medications, complete charts, check vital signs and keep track of intravenous therapy. The most successful Registered Practical Nurses are those who have a genuine interest in helping people, a caring and compassionate attitude, good communication and strong interpersonal skills as well critical thinking abilities.