Get Into The Medical Field By Way Of Practical Nursing

According to the Canadian Nurses Association, in as little as one year there will be a severe nurses shortage. Furthermore, the Association believes that the shortage could mean that from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed. Now, obtaining a Ontario College Diploma in Practical Nursing just got more convenient thanks to Centennial College.

The Practical Nursing (Flexible) program is offered in a six semester, three-day-per-week format to allow you the flexibility you need to meet personal and other commitments. This makes it perfect, for example, for people with part-time jobs, those with kids who may not be able get a babysitter everyday or anyone looking for a flexible option. The best part is that you receive the same education as students in Centennial College’s full-time Practical Nursing program.

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. For a full description of requirements check out the Practical Nursing (Flexible) program page.

Once you have met all the prerequisites, you will find that Centennial College follows a College of Nurses’ Standards of Practice-based curriculum, which has a balance of theoretical knowledge in clinical settings under the direction and facilitation of faculty who are experienced in the field. With this in mind, students learn how 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. For the hands-on aspect of the program, there is an interactive simulation lab, which contains all the latest medical equipment used in the field. Classroom and lab instruction at Centennial College is also supplemented by independent study and multimedia support.

Upon graduation, students find work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and community settings. Typically, Registered Practical Nurses deal with patients who are in more stable condition, as opposed to Registered Nurses who encounter more critically ill patients. 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.