Nursing - Bachelor of Science
Overview
With all four years of classes held at Selkirk College, you will get to study in one of BC’s most beautiful regions and graduate with a University of Victoria Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Our location supports you to live in a community where the cost of living is lower than most urban centres. You will experience small class sizes, simulation technology, a variety of rural practice placements, and may have international learning opportunities.
Our program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and provincially recognized by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
Nursing careers are diverse and include practice, education, administration and research.
After graduation, you will be prepared for entry level practice in a variety of settings and eligible for post-basic nursing specialty programs, including medical/surgical, critical care, gerontology, maternal child health, mental health, rural and remote, and community health.
Consider nursing if you are:
- Caring and compassionate
- A creative and critical thinker
- Professional in demeanor and behaviour
- Able to manage time, stress and uncertainty
- Committed to learning
- Comfortable with new technology
Graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examinations, Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and qualified to pursue graduate education.
News
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program are prepared to meet the entry-level professional practice requirements as identified by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and undertake the NCLEX-RN exam. As practicing registered nurses, graduates will:
- Practice nursing within a framework of promoting health and healing through the integration of the art and science of nursing within a variety of contexts and with diverse client populations
- Be accountable practitioners providing care and making decisions based on relationships with others, nursing knowledge and different ways of knowing
- Influence the current reality and future of nursing practice and health care at the economic, political, social, environmental and professional levels by anticipating and responding to the changing needs of society
- Be critically reflective, independent and motivated practitioners with an inquiry approach to lifelong learning
- Contribute registered nurse knowledge and voice to interprofessional and team-based collaborations to optimize health outcomes and strengthen health services and systems
Admission Requirements
BC high school graduation and completion of the following BC Provincial Curriculum courses (or equivalents) with minimum marks as indicated:
- English Studies 12 or equivalent (73%)
- Biology 12 (73%)
- Chemistry 11 (67%)
- Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-Calculus 11 (67%)
Individuals applying for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program must apply during the application period; exact dates are posted on the Nursing webpage. To be considered for the program, applicants must meet all prerequisites and submit their completed application and supporting documents by the end of the application period.
Before an application is considered complete, the following must be received by the Admissions Office:
- Selkirk College application form
- Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is still attending school)
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary education studies in which the applicant has enrolled
- BC Ministry of Justice criminal record check
- Applicant personal resumé
- College Readiness Tool (CRT) assessment
- Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer Test)
Applicants are responsible for registering for the CASPer Test. A limited number of testing dates and times are available. Results are sent directly to the College Admissions Office.
Admission to the BSN Program is through a selective admission process. Successful applicants are identified through the combined evaluation of GPA (based on program prerequisites) and a portfolio. The portfolio includes the CASPer screening tool designed to assess non-cognitive personal characteristics. Applicants will be ranked using a metric that incorporates academic and non-academic portfolio information.
Written offers will be sent to the highest ranked applicants. Receipt of a $500.00 non-refundable seat deposit by the offer-acceptance deadline is required otherwise the offer will be considered declined.
Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created for the current intake. Applicants on the waitlist will be offered seats that remain or become vacant after the offer-acceptance deadline.
Applicants who are not accepted into the program will receive notification. Applicants who are not admitted or do not take a seat in a given year are required to reapply to be considered in a subsequent year; waitlists are not carried over.
1. In order to progress from one semester to the next, the following requirements must be met:
Satisfactory completion of all nursing and non-nursing core courses with a minimum grade of 60% and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33 per semester.
The University of Victoria will convert the cumulative GPAs of Selkirk College students to the University of Victoria’s 9-point scale during the application process in semester five; failed required courses are included in the GPA.
Credentials: In order to qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a student must meet the requirements as determined by the University of Victoria.
Courses
BIOL164 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 164 Human Anatomy and Physiology I. This course provides an integrative approach to the normal structure and function of the human body. Repair and replication, structural support, nervous integration, movement and metabolism are examined at the cellular, tissue and system levels. Recent scientific discoveries are presented as a means of relating the systems studied to various applied disciplines including health care and Kinesiology.
ENGL110 - College Composition
ENGL 110 introduces students to the world of scholarly writing -- reading it, thinking about it, and producing it as academic researchers. Students will explore how professional and/or academic writers across disciplines communicate to a variety of audiences. Students will practice active reading, writing and critical thinking skills by conducting scholarly research on a topic. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to write effectively within academic contexts.
NURS112 - Professional Practice I: Introduction to the Profession of Nursing
NURS 112 Professional Practice I: Introduction to the Profession of Nursing is an introduction to the profession of nursing. Participants examine the foundational concepts of the curriculum and how the concepts relate to nursing practice. Participants also explore the history of the profession of nursing and have the opportunity to explore and critically reflect upon the political and socioeconomic forces that have shaped the status of women in society and the evolution of the nursing profession. Standards of nursing practice and responsibility for safe and ethical nursing practice are also explored.
NURS116 - Health and Healing I: Living Health
NURS 116 Health and Healing I: Living Health is an introduction to the meaning of health including personal health, family health, community health and societal health. Participants examine significant theoretical and conceptual frameworks of health including health promotion, primary health care, prevention and determinants of health. By reflecting on personal experiences, participants will have the opportunity to identify personal resources and/or challenges that impact health as well as recognize the diversity of beliefs, values and perceptions of health held by others. Opportunities to learn basic health assessment skills are included in this course.
BIOL165 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 165 Human Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Biology 164. This course covers the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and digestive systems. Endocrinology is discussed throughout as a means of integrating the various systems to the function of the body as a whole. The focus remains on application of knowledge gained in this course.
NURS122 - Professional Practice II: Introduction to the Discipline of Nursing
NURS 122 Professional Practice II: Introduction to the Discipline of Nursing provides opportunities for the learner to explore the historical development of nursing knowledge and theory as well as the contemporary understandings of nursing as a discipline and the body of knowledge that defines it. Relationships between practice, theory and research are explored as the learner acquires a more comprehensive understanding of nursing as a knowledge-based profession. Learners will also gain an understanding of nursing scholarship and begin to read and critique research.
NURS126 - Health and Healing II: Health Indicators
NURS 126 Health and Healing II: Health Indicators. Building on Health and Healing I, this course focuses on individual, family, and community health assessment. Participants have opportunities to explore and critique theoretical and conceptual frameworks in relation to health assessment including early childhood development, family development, healthy aging, and community development. Assessment is explored within the context of decision-making. Opportunities to learn basic health assessment skills are continued.
NURS129 - Nursing Practice II: Coming to Know the Client
NURS 129 Nursing Practice II: Coming to Know the Client provides opportunities to develop caring relationships with groups, families and individuals across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on health assessment and coming to know how clients understand and promote their health, and the role of the nurse in partnering with the client in this process. Participants work with groups, families and individuals in the home and community, in agencies, and in care facilities to incorporate concepts and learning from all the courses in this semester into their nursing practice.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
Policy
Effective Term:
FallEffective Year:
20240801Advanced Standing:
ADVANCE OR TRANSFER CREDIT AND PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
1. A student who has successfully completed any of the following college/university courses (or equivalent) may be given advance credit:
a) English 110 and up to two University Transfer electives in which a grade of "C" or better was achieved within the last ten years. Each course must be transferable to the University of Victoria for 1.5 units.
b) Biology 164/165, or equivalent, if completed within the last three years with a grade of "C" or better.
c) Students are responsible for completing the application for advance or transfer credit prior to entry into the BSN Program.
2. A student who applies for advanced standing from another Nursing Program will be considered on an individual basis.
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Re-Entry Instructions:
1. Re-entry to the BSN Program is permitted only when seats are available. Applications for re-entry must be received six months in advance of the semester the student wants to re-enter.
2. Students who fail to complete a semester successfully may apply to re-enter and repeat the incomplete semester when it is next offered. Normally, there is a waiting period of 12 months between offerings of the same course or semester.
3. Returning students will be required to write a letter outlining their plans for success in addressing the factors that were salient in their original departure from the BSN Program.
4. Returning students will be required to successfully complete a Directed Study course prior to commencing the incomplete semester. The Directed Study will be developed by the Program Coordinator, instructor, and student to address identified learning needs.
a) The Directed Study course is numbered according to the program year and the associated fee is determined by the Registrar’s Office.
b) Students enrolled in the Directed Studies course are NOT enrolled in the Nursing Program.
5. Priority for re-entry will be given as follows:
a) Students in good standing who interrupted their program for illness or other personal reasons.
b) Students who failed to meet program requirements for promotion.
c) Students transferring from another program within B.C.
d) Where two or more applicants are from the same category, re-admission will be determined by the re-application date.
6. Normally, returning in two years or less will permit the student to maintain full credit for all courses successfully completed. After more than two year's absence, students may be required to update or repeat courses previously completed.
7. Students must complete the entire BSN Program within 84 calendar months (7 years) of initial entry. Re-entry applicants who cannot meet this deadline will not be readmitted.
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Assessment:
1. Grading
a) Grading in semesters 1 – 5 theory and lab courses will be as per the Standard Academic and Career Grading Table as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.
b) Grading in semesters 1 – 5 practice courses will be as per the Competency Based Grades as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.
c) University of Victoria grading policy is used for semesters 6 – 8.
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Grading Table:
Other
Types of Assessments:
a) Students are evaluated and graded in each theory course as indicated in the respective course outlines. This may include, but not limited to, exams, written papers, presentations, individual and group projects.
b) Skill demonstrations are used to assess competence in relational and psychomotor skills in the Nursing Arts Centre.
c) In nursing practice courses, assessment occurs on a continual basis. All activities in which students participate may be considered assessment. Informal verbal and/or written feedback is regularly provided by the instructor or preceptor. Students are required to contribute to the assessment process and complete self-appraisals; overall assessment and assignment of CRG/NCG is the determined by the instructor.
(i) The Practice Appraisal Form (PAF) is used to provide formal feedback and based on performance criteria. Student performance is assessed as satisfactory, needs improvement, or unsatisfactory.
Supplemental Assessment(s)
a) Requests for supplemental assessments must be received within 48 hours of the posting of marks.
b) Supplemental assessments are offered at the discretion of the instructor in consultation with the Program Coordinator and/or School Chair.
c) Students must have maintained an average grade of 60% or better in the course.
d) The result of the supplemental assessment cannot exceed 60% and will used in calculation of the final grade.
e) Supplemental assessments must be written within seven calendar days of the final examination schedule.
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Attendance:
1. Attendance at all scheduled lectures, nursing skills classes, seminars, nursing practice experiences, examinations and other learning experiences is mandatory.
2. Students are responsible for the work they miss and may be required to complete make-up assignments as recommended by the instructor.
3. Absence from learning experiences may preclude the student being able to meet the learning outcomes for that course and in turn, progression to the next semester.
4. Absence for reasons that are not deemed professional (i.e. vacation, personal choice) will be noted as "unsatisfactory" or "needs improvement" in the Practice Appraisal Form.
5. Students missing more than 10% of a practice experience may be required to repeat the course or complete extra hours at an additional cost to the student.
6. Students claiming illness or extenuating circumstances for absence from any learning experience must contact the associated instructor and / or the practice agency directly at least one hour prior to the scheduled start time.
7. Students may be required to supply a doctor's certificate to substantiate claims of illness or other documentation to substantiate extenuating circumstances.
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Assignments:
1. Students are required to submit all written assignments, including Reflective Practice Narratives (RPNs), on the date published in the course outline and communicated by the instructor.
2. Ten percent (10%) of the total value of the assignment will be deducted for each calendar day for non-negotiated late assignments. For example, if an assignment worth 40% of the final course grade is given a mark of 32/40 and is two (2) days late, eight (8) marks will be deducted and the student will receive a mark of 24/40. Late submissions of RPNs will be noted as "Needs Improvement" under the Professional Responsibility Domain of the Practice Appraisal Form (PAF).
3. When a student is unable to meet with the published deadline for an assignment, she or he must notify the instructor prior to the published due date and request an extension.
4. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the instructor in consultation with the individual student for extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances include serious illness, family crisis, or other unusual circumstances impacting completion of the assignment. The student is expected to observe the negotiated due date. Further extension of the deadline without penalty may or may not be permitted by the instructor.
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Professional Requirements:
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS (See Nursing Practice Policies and IHA Policy AU1100).
1. Students are required to maintain a current CPR-Basic Life Support with oxygen therapy (BLS) certificate while enrolled in the program; re-certification is required annually.
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Other Regulations:
A. PROBATION (See Policy 8619 Student Probation and Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct)
1. In addition to criteria outlined in the above policies, students may be placed on probation if they fail to adhere to the Canadian Nursing Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses or the BCCNM’s Professional Standards for British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives.
2. Students will be limited to two probationary periods while enrolled in the BSN program. Subsequent unacceptable behaviours or academic performance will result in required withdrawal.
3. If a student’s probationary period extends beyond the fifth semester, the University of Victoria will be informed of the probation and conditions.
B. REQUIRED WITHDRAWAL (See Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct)
1. Breaches to confidentiality, as outlined in the Nursing Program Confidentiality Agreement, IHA Policy AU1100, or the CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses are grounds for dismissal from the program.
2. Students who compromise the safety of clients in nursing practice courses will be required to withdraw from the BSN program.
3. Students who fail two practice courses will be required to withdraw from the BSN program.
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