Diploma in Practical Nursing

Georgian College

Students engage with philosophy and curriculum that incorporates and utilizes the concept of caring as the basis of nursing practice. Students work with experienced, caring faculty to gain the knowledge, skills and judgment required to work in today’s complex health care system. Students learn how to engage in safe, competent professional practice with high expectations of accountability, collegiality, collaboration, leadership and ethical care.

Students experience high-quality, innovative nursing education both in the classroom and simulation laboratory settings. Engaging in a mix of individual and team learning activities, students focus on the lived experiences of individuals, families, groups and communities. Through our partnerships, clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings are offered in all five semesters and allow students to integrate their knowledge into the care of clients across the lifespan. In order to provide quality practicum placements, students have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of agencies in the region.

The Practical Nursing program is currently approved (Category 1, the highest ranking) by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Current graduates of this program are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• care for populations including persons, families, and groups from a variety of cultures, by establishing caring relationships that foster trust, respect, collaboration and empowerment;
• promote health and healing for persons in situations with varying levels of complexity acting independently and in consultation with client, family and health team;
• practice nursing based on the concept of praxis (praxis refers to how theoretical knowledge and the practice of nursing inform and shape each other and are guided by the morality of caring);
• function effectively in the practical nurse's unique role as a member within the multi-disciplinary team;
• apply generic skills for life-long learning and for personal and professional growth;
• provide safe, effective and ethical nursing care that meets the current Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario;
• participate in society as an informed citizen and pursue an enriched personal and professional life;
• develop social entrepreneur skills to foster positive social change in the community while being environmentally sensitive.

Career opportunities

The graduate may find employment opportunities in hospitals, long-term care settings, clinics or community health services.

External Recognition

Upon graduation from this program students can apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to write the provincial registration examination for practical nurses. The CNO’s mission is to regulate nursing to protect the public interest and they set entry to practice requirements that nurses must meet to become registered in Ontario. They assess each applicant and determine if they meet registration requirements.

Work Integrated Learning: 5 Clinical Placements