Psychiatric Nursing (Bachelor of Science)

Successful Psychiatric Nurses tend to have the following qualities:

• sensitivity and empathy
• self-awareness
• tolerance, respect for differences
• integrity
• good listening and observational skills
• collaborative and teamwork skills
• aptitude in math and science
• proficient written and verbal communication skills
• physical, mental and emotional fitness
• reasonable manual dexterity
• time and stress management skills
• basic computer proficiency
• commitment to lifelong learning

As a psychiatric nursing student, you will build on these qualities to develop the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and competencies to become a professional Psychiatric Nurse.

The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) provides more detail in their Requisite Skills and Abilities document about basic skills and abilities required of Psychiatric Nursing students to complete their education and attain entry-level competencies.

This limited enrollment program allows for priority registration into the courses required for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) program. Students who are admitted to the Academic Foundations for Potential Psychiatric Nursing Applicants category are not guaranteed admission to the BSPN program.

To be eligible to apply to the BSPN program, students must achieve a minimum grade of C+ in all 10 University Transfer courses.

Students may apply to the Fall or Winter intake of the BSPN program following completion of the required 10 university transfer courses (30 credits) with a minimum grade of C+ in each course. Students are accepted into the BSPN program on a first qualified, first admitted basis. Students who have completed AF PNUR are given priority registration into the BSPN program.

A limited number of seats in the Academic Foundations in Psychiatric Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing programs are designated for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, and meet the academic and non-academic admission requirements. The application deadline date for a designated Indigenous seat is February 1 for the Fall intake and June 1 for the Winter intake.

There are a limited number of designated seats in the AF PNUR program for School District #43 and for other high school applicants. High school applicants apply online by the application deadline date.

In the AF PNUR and BSPN programs there will be a limited number of designated seats for graduates from the Douglas College Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) program.  To be eligible for a designated seat offer, a HCSW graduate will be required to meet all academic and non-academic admission requirements for the AF PNUR and BSPN programs.

After completion of the 10 university transfer courses (30 credits) and upon acceptance into the BSPN program, students complete an additional 3 years of full-time studies in Psychiatric Nursing.

All classes take place in the modern Health Sciences Centre at the Coquitlam Campus. Clinical practice courses take place in a variety of health care settings around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to any clinical area they are assigned to.

There are two intakes for the degree program: Fall (September) and Winter (January).

The AF PNUR courses may be taken part-time over a number of semesters or on a full-time basis, depending on availability of courses, whereas the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program involves full-time studies.

Working is not recommended when students are enrolled in full-time studies; the time commitment needed for this program makes it difficult for psychiatric nursing students to work while studying.

You will take classroom and clinical practice courses related to communication theory and techniques, psychiatric nursing theory and practice, psychomotor/clinical procedure skills, pharmacology, group theory and practice, and courses that are specific to psychiatric nursing practice settings. You will also take a variety of associated studies courses to increase your scope and breadth of knowledge to practice in the psychiatric nursing profession (Human Anatomy and Physiology, Ethics, English, Psychology).

Clinical practice experiences are offered in the following areas:

• Acute Psychiatry and Tertiary Mental Health
• Medical/Surgical Areas
• Older Adult Psychiatry
• Community Mental Health
• Mental Health and Addictions

Scheduled class and clinical time is approximately 30-35 hours per week, plus additional hours of homework and preparation outside of class.

In Canada, Registered Psychiatric Nurses practice in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Yukon Territory. RPNs (or equivalent) practice in many of the Commonwealth countries. RPNs do not practice as Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the United States or the eastern Canadian provinces because these areas do not have distinct regulatory bodies for RPNs.

Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) are nurses who specialize in psychiatric or mental health care. They may perform standard nursing functions but also possess the clinical knowledge and skills required in mental health care settings. RPNs practice as part of a multidisciplinary team. They assess patient needs, develop therapeutic relationships, and assist them in reaching their optimum level of health.

Registered Psychiatric Nurses are governed under the Health Professions Act along with other nursing bodies and health professionals in this province. RPNs are not educated to practice in obstetrics, pediatrics or advanced medical/surgical settings.

• Attend an information session
• Contact Fran Barlow, Program Support and Services Specialist by email or at 604-777-6406.

Offers to this program are sent out on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. Early application is recommended.