BSN.COMP - Nursing - BScN - Compressed

www.trentu.ca/nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Trent University is a direct-entry professional degree program with a limited number of student places. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BScN). The program includes three streams of study—a collaborative program, a compressed (second entry) program, and a post-bridge PN to BScN pathway.

The compressed program is open to students with sufficient university credits. Opportunities for practical application of theoretical principles are offered throughout the program. Using a holistic approach to care, students learn to assess client needs and to plan, provide, and evaluate care; students also learn to advocate for quality health care. Various teaching methods are used in the programs including lectures, labs, seminars, case studies, simulations, and online learning.

At each level of the program there is a specific focus for theory and practice. Clinical placements are selected so that students are exposed to a variety of practice environments as they learn the complexities of caring for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Subject to availability and agency requirements, students may have the opportunity to seek specialized placements and/or to develop a specific practice focus in Indigenous communities, mental health, rural health, aging, or women’s health and gender.

Trent does not offer a post-RN to BScN program. Individuals holding current registration as an RN (or equivalent) with the College of Nurses of Ontario, any other Canadian nursing regulatory body, or internationally, are not eligible for admission to the compressed or collaborative BScN programs at the School of Nursing. Individuals are not eligible for admission to the compressed or collaborative programs if they already hold a BScN (or equivalent) degree. In addition, the program is not structured to support the admission of individuals who have completed physician education in Canada or internationally. RPNs seeking entry to the program must be registrants in good standing and without practice restrictions with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Admission Requirements

• A secondary school diploma, including six Ontario 4U or 4M credits (or equivalent), is required for admission. These credits must include English (ENG4U) and one 4U credit in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, each with a minimum grade of 70%. To be considered for acceptance into the program, candidates must possess a minimum average of 75% calculated using the required courses noted above and the two highest additional 4U/M course grades.

• For the compressed program, qualified candidates will have previously completed: some or all of a post-secondary degree with a minimum average of 70%; PSYC 1020H and 1030H or an approved equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%; and at least 2.0 credits at the 1000 level and 1.0 credit at the 2000 level. Students admitted without PSYC 1020H and 1030H or the approved equivalents will be required to complete those courses once enrolled into the program.

• Students enrolled in the Diploma in Indigenous Learning for future Nursing students will be admitted to the Compressed or Collaborative BScN program if their cumulative average is 70% and they have obtained a minimum 60% in each of the courses in the diploma program.

• Candidates for the Trent post-bridge pathway will have met the criteria for admission to the George Brown bridging program and will have graduated from the bridging program with a minimum cumulative average of 75% and not less than 70% in any element of the bridging pathway for which advanced standing credit will be assigned by Trent.

• Candidates who are requesting to transfer from another nursing program must complete the Nursing Transfer Protocol of the Office of Admissions. Potential transfer students must provide written consent for Trent University to seek information about the students’ academic and clinical performance in their previous program(s).

• In addition, all successful applicants are required to obtain and submit non-academic requirements (NARs) by the deadlines prior to entry into clinical practice. NARs must be renewed on an ongoing basis throughout the duration in the program. For deadlines and renewal cycles, students should reference the TFSON website section on non-academic requirements.

• NARs include but are not limited to:

  • medical documentation, including completion of the Immunization and Communicable Disease form;

  • current CPR-C, HCP, or BLS Certification (within the past 12 months) from a provider satisfactory to the School of Nursing;

  • initial two-step TB skin testing or clearance, with annual one-step;

  • mask fit testing current within 2 years;

  • criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening, to be renewed annually;

  • proof of having received the seasonal influenza vaccine annually.

• NARs are subject to change as required by placement agencies. Failure to complete or renew NARs within the designated timeframes will result in the student’s inability to enter or continue in clinical practice.

• A student with a criminal record that is unacceptable to a clinical placement agency may not be able to complete the program. Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons must submit medical documentation.

• Students who have been withdrawn from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing for failing two or more NURS theory courses may be considered for readmission to the program if, after withdrawing, they take five one-semester courses transferable to the University within the 12 months prior to applying for readmission. Students must have a cumulative average of at least 75% in all courses taken in these semesters. At least three of these courses must be in sciences. These may be used as electives as per the BScN degree requirements.

• Students who have been required to withdraw and are applying for readmission may be required, as part of the admission process, to demonstrate nursing knowledge and skills learned to date, including medication calculations, in order to determine an appropriate placement in the program.

• Students who have been required to withdraw and who, after being readmitted, fail another NURS course or have a cumulative average lower than 65% will be required to withdraw and not be readmitted to the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing.