Nursing

Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research: Florence Luhanga, PhD

Faculty Listing

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Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP)

Department Description

The Faculty of Nursing offers an innovative approach to Canadian primary care Nurse Practitioner education with the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) in partnership with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic.  The CNPP program will prepare primary care nurse practitioners (NP's) at the graduate level enabling them to contribute and support improved access to quality primary health care in Saskatchewan.  Graduates of the program will have both academic and clinical preparation in the knowledge, skills, judgements and essential competencies that are required for the Canadian NP examination.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with graduate level educational preparation who possesses advanced clinical knowledge and can: autonomously assess; order, and interpret diagnostic tests; diagnose; prescribe pharmaceuticals; and perform specific medical procedures, within their legislated scope of practice (CNA 2009).  The role of a NP is derived from blending clinical diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge, skills and abilities within a nursing framework that emphasizes holism, health promotion and partnership with individuals, families, and communities.

The CNPP will be delivered entirely in an online asynchronous format with the exception of a week-long residency expectation in the first year.

Program Description

As clinicians, leaders and role models, nurse practitioners bring a holistic approach to care that directly impacts the lives of individuals, families and communities.  The CNPP will offer Registered Nurses an opportunity to achieve advanced competencies required for nurse practitioner registration and licensure.

Building on baccalaureate RN practice, the program blends in-depth knowledge of nursing theory and practice with legal authority and autonomy.  Students will develop enhanced skills in health assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation within the framework of primary health care.  Community development, health promotion and collaboration with interprofessional health care providers are essential components of the CNPP.  Students will critically appraise and apply research, best practice guidelines and theory relevant to advanced nursing practice.

The degree awarded will be a Master of Nursing (MN) with a specialization in Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Because this program is delivered on-line, those admitted must have access to appropriate hardware, software and internet access in order to participate in courses.

Distinctive Features of the CNPP

1. The program brings together a college and a university for the development and delivery of a highly specialized graduate nursing program that is efficient in the utilization of human, physical and educational resources.
2. The development committee comprised of faculty and instructional designers has worked with consultants, external reviewers and considered official documents specific to nursing education standards in proposing this innovative program.
3. The entrance requirements and curriculum are designed to foster student success and the development of a CNPP student identity.
4. Evaluation strategies and academic content are designed to promote student success with the national NP licensure examination.
5. Internal and external program evaluation mechanisms are built into the program design.
6. Responsiveness to the need of students in rural and remote areas is addressed through distributive teaching and learning methodologies.

Admission

Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, be licensed to practice as a RN in a Canadian Province(s) or Territory and:

• Have an overall grade point average of 75% in the last 60 credit hours of most recent post-secondary studies;

• Demonstrate completion of an approved baccalaureate nursing program;

• Indicate which Canadian Province(s) or Territory applicant has licensure as a registered nurse;

• Provide a curriculum vitae CV/resume and cover letter. CV/resume should include your education (formal and continuing nursing education), nursing and work history, professional practice and/or community involvement. The cover letter (maximum 1 page) should include why you are interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner and what supports you have that will ensure your success in the program.

• Sign the Authorization for Release of Personal Information form;

• In addition to two references required for FGSR, we require a third reference. Minimally, two of the references should be familiar with the applicants nursing practice (i.e., manager, supervisor, clinical faculty, preceptor); applicants must refer to FGSR criteria for further details.

Risk Management Requirements
NOTE: details pertaining to these documents and the submission process will be provided after acceptance into the program.

Application Deadline here.

NOTE: Applications from out of province candidates are welcome but first consideration will be given to Saskatchewan residents. Quebec does not support practice experiences for students enrolled in out of province programs. Applicants from Quebec should contact the program prior to applying.

Clinical Placements

Students complete 702 preceptored clinical practice education hours during the program.  Suitability of clinical placement practice sites are determined by the Associate Dean and Program Head. Students will be assigned qualified, experienced RN(NP) preceptors.  Students who are from outside of Saskatchewan are responsible for finding their own clinical placements, with the guidance and approval of the Program Head.  Other interprofessional, licensed health care provider preceptors may be considered depending on the educational learning objectives.  These opportunities will be limited in time.

All preceptors must participate in an online preceptorship orientation program before they will be assigned a CNPP student.  Preceptors will work with students on their mastery of the professional competencies needed to practice as a RN(NP) and provide continuous feedback to the CNPP faculty member regarding progress.

Degree Requirements

Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP)
Full-time Option

*A mandatory residency week is held at the end of the course in Regina.

Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP)
Part-time Option

*A mandatory residency week is held at the end of the course in Regina.

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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Admission to this program has been suspended until further notice.

Program Desciption 

The Clinical Nurse Specialist program (CNS) will educate nurses (registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) for an advanced role in the health care system in Saskatchewan. The report “Commitment to Care: Nursing Recruitment and Retention in Saskatchewan” (2009) calls  for a provincial strategy that addresses the role and utilization of clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, as these two roles have proven to positively impact health care delivery and patient outcomes (Ministry of Health, Government of Saskatchewan (2009), p.180). The  clinical nurse specialist works with other registered nurses, physicians and other health professionals to promote excellence in nursing practice by leading quality improvement initiatives, designing and implementing evidence-based policies and practices, and supporting nurses and other health-care professionals in using best practice guidelines.

The CNS program consists of 11 courses including 8 nursing courses, 2 courses from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and 1 approved elective. The entire program can be taken online, including an elective.

Two advanced nursing practice roles are recognized in Canada: the clinical nurse specialist and the nurse practitioner.  Clinical nurse specialists provide expert nursing care and play a leading role in the development of clinical guidelines and protocols.  They promote the use of evidence, provide expert support and consultation, and facilitate the system change.  Nurse practitioners provide direct care, focusing on health promotion and the treatment and management of health conditions.  They have an expanded scope of practice and can diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests.  They can also prescribe medications and perform certain procedures.   (Canadian Nurses Association, 2008)

Listed below are several examples of areas of specialty within our program that a student could choose:
- Mental Health
- Geriatrics
- Indigenous Studies
- Palliative Care
- Maternity
- Med/Surg
- Pediatrics

Admission
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and additionally have:

• Provide CV and personal statements indicating clinical interest or expertise and goals for graduate study;
• Licensed with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association or the Registered Psychiatric Nurses' of Saskatchewan or in the regulatory jurisdiction in which they will engage their practice education (clinical practice);
• Completion of an undergraduate degree, normally in Nursing;
• An overall grade point average of 75% in the last 60 credit hours of most recent post-secondary studies;
• A minimum of two years experience in a focused clinical area to be demonstrated on CV.

Additional Requirements:
Risk Management documents are required to engage in the clinical placements, following acceptance to the program.
NOTE: These documents are to be submitted to the CNS graduate office vial email at cns@uregina.ca or by fax at 306-337-8493 no later than September 30.

• A Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS).  Please note that a Criminal Record Check is done within this document.  **IMPORTANT**Please indicate to your local Police Department of RCMP detachment that you require a Vulnerable Sector Search for educational and clinical placement purposes, as you will be working with the elderly, the infirm, children, youth and other vulnerable populations.  This document must be dated within 3 months from acceptance into the program.
• A record of immunizations specific requirements are outlined:
  • Tuberculin Skin Test: within the last year or documentation of a previous positive test with a copy of the x ray report;
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): documentation of 2 doses of MMR containing vaccine and a blood test for Measles IgG, Mumps IgG and Rubella  IgG that confirms immunity;
  • TdaP: documentation of a primary series and 1 adult dose of TdaP after the age of 18 years and within 5 years of program start date;
  • Hepatitis B: documentation of a 2 or 3 dose Hepatitis B series and a blood test for Hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBs or HBsAb);
  • Varicella (chickenpox): documentation of 1 or 2 doses of Varicella-containing vaccine or a blood test for Varicella-Zoster IgG that confirms immunity;
  • Polio: documentation of a primary series;
  • Influenza: annual immunization is required as per provincial Mask or Immunize policy;
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers (C);
  • Respiratory Mask FIT Testing;
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Training;
  • HSPnet Consent Form;
  • Confidentiality Agreement Form;
  • Workers Compensation Form.

Clinical Placements
All students registering in the clinical courses must be registered within 30 days of the first day of registration.  Although clinical practice education course practicum experiences could be completed in your community, provided the site can be approved by the program, most students should expect to travel to appropriate clinical sites.  All clinical placements in Saskatchewan will be arranged by the program and will not be in your employment setting.  Students external to Saskatchewan must arrange their own clinical placements with the guidance and approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate), Faculty of Nursing. 

Degree Requirements

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

*PSYC 75.657 Advanced Clinical Practice in Psychiatric Nursing I through Brandon University is also an acceptable course to fulfill this requirement.

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Courses

MNUR 800 Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
The course reviews the domains of advanced practice nurse roles in Canada. An examination of the historical, philosophical, sociopolitical and economic influences develops the foundation for practice. Factors that affect role implementation and innovative models that utilize the advanced practice nurse role in primary health care are investigated.

MNUR 801 Research for Nurse Practitioners (3)
Evidence informed methods used in clinical practice by advanced practice nurses are examined. Critically appraise and apply research, best practice guidelines and theory relevant to advanced nursing practice. Students will develop a research question addressing an identified gap related to advanced practice nursing.

MNUR 802 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (3)
Phases of clinical judgment and various diagnostic reasoning models  are explored in the context of direct patient care. Health maintenance concepts and diagnostic reasoning skills are developed. The mandatory one-week on-campus residency is designed to develop and evaluate health assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills.
While enrolled, the student will engage in 16 hours of practice education experience. Additionally, a one week mandatory residency in Regina is held at the end of this course.  The residency will account for 39 lab hours.
Pre-requisite: MNUR 800 and MNUR 803

MNUR 803 Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I (3)
Pathophysiology of common acute and chronic disorders across the lifespan informs therapeutic decisions including pharmacotherapeutic principles, professional, ethical, regulatory and practical aspects of prescribing. Cellular biology, immunity and the central nervous system will provide a foundation for the study of disease and therapeutics in other body systems.
Pre-requisite: MNUR 800 (courses can be taken concurrently)

NURS 804 Global Health (3)
Critically analyze population health and current research on the determinants of health, with an emphasis on the sociopolitical, cultural and environmental determinants of health. Policy development and primary health care will be explored.
*Note: This course is offered as an open elective to all graduate students.
**Note: Students cannot take both MNUR 804 and MNUR 818 for credit.*

MNUR 805 Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II (3)
Building on the content from MNUR 803, pathophysiology of common disorders across the lifespan informs health assessments and pharmacotherapeutic decisions in practice. Analysis of the functioning of body systems provides a foundation for the study of disease and pharmacotherapeutics.
Prerequisites: MNUR 802 and MNUR 803. While enrolled, the student will engage in 153 hours of practice education experience with a portion of these hours in a community pharmacy setting.

MNUR 806 Health and Illness Across the Lifespan I (3)
A broad knowledge base is integrated with critical appraisal for determining diagnoses and patient needs.  Appropriate selection from a range of evidence-informed non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions restores or maintains functional, physiological and mental stability to achieve optimal health. Conception, prenatal, postnatal care and family health care are emphasized.
Prerequisite: MNUR 805. While enrolled, the student will engage in 117 hours of practice education experiences.

MNUR 807 Health and Illness Across the Lifespan II (3)
A broad knowledge base is integrated with critical appraisal for determining diagnoses and patient needs.  Appropriate selection from a range of evidence-informed non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions restores or maintains functional, physiological and mental stability to achieve optimal health. Gender and episodic care are emphasized.
Prerequisite: MNUR 805. While enrolled the student will engage in 117 hours of practice education experiences.

MNUR 808 Health and Illness Across the Lifespan III (3)
A broad knowledge base is integrated with critical appraisal for determining diagnoses and patient needs.  Appropriate selection from a range of evidence-informed non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions restores or maintains functional, physiological and mental stability to achieve optimal health. Healthy aging and chronic care management are emphasized.
Prerequisite: MNUR 805. While enrolled, the student will engage in 117 hours of practice education experiences.

MNUR 809 Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing I (3)
Transforming complex clinical problems to researchable questions, students will systematically review and appraise the literature for evidence, consider ethical issues in research methods, design a study proposal, and consider knowledge translation strategies. A literature review is completed in preparation for a major research paper that addresses health improvements for patients, families, communities, or health care systems.
Prerequisite: 24 approved credit hours at the 800 level.

MNUR 810 Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing II (3)
Advanced nursing practice concepts are integrated into a consolidated practice education experience. Autonomy, accountability, decision-making, and critical analysis of organizational and system issues that influence advanced nursing practice are demonstrated. Knowledge translation of a piece of scholarly work completed during the program is facilitated.
Prerequisite: MNUR 809. While enrolled, the student will engage in 182 hours of practice education experiences.
(Effective 202320) Prerequisite: All other CNPP courses (30 credit hours). While enrolled, the student will engage in 182 hours of practice education experiences.

NURS 812 Advanced Health Foundations for Clinical Nurse Specialists (3)
This course is designed for advance practice nursing students with a Registered Nurse (RN) license who want to increase their knowledge in their specialty area. Course content will allow the student to explore pathophysiology, health conditions, health promotion, treatment modalities and the role of advanced practice nurses, as it relates to their specialty.

NURS 813 APN: Clinical Nurse Specialization Seminar & Practicum (3)
This course is designed to guide the student toward the development of scientific knowledge and skill in Advanced Practice Nursing.  Through the use of nursing frameworks, application of advanced knowledge and advanced nursing practice skills the student will develop advanced clinical strategies for the management of health problems within their area of specialization.  During this course, the student will engage in 168 hours of clinical practice exploring Advanced Practice Nursing, with a focus on clinical competencies in the students chosen clinical speciality.
Prerequisite: MNUR 812

NURS 814 APN: Clinical Nurse Specialization II Seminar & Practicum (3)
This course allows advanced practiced nursing students to concentrate on an area of clinical practice. This course is based on the core competencies for Clinical Nurse Specialists from the Canadian Nurses  Association (2014). This is the second clinical course in the Clinical Nurse Specialist program.
Prerequisite: MNUR 813

NURS 815 Health Care Ethics (3)
This course examines substantive and methodological content and application about ethics in advanced nursing practice and healthcare within a professional responsibility and social justice framework. Emphasis will be on core elements of major ethical theories, professional responsibilities, current and emerging issues, ethical decisional making, and building of ethical competencies of learners enabling them to provide ethical leadership, advocacy and consultation in complex dynamic advanced practice settings.

MNUR 818 Advanced Nursing Practice Leadership in Health Promotion (3)
Advanced practice nurses will be prepared with a strong theoretical foundation in health promotion, illness prevention and maintenance of health across populations and communities.  Interprofessional approaches to improve population health considering the influence of sociopolitical, environmental, economic and health concepts are included.

NURS 820 Patterns of Health and Illness in Older Adults (3)
This course offers broad-based knowledge and skills through integrated, interprofessional education related to health and illness in old age. Physiological changes and psychosocial aspects of aging as they relate to common health problems will be examined.
*Cross-listed with AGIN 893 – Patterns of Health and Illness in Older Adults.

NURS 900AA-ZZ Special Topics in Nursing (0-6)
Special Topics in Nursing.

NURS 901 Thesis Research (1-15)
Thesis Research.