Practical Nursing Access Program

The Sprott Shaw College (SSC) Practical Nursing Program curriculum is based on the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM, formerly the BCCNP) Standards of Practice Framework. These include the Scope of Practice Standards, Professional Standards, and the Practice Standards as set out by BCCNM. This LPN bridging program is designed to allow Health Care Assistants seamlessly transfer

On completion of this LPN bridging program graduates will be able to:

Apply the Entry to Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care to clients across the lifespan
Practice within current legislation, Scope of Practice Standards, Practice Standards, and Professional Standards for Licensed Practical Nurses
Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence
Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients
Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision-making processes
Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting an evidence-informed practice
Make practice decisions that are client-specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources
Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed-upon care of plan
Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing, and exploring with them in a caring environment
Provide culturally safe, person-centred care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety and diversity
Provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers as appropriate
Identify one’s own values, biases and assumptions and the influence of these on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team

Care Aide
Practical Nurse

1. Letters of Reference
Two letters – one personal and one professional (no relatives)

2. Certification
Successful completion of HCA, RCA or HSRCA certificate

3. Knowledge Assessment
Practicing HCAs, RCAs, HSRCAs with a certificate from the BC Post-Secondary System are exempt from this assessment