BACHELOR of PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
DEGREE
The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program is a 45-credit degree completion program designed for RPNs who wish to pursue their passion for psychiatric/mental health nursing by further extending their knowledge and skills in their chosen field.
The program combines liberal and professional education with depth and breadth of study, a global perspective and an opportunity to enhance your knowledge, skills and other professional attributes in areas such as community mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry, the criminal justice system, addictions and substance abuse, application of therapeutic modalities, nursing research and leadership.
Online and distance
Courses are delivered through various distance and online learning technologies which allows you to complete the program from your home community and maintain employment as an RPN. You are not required to be physically present on campus for any component of the program.
Full time or part time
The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing can be completed through either full-time or part-time studies. The program of study distributes core courses, electives and options over three 15-week terms. With full-time studies you could complete the program in 1.5 years. You have up to five years to complete the program part time.
Program planning
Academic advisors for the program have prepared information to help you plan your program. You will be contacted by an advisor, once you are accepted to the program.
Graduate outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program, graduates will:
- Promote excellence in psychiatric nursing by practicing in accordance with: (a) professional, ethical and legal standards, (b) health care and societal needs, and (c) the demands of the health care delivery system.
- Integrate political and global perspectives in applying nursing and psychiatric nursing knowledge and skills to the promotion of optimal wellness (with consideration of physiological, psychological, developmental, socio-cultural and spiritual variables) for individuals, families, groups, and communities as context.
- Synthesize empirical and theoretical knowledge from the humanistic, scientific, general and psychiatric nursing perspectives in formulating professional practice decisions.
- Integrate therapeutic communication skills at an advanced level in conjunction with health education, counselling, and implementation of a range of specialized therapies/modalities for individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Employ critical reflectivity and integrate principles of social justice in the analysis of mental health and practice issues and the provision of safe, competent, ethical care with diverse populations.
- Challenge assumptions and serve as an advocate for change on societal and practice issues that impact the mental health of communities.
- Utilize and contribute to research that advances psychiatric/mental health nursing knowledge, evidence-informed practice and best practices.
- Utilize technology and other resources to support on-going learning and professional psychiatric nursing practice.
- Provide leadership in autonomous and collaborative practice with inter-professional team members.