Bachelor of Nursing: Post RN

Number of credits required from Athabasca University: 21 credits (must be in required nursing courses)

Maximum credit awarded in this program for prior learning through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR ) processes: 9 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students at the baccalaureate level should be able to provide safe, competent, ethical care as outlined in the standards of practice set by the regulatory body in their home jurisdiction.¹

More specifically, Alberta Bachelor of Nursing: Post RN students and graduates shall meet the standards of practice established by the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses,² an excerpt of which follows.

Standards

1.0 Professional Responsibility

The registered nurse is personally responsible and accountable for ensuring that her/his nursing practice and conduct meet the standards of the profession and legislative requirements.

Indicators

1.1	The registered nurse is accountable at all times for his/her own actions.
1.2	The registered nurse follows current legislation, standards and policies relevant to the profession or practice setting.
1.3	The registered nurse questions policies and procedures inconsistent with therapeutic patient/client outcomes, best practices and safety standards.
1.4	The registered nurse supports the continuing competence process.
1.5	The registered nurse participates in quality improvement activities.
1.6	The registered nurse has a professional responsibility to practise competently.
1.7	The registered nurse demonstrates competence by regularly evaluating his/her practice and taking necessary steps to improve personal competence.
1.8	The registered nurse is responsible for ensuring her/his own fitness to practise.

2.0 Knowledge-Based Practice

The registered nurse continually strives to acquire knowledge and skills to provide competent, evidence-based nursing practice.

Indicators

2.1	The registered nurse supports decisions with evidence-based rationale.
2.2	The registered nurse accesses appropriate information and resources that enhance patient care and achievement of desired patient outcomes.
2.3	The registered nurse demonstrates critical thinking in collecting and interpreting data, planning, implementing and evaluating all aspects of nursing care.
2.4	The registered nurse exercises reasonable judgment in practice.
2.5	The registered nurse practises within own level of competence.
2.6	The registered nurse documents timely, accurate reports of data collection, interpretation, planning, implementing and evaluating care.
2.7	The registered nurse sets justifiable priorities when giving care.
2.8	The registered nurse supports, facilitates or participates in research relevant to nursing.

3.0 Ethical Practice

The registered nurse complies with the Canadian Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2002).³

Indicators

3.1	The registered nurse practises with honesty, integrity and respect.
3.2	The registered nurse reports unskilled practice or professional misconduct to appropriate person, agency or professional body.
3.3	The registered nurse acts as an advocate to protect and promote a client’s right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity and access to information.
3.4	The registered nurse assumes responsibility for ensuring that her/his relationships with clients are therapeutic and professional.
3.5	The registered nurse advocates for practice environments that have the organizational and human support systems, and the resource allocations necessary for safe, competent and ethical nursing care.

4.0 Provision of Service to the Public

The registered nurse provides nursing service in collaboration with the client, significant others and other health professionals.

Indicators

4.1	The registered nurse collaborates with the client/significant others and other members of the health-care team regarding activities of care planning, implementation and evaluation.
4.2	The registered nurse uses communication and team-building skills to enhance client care.
4.3	The registered nurse is accountable for her/his delegation of care to other health team members.
4.4	The registered nurse explains nursing care to clients and others.

Possible Career Options

Registered nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.⁴

Possible Further Education Options

At Athabasca University

• Master of Nursing (MN)
• Master of Health Studies (MHS)
• Master of Arts – Integrated Studies (MAIS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Distance Education (MDE)
• Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology) (AGDDE[T])
• Master of Counselling (MC)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Counselling

At Other Educational Institutions*

• continuing education programs in nursing and/or other fields
• graduate-level education in nursing and/or other fields

* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other educational institutions.

Notes

1. In Canada, regulatory bodies for nursing have the legal requirement to set standards of practice for registered nurses to protect the public in their province or territory. Together, these standards and the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (Ottawa: Canadian Nurses Association, 2002) provide the basis for nursing practice for nurses in Canada. Direct links to the standards of practice published by each of the regulatory bodies in Canada, as well as the code of ethics, are found on the Canadian Nurses Association website, at http://www.cna-nurses.ca (retrieved March 8, 2005).

2. Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) (1999), Professional Conduct: Nursing Practice Standards (Edmonton: AARN). Reprinted by permission of the AARN. Available online at the AARN website, http://nurses.ab.ca/profconduct/npa.html (retrieved March 8, 2005).

3. Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) (2002), Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (Ottawa: CNA). Also available at http://www.cna-nurses.ca/cna/ (retrieved March 8, 2005).

4. Human Resources Development Canada, National Occupation Classification (2001), http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/3152.shtml (retrieved March 8, 2005).

These are not extensive lists. Some career and education options may require advanced degrees, further training or experience. For help identifying more options, visit http://www.athabascau.ca/counselling/.

For program information, visit http://www.athabascau.ca/programs/.

For contact information, visit http://www.athabascau.ca/misc/chairs.php.

Office of the Vice-President, Academic. Last updated February 2005.
Copyright (©) Athabasca University 2005. All rights reserved.

Updated March 25, 2009