Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

Program Highlights

As a Practical Nurse, you are the heart of health care. You will play an integral part in health care by interacting and helping individuals across the life-span. You will have a role in society that offers a range of choices and opportunities. You will make a difference.

During the four semesters of the Practical Nursing program, you will learn the concepts and skills related to health and nursing. You will also learn nursing practices and interventions in specific health situations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study courses such as anatomy and physiology, communication, introductory psychology and human growth and development. After successfully completing Fleming's four-semester diploma program, graduates are eligible to write the national examinations with the College of Nurses of Ontario and become registered to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse. Graduates wishing to be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario will be asked to sign a declaration of their status regarding:

• citizenship
• any conviction of a criminal offense under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Ontario
• any mental or physical disorder which makes it desirable in the public interest that the person not practice nursing

Word from the Workplace

"After several career changes, I found the confidence to pursue my lifelong dream of a career in nursing. The program was challenging and gave me the building blocks of critical thinking and communication skills. Clinical placement was an experience unlike any other, and really opened up my eyes to the demands of this profession. I was fortunate to get my job through my placement, in the field of health care that I really enjoy."

Tonia Barber, RPN
Maternal/Child Care Unit
Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Why Choose Fleming?

The Practical Nursing program has strong links with Peterborough and the surrounding community's health care facilities and organizations, ensuring students have excellent clinical opportunities to explore various aspects of nursing. Employers in the health care field have recognized Fleming's Practical Nursing program as an excellent program, producing knowledgeable and clinically well-prepared graduates.

Ninety-seven percent of Fleming's Practical Nursing graduates in 2009 were successful in passing the national exam to become registered to practice in Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse. This high standard of pass rate for the exam has been consistent since the inception of Fleming's Practical Nursing program in 2002.

Clinical Experience

You will have clinical experiences, chosen by faculty, in hospitals and/or community settings throughout the program. The final field practice assignment will enable you to consolidate your knowledge and skills for your role as a graduate of the Practical Nursing program. Prior to the start of classes, applicants are required to present:

• current Standard First Aid certificate
• current CPR (C Level) certificate
• current police record check, including vulnerable sector screening

What it Takes to Succeed

A love of working with people, as well as a desire to help them to attain their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual potential is critical to your success. As a vital member of the health care team, it is essential that you have the following personal and academic attributes:

• integrity
• empathy
• compassion
• emotional maturity
• good listening skills
• commitment
• accountability
• flexibility
• respect for diversity
• competence in reading, writing and mathematics
• ability to be self-directed

Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and web browsing.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Fleming Practical Nursing diploma program, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to care for individuals, families and groups across the life-span. You will be able to work in acute hospital care settings, community health agencies, industry, clinics, doctor's offices and long-term care facilities.

As a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), you are able to practice independently when the client's outcome is predictable. You will seek the collaboration of other health care team members, including the RN, with complex health care issues. You will also have an opportunity to promote health and wellness and prevention of illness through educational programs.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 different Grade 11 or Grade 12 College (C) Science courses (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Recommended:

• Grade 11 College (C) Biology

(Although not required for admission, this course will help to prepare you for the program.)

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program. All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Related Programs

Still reviewing your options for a health care career? Depending on your previous education and experience you might also want to consider the Personal Support Worker, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant, or the Trent/Fleming - Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Health Requirements

Students need to be in good health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential in nursing. A physical demands analysis is available if there is concern regarding the physical expectations of the program. A cognitive analysis may also be required.

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page. The Ontario Hospitals Act requires that all individuals working in hospitals be free of communicable diseases. Proof of immunization, including a Two-Step Mantoux Test is compulsory prior to the start of semester one classes. Vaccination against Hepatitis B and seasonal flu and/or H1N1 is also strongly recommended prior to the first clinical component of the program.

Additional Costs

Plan on $1,800 for Semester 1 for books and supplies.

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Lakehead University
• Ryerson University
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Anatomy and Physiology I	60.00
Clinical I	84.00
Field Preparation/Success Strategies	7.00
Health Theory	30.00
Human Growth and Development	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Introductory Pharmacology	30.00
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention	7.00
Nursing Skill Labs I	30.00
Practical Nursing Theory I	30.00
ONE of: College Communication Skills for the Helping Professions 67.00 College Communications for the Helping Professions 37.00
Please Note: All students will complete literacy testing in order to determine enrollment in the appropriate Communications course.
Semester 2
Anatomy and Physiology II	60.00
Clinical IIA	84.00
Clinical IIB	84.00
Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions	45.00
Health Assessment	60.00
Introduction to Psychology	45.00
Nursing Skill Labs II	30.00
Pharmacology Applications	15.00
Practical Nursing Theory II	45.00
Semester 3
Clinical IIIA	84.00
Clinical IIIB	84.00
Nursing Care of Families	45.00
Nursing Skill Labs III	30.00
Practical Nursing Theory III	60.00
Professional Aspects of Nursing A	30.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Clinical IVA	84.00
Clinical IVB	84.00
Clinical V	440.00
Comprehensive Test	6.00
Nursing Skill Labs IV	30.00
Nursing in the Community	30.00
Practical Nursing Theory IV	60.00
Professional Aspects of Nursing B	30.00
Volunteer in the Community	45.00

Semester 1

College Communication Skills for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM156

This first semester course will introduce students to the essential communication skills required to be successful in their chosen post-secondary program. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Through a series of written assignments, in-class discussions based on readings, and lab activities, students will improve their overall communication skills. Students of COMM156 will engage in a series of activities and assignments designed to provide the essential language skills required for academic success. This course is equivalent to COMM 79, with the exception that students receive an additional two hour support seminar to ensure foundational skills are in place.

Units: 67.00
Hours: 67.00

College Communications for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM079

This first semester course will introduce students to the essential communication skills required to be successful in their chosen post-secondary program. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Through a series of written assignments, in-class discussions based on readings, and lab activities, students will improve their overall communication skills. Students of COMM79 will engage in a series of activities and assignments designed to provide the essential language skills required for academic success.

Units: 37.00
Hours: 37.00

Anatomy and Physiology I

Course Number: SCIE002

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It will begin with an introduction to the organization and the cellular/tissue basis of the human body. The systems that will be focused on in this course are: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, fundamentals of the nervous system, cardiovascular system (blood, heart, and peripheral vascular), lymphatic, and gastrointestinal.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical I

Course Number: NRSG011

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Practical Nursing Theory I, Health Theory, Introductory Pharmacology, and Nursing Skill Labs I. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to Nursing Practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self and health promotion. Clinical assignments will include: Nursing Homes and Extended Care Facilities.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Field Preparation/Success Strategies

Course Number: NRSG152

This course is intended to support student learning and retention by preparing students for the rigorous academic demands of the practical nursing program by enhancing study skills, test-taking abilities and critical thinking skills. It is also intended to prepare students for clinical placement by optimizing sensitivity and caring required when interacting with individuals in the health care system. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice and therapeutic use of self.

Units: 7.00
Hours: 7.00

Health Theory

Course Number: NRSG061

This course introduces the student to theoretical principles, concepts, and variables influencing individual, family and community health. Provincial, national and international perspectives will be examined. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to Nursing Practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self and health promotion.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Human Growth and Development

Course Number: SOCI025

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Pharmacology

Course Number: NRSG065

This course introduces students to the calculations and conversions required to competently prepare to administer medications. An introduction to the theory of pharmacokinetics and the nursing process involved in medication preparation will be explored. The drug legislation and Standards of Medication set by the College of Nurses will also be examined.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Course Number: NRSG151

The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program is a holistic behaviour management system based on the philosophy of providing the best care, welfare, safety and security for staff and those in their care, even during the most violent moments. This course focuses on preventing disruptive behaviour by communicating with individuals respectfully and with concern for their well-being. The program teaches physical interventions only as a last resort -- when an individual presents an imminent danger to self or others -- and all physical interventions taught are designed to be non-harmful, non-invasive, and to maintain the individual's dignity. Follow-up debriefing strategies are also key components of the course.This course not only teaches participants to respond effectively to the warning signs that someone is beginning to lose control, but also addresses how staff can deal with their own stress, anxieties and emotions when confronted with these challenging situations.

Units: 7.00
Hours: 7.00

Nursing Skill Labs I

Course Number: NRSG149

This course is designed to provide the student with the theory and practical skills required to provide nursing care to clients in long term care settings. Simulated patient care situations, case studies and hands-on application of specific nursing skills will form the basis of this course. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice and therapeutic use of self.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Practical Nursing Theory I

Course Number: NRSG091

This course introduces the student to the foundational concepts and principles fundamental to the nursing discipline: Nursing, CNO Standards of Practice, Therapeutic Communication/Interpersonal Skills and the Nursing Process. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to Nursing Practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self and health promotion.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Semester 2

Anatomy and Physiology II

Course Number: SCIE003

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of human anatomy and physiology as they pertain to the following systems: Nervous, Special Senses, Endocrine, Immune, Respiratory, Urinary, Fluids & Electrolytes/Acid-Base, Reproductive including Pregnancy & Birth.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical IIA

Course Number: NRSG014

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Practical Nursing Theory I and II, Nursing Skill Labs I and II, Introductory Pharmacology and Pharmacology Applications and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation. Clinical assignment will include: complex continuing care and medical units in hospital settings.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Clinical IIB

Course Number: NRSG015

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Practical Nursing Theory I and II, Nursing Skill Labs I and II, Introductory Pharmacology and Pharmacology Applications and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation. Clinical assignment will include complex continuing care and medical units in hospital settings.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM146

In this course you will continue to develop your communication skills, with specialized focus on how communication and the written word works in community, education and health based professions. This course is designed to help you better understand the communication demands of your eventual career employment. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Health Assessment

Course Number: NRSG153

This course introduces the student to the theoretical knowledge necessary to assess the physical, psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual experience of individuals across the lifespan. The student will use skills of observation, interviewing, inspection, auscultation and palpation to collect data. The student will have an opportunity to demonstrate and practice the specific health assessment concepts and/or skills in a lab setting. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number: SOCI036

This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Nursing Skill Labs II

Course Number: NRSG150

This course is designed to provide the student with the theory and practical skills required to provide nursing care for patients in complex continuing care and medical settings. Simulated patient care situations, case studies and application of specific nursing skills will form the basis of this course. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Pharmacology Applications

Course Number: NRSG086

This course builds on Introductory Pharmacology to enable the student to safely and competently administer medications in a clinical setting. Concepts will include utilization of the nursing process in the administration of medications. This course also explores the drug classification system.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Practical Nursing Theory II

Course Number: NRSG092

This course introduces the student to the theoretical foundation of stress and adaptation. The concepts include application of the nursing process related to defence mechanisms and specific stressors. The drug classification system including specific pharmacotherapeutics will be included with each concept. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Clinical IIIA

Course Number: NRSG019

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Practical Nursing Theory I, II and III, Nursing Skills Labs I, II and III, and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation. Clinical assignment will include one of the following: mental health, maternal/child, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and palliative.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Clinical IIIB

Course Number: NRSG020

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Practical Nursing Theory I, II and III, Nursing Skills Labs I, II and III, and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation. Clinical assignment will include one of the following: mental health, maternal/child, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and palliative.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Nursing Care of Families

Course Number: NRSG067

This course assists the student in exploring the care of families across the age span. The content concepts include the study of the: childbearing family, childrearing family, family in crisis and the aging family in a variety of contexts (health and illness) and settings (community, home and hospital). The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Nursing Skill Labs III

Course Number: NRSG078

This course is designed to provide the student with the theory and practical skills required to provide nursing care to medical/surgical and newborn/pediatric patients. Simulated patient care situations, case studies and hands on application of specific nursing skills will form the basis of this course. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Practical Nursing Theory III

Course Number: NRSG093

This course begins the study of alterations in health within the context of the nursing process. The content concepts include alterations in health: mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, fluid and electrolytes and oncology. This course also explores related pharmacotherapeutics.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Professional Aspects of Nursing A

Course Number: NRSG096

This course assists the student in the exploration of the role of the practical nurse in the health care team. Students will continue to examine legal, ethical, cultural, social and professional issues. Analytical and interpersonal communication skills are embedded throughout. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion and adaptation.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Semester 4

Clinical IVA

Course Number: NRSG023

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Nursing Theory I, II, III and IV, Nursing Skill Labs I, II, III and IV, and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking. Clinical assignment will include one of the following: mental health, maternal/child, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and palliative. The student will demonstrate increasing independence and problem solving skills.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Clinical IVB

Course Number: NRSG024

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply the knowledge of theory, principles and skills explored in Nursing Theory I, II, III and IV, Nursing Skill Labs I, II, III and IV, and Health Assessment/Labs. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking. Clinical assignment will include one of the following: mental health, maternal/child, medicine, surgery, rehabilitation and palliative. The student will demonstrate increasing independence and problem solving skills.

Units: 84.00
Hours: 84.00

Clinical V

Course Number: NRSG154

This 11-week field placement experience facilitates the transition of the student to the role of the graduate Practical Nurse by providing opportunities to integrate program theory and clinical skills. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking. A preceptorship model will be utilized for this assignment. One field placement experience will be offered in one of the following settings: long term care facilities, rehabilitation, palliative, medicine, surgery, maternal-child, mental health, community and/or complex continuing care.

Units: 440.00
Hours: 440.00

Comprehensive Test

Course Number: NRSG042

Consists of two final comprehensive tests which will evaluate the level of learning acquired throughout the entire Practical Nursing Diploma Program.Provides an opportunity for the Practical Nursing Student to be adequately prepared to write the College of Nurses of Ontario, Practical Nurse Registration Examination.

Units: 6.00
Hours: 6.00

Nursing Skill Labs IV

Course Number: NRSG079

This course continues to provide the student with the theory and practical skills required to provide nursing care to medical/surgical and newborn/pediatric patients. Simulated case situations, case studies and hands-on application of specific nursing skills will form the basis of this course. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Nursing in the Community

Course Number: NRSG073

This course will introduce foundational aspects of community-based nursing and will build on the student's existing knowledge base and encourage the tranference of existing knowledge, skills and abilities to the community setting. Key components in this course include community-based nursing across the lifespan, cultural and family influences, assessing the target community, epidemiology, effective client teaching methodologies and case management. Students will participate in a variety of learning opportunities such as case studies and health promotion activities and through engagement with guest speakers. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Practical Nursing Theory IV

Course Number: NRSG094

This course continues the study of alterations in health within the context of the nursing process. The content concepts include alterations in health: neurological, skin, sensory, orthopaedic, renal, gastrointestinal, reproductive and sexual. This course also explores related pharmacotherapeutics.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Professional Aspects of Nursing B

Course Number: NRSG097

This course assists the student to examine current trends and issues in the health care system. Students will have an opportunity to explore more complex legal, ethical, social and professional aspects of nursing. Analytical and professional interpersonal communication skills are embedded throughout. The following theoretical beliefs and approaches to nursing practice are integrated throughout: humanistic caring, reflective practice, therapeutic use of self, health promotion, adaptation and critical thinking.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Volunteer in the Community

Course Number: NRSG108

This course provides experiential practice in communication, interpersonal, analytical, and creative skills while contributing to the goals of a student selected agency or organization. Students will examine the historical foundation and the functioning of the organization, it's role within the community and the societal trends which affect it now and in the future. They will analyze the mission, values, services, structure and benefits of the organization and make suggestions for modifications or improvements. Students will also reflect upon the role of the volunteer sector in responding to the needs of communities.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00