Health – Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours Degree Programs (Collaborative BScN, 2nd Entry BScN, Post-RN IEN BScN)

The bachelor of science in nursing (BScN Honours) degree focuses on the development of the theoretical, scientific and philosophical knowledge of human caring. The role of nurses, through caring relationships, in promoting and preserving health and healing is emphasized through both theory and self-reflective practice. Graduates will be prepared to practise collaboratively in a variety of settings to enhance individual, family, community and global health.

York-Seneca-Georgian Collaborative BScN Program

Students in the four-year Collaborative BScN program select one of two collaborative partner sites (Seneca College or Georgian College) for Years 1 and 2 of their degree followed by Years 3 and 4 at York University.

Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in the major must be taken at York University.

Graduation: all graduates must complete a total of at least 120 credits with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 5.00 (C+), including a minimum grade of 5.00 (C+) in all nursing (NURS) courses.

120 credits including:

60 credits for successful completion of the first two years of the program at an approved collaborative program partner College of Applied Arts and Technology.

General education requirements: a minimum of 12 credits as follows:

six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or humanities categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or social science categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

Note 1: Students who have been granted 60 credits for successful completion of the first two years of the program at an approved collaborative program partner College of Applied Arts and Technology will be deemed to have fulfilled the following general education requirements for the Collaborative BScN program.

Note 2: It is required that students complete the general education requirements above within their first 54 credits.

Year 3 and 4 (Completed at York University)

60 credits, including:

Major requirements: a minimum of 48 major credits in nursing as follows:

HH/NURS 3514 3.00
HH/NURS 3515 3.00
HH/NURS 3524 6.00
HH/NURS 4516 3.00
HH/NURS 4525 6.00
HH/NURS 4526 6.00
HH/NURS 4527 9.00
HH/NURS 4528 3.00
HH/NURS 4546 3.00
and six nursing (NURS) credits at the 3000 level or higher.

In addition, students must complete a minimum of six credits as follows:

Either HH/PSYC 2021 3.00 or HH/KINE 2050 3.00, plus SC/BIOL 2900 3.00.

Note: HH/NURS 3524 6.00, HH/NURS 4525 6.00, HH/NURS 4526 6.00 and HH/NURS 4527 9.00 have a practicum component. Students need to pass both the classroom and practical components in order to pass the course. If the grade for the practicum component is “fail” then the overall final course grade will be “F”.

Required courses outside the major: a minimum of six credits outside nursing at the 3000 level or higher.

Upper-level requirement: a minimum of 54 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or above, including at least 30 credits at the 4000 level.

2nd Entry BScN Program

This is a concentrated six semester program, requiring students to study in fall, winter and summer terms over two years.

Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.

Graduation requirement: all graduates must complete a total of at least 150 credits with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 5.00 (C+), including a minimum grade of 5.00 (C+) in all nursing (NURS) courses.

150 credits including:

60 credits completed at a recognized university prior to admission.

Major credits: students must complete a minimum of 90 credits as follows:

HH/NURS 1511 3.00
HH/NURS 1543 3.00
HH/NURS 1900 6.00
HH/NURS 1950 3.00
HH/NURS 2512 3.00
HH/NURS 2513 3.00
HH/NURS 2522 6.00
HH/NURS 2523 6.00
HH/NURS 2533 3.00
HH/NURS 2534 3.00
HH/NURS 2544 3.00
HH/NURS 3514 3.00
HH/NURS 3515 3.00
HH/NURS 3524 6.00
HH/NURS 4516 3.00
HH/NURS 4525 6.00
HH/NURS 4527 9.00
HH/NURS 4528 3.00
HH/NURS 4546 3.00
and six additional nursing (NURS) credits at the 3000 level or higher.

Required major courses outside of nursing: SC/CHEM 1550 3.00 and SC/CHEM 2550 3.00.

Upper-level requirement: a minimum of 42 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or 4000 level, including at least 24 credits at the 4000 level.

Note: HH/NURS 1900 6.00, HH/NURS 2522 6.00, HH/NURS 2523 6.00, HH/NURS 3524 6.00, HH/NURS 4525 6.00 and HH/NURS 4527 9.00 have a practicum component. If the grade for the practicum component is “fail” then the overall final course grade will be “F”.

Post-RN IEN BScN Program

These requirements are for students in the Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) program.

Admission requirements: entry procedures include the following academic and professional criteria:

International education assessed by the College of Nurses of Ontario as “diploma equivalent”.
Minimum overall average of C+ in previous nursing studies.
Proof of language proficiency for applicants who do not meet one of the following criteria:

1. their first language is English or

2. they have completed at least one year of full-time study at an accredited university in a country (or institution) where English is the official language of instruction. Proficiency in English is demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL score of computer: 230, paper: 573, iBT: 88 or equivalent.

Qualifying period: once admitted, the students will enter a conditional qualifying period comprised of the following York University degree level courses:

AP/WRIT 3900 3.00 - three credits University 3000-level course - Essentials of Professional Writing;
HH/NURS 3902 3.00 - three credits University 3000-level course - Providing Culturally Competent Care;
HH/NURS 3901 3.00 - three credits University 3000-level course - Pharmacotherapeutics.

Successful completion of the qualifying period requires a minimum overall average of 5.00 (C+) at the end of each session to be eligible to continue in the Post-RN IEN BScN program.

Graduation requirement: all graduates must complete a total of at least 120 credits with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 5.00 (C+), including a minimum grade of 5.00 (C+) in all nursing (NURS) courses.

120 credits including:

60 transfer credits for recognition of diploma equivalent education and successful completion of nine credits from the pre-qualifying session.

Major credits: students must complete a minimum of 51 major credits as follows:

AP/ADMS 3740 3.00
HH/NURS 2300 3.00
HH/NURS 2731 6.00
HH/NURS 3010 3.00
HH/NURS 3130 3.00
HH/NURS 3300 3.00
HH/NURS 3400 3.00
HH/NURS 3770 3.00
HH/NURS 4120 6.00
HH/NURS 4131 6.00
HH/NURS 4150 6.00
HH/NURS 4710 3.00
HH/NURS 4910 3.00

Upper-level requirement: a minimum of 51 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or 4000 level, including at least 24 credits at the 4000 level.

Note: HH/NURS 2731 6.00, HH/NURS 4120 6.00 and HH/NURS 4131 6.00 have practicum components. If the grade for the practicum component is “fail” then the overall final course grade will be “F”. HH/NURS 4150 6.00 is graded as "credit/no credit". Successful completion of the practicum course, as indicated by achieving a credit, is a requirement in the BScN program.

School of Nursing: Policy on Involuntary Withdrawal

A student may be required to withdraw involuntarily from a course with a practicum component if:

the student fails to meet the requirements of the course with a practicum component, either through unsatisfactory attendance and/or participation in class or practicum settings, or through unprofessional behaviour in fulfilling course requirements; or
the student’s performance is judged to disrupt the functioning of the practicum site and/or jeopardize the well-being of clients of the practicum site, and/or demonstrate failure to meet professional standards for practice currently mandated by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Following a meeting with the student, the decision to require the student to withdraw will be taken by the director of the School of Nursing on the recommendation of the course director and/or practicum coordinator.

Students have access to the usual appeal procedures in such instances.

School of Nursing: Student Behaviour Policy

The bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) degree is an important determinant of eligibility for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Given the professional trajectory of the BScN degree, a professional standard of behaviour is expected from nursing students. At issue in this policy is the protection of the public and the University’s role in graduating competent professionals. The policy recognizes the general responsibility of the faculty members of the School of Nursing to foster acceptable standards of professional behaviour and of the student to be mindful of and abide by such standards.

Progression through the BScN program at the School of Nursing at York University is contingent on students’ behaviour meeting the ethical and behavioural standards set forth in the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the College of Nurses of Ontario Professional Standards, including the Ethics Practice Standard, the York University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other relevant York University policies including, but not limited to, the Sexual Harassment Policy and the Policy Concerning Racism. Behaviour that may result in withdrawal from the BScN program.

A student may be withdrawn from the BScN program if he or she:

commits any breach of the CNA Code of Ethics, the CNO Professional Standards, the CNO Ethics Practice Standards and/or any York University Policy that relates to student behaviour, such as the York University Student Code of Conduct or the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty that would engage the behavioural and ethical standards of the profession;
engages in any proscribed behaviour in a practicum agency as detailed in the School of Nursing’s Handbook;
acquires a criminal conviction after being admitted to the program (or which was acquired prior to admission but became known only after having been admitted to the program) which jeopardizes the student’s ability to gain registration as a nurse; or
engages in behaviour that impairs the performance of professional responsibilities.

For more information, on School of Nursing policies, please refer to School of Nursing Supplemental Calendar or visit the School of Nursing website at http://www.yorku.ca/health/nurs/index.html.

School of Nursing: Length of Completion of 2nd Entry and Post RN Internationally Educated Nurses BScN Programs Policy

This policy defines time limitations for program completion for the 2nd Entry and Post RN Internationally Educated Nurses BScN programs. Time limitations are important to ensure cohesion and continuity of content, current competence and associated patient safety within the context of professional nursing education. Please refer to the Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Student Leave of Absence for other related information.

These time limitations take into account the programs’ compressed structures and plans of study, as well as the frequency of course offerings, and the degree to which nursing knowledge and practice change over time.

Guidelines

Length of completion of programs

1.1. The 2nd Entry BScN program is a two-year full-time program (6 consecutive terms*). Students normally must complete this program within four (4) years (12 terms) from the time of admission.

1.2. The Post-RN Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) BScN program is a five (5) term full-time program. Students normally must complete the IEN program within four (4) years (12 terms) from the time of admission.

*Undergraduate students may only register within a “session” (i.e., Fall/Winter and Summer) as opposed to a “term”, and exit decisions from a program can only be determined at the end of a session. All exit decisions must be made coincident with the completion of course work in any given session. Since Nursing students may be concurrently enrolled in courses that span a full session (6 credits) and that are completed in one term (3 credits), discretion regarding the timing of a final decision on student progress, exit from the program or leave of absence may be necessary. The School of Nursing will ensure registration and exit decisions are communicated to the Registrar's Office for application to a student's record at the end of the relevant academic session.

Unsuccessful completion of program requirements within the designated timeframe

2.1. A student who is unsuccessful in completing the program requirements within the designated timeframe, notwithstanding approved leaves under the Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Student Leave of Absence, must withdraw from their nursing program. If a student is not able to complete the program within the required timeframe, the exit reason will be coded as: “Ineligible to Continue or Graduate”.

2.2. The student may apply to be reinstated to the program, in light of extraordinary extenuating circumstances, for instance, severe illness or personal loss. Reinstatement may require clinical or academic remediation as per the individual student’s standing in the program.

2.3. Students who are with withdrawn from a nursing program on the basis of exceeding the time limitations for program completion may pursue admission or transfer to another degree program at the University.

School of Nursing: Policy on the Length of Completion of York-Seneca-Georgian BScN Program

This policy defines time limitations for program completion for the Collaborative BScN program. Time limitations are important to ensure cohesion and continuity of content, current competence and associated patient safety within the context of professional nursing education. These time limitations take into account the program’s collaborative structure and plans of study, the transition of the BScN student to a second campus, as well as the frequency of course offerings, the length of completion requirements in other York BScN programs, and the degree to which nursing knowledge and practice change over time. Refer to the current Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Student Leave of Absence for other related information.

Guidelines

Length of completion of programs

1.1. The Collaborative BScN program is a four-year full-time program (eleven terms*). The first two years of the program are completed at one of the College partners, and the last two years are completed at the School of Nursing at York University. Students normally must complete this program within six (6) calendar years (18 terms) from the time of admission.

1.2. Students taking longer than two (2) calendar years to complete the first two program years of the Collaborative BScN degree at the College, notwithstanding approved leaves under the Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Student Leave of Absence, will be advised by the relevant College in writing of the length of time remaining to complete the program prior to transferring to year three of the program at York University. Before each new academic session, the Colleges shall notify the School of Nursing at York University of any such students.
Unsuccessful completion of program requirements within the designated timeframe

2.1. Students who are unsuccessful in completing the program requirements within the designated timeframe, notwithstanding approved leaves under the Policy for Undergraduate Nursing Student Leave of Absence, must withdraw from their nursing program. If a student is not able to complete the program within the required timeframe, the exit reason will be coded as: “Ineligible to Continue or Graduate”.

2.2. Students may apply to be reinstated to the program, in light of extraordinary extenuating circumstances, for instance, severe illness or personal loss. Reinstatement may require clinical or academic remediation including but not limited to repetition of courses, and as per the individual student’s standing in the program.

2.3. Students who are withdrawn from the Collaborative BScN nursing program on the basis of exceeding the time limitations for program completion may pursue admission or transfer to another degree program at the University.

* Undergraduate students may only register within a “session” (i.e., Fall/Winter and Summer) as opposed to a “term”, and exit decisions from a program can only be determined at the end of a session. All exit decisions must be made coincident with the completion of course work in any given session. Since nursing students may be concurrently enrolled in courses that both span a full session (6 credits) and which are completed in one term (3 credits), discretion regarding the timing of a final decision on student progress and/or exit may be necessary. The School of Nursing will ensure registration and exit decisions are communicated to the Registrar's Office for application to a student's record at the end of the relevant academic session.

School of Nursing: Undergraduate Student Leave of Absence Policy

This policy for all undergraduate nursing students provides guidelines for absences taken while enrolled in the nursing program. Please refer to the Policy Regarding Length of Completion of 2nd Entry and Post RN Internationally Educated Nurses BScN Programs for other related information.

Guidelines:

Short Term Absences from On-Campus and Off-Campus Clinical Activities

1.1. Short term absences are defined as those that range from one day or less, to 2 weeks. All absences from educational activities deemed mandatory (i.e. on-campus clinical activities, off-campus clinical placements) must be approved by the Course Director (CD) and Clinical Course Director (CCD). An unexcused absence will be considered to be a breach of professional conduct, and will documented and brought to the attention of the Course Director (CD) and Undergraduate Program Director/Coordinator (UPD). Possible consequences may involve withdrawal from the clinical activity, or course failure.

1.2. Students will be responsible for making up the missed clinical hours as arranged by the CCD, in collaboration with the CD, the Nursing Placement Coordination Office and/or Nursing Resource Centre, as applies. This will be scheduled at the discretion of the CCD and/or preceptor. Consequences of not making up missed clinical hours may result in course failure. Completion of course requirements ensures achievement of course goals and patient safety as the student progresses in the program.

1.3. An absence of two weeks due to an incomplete Clinical Preparedness Permit will result in course withdrawal.

1.4. For absences that occur due to illness, a Student Medical Certificate is required to support the medical reason. For absences that occur due to other circumstances (i.e. personal loss), relevant and acceptable documentation of the circumstance may be required. Documentation will be forwarded by the CD/CCD to the UPD for filing.

1.5. Emergency and extraordinary circumstances will be addressed on an individual basis. In all other foreseen or planned absences from clinical activities (i.e. religious holidays), students must initiate a request within the first two weeks of the term in writing for an advanced approved absence from their CD.

1.6. Students who are absent from on-campus or off-campus clinical activities for a period ranging from greater than 2 weeks to less than one term should consult immediately with the UPD to discuss progression in the course and program.

Absences from Non-Clinical Nursing Courses

For any absences from non-clinical nursing courses, please refer to Faculty of Health and University procedures and Deferred Standing Agreements.

Long Term Absences from the Program

3.1. Leave for Serious Illness or Exceptional Circumstance

3.1.1. Long term absences are defined as those that are at least one term** long. Students are required to apply in writing to the UPD for absences up to three (3) terms (one calendar year), on the grounds of serious health or personal circumstances which temporarily make it impossible for a student to continue in the program. The student must complete the Leave of Absence Request Form no later than 15 calendar days after start of the current term for a planned leave of absence and submit it to the UPD for approval; other timelines will be considered in extenuating circumstances. This approval will be made in consultation with the School’s Undergraduate Program Committee or designated subcommittee. Should a student’s request be denied, the student has the right to submit a petition to the Faculty of Health.

3.1.2. Leaves of absence granted on the basis of a serious health problem required submission of a completed Student Medical Certificate. A certificate may also be required to indicate that the student is able to resume studies.

3.1.3. All students who have been absent from the program must meet with the UPD before re-entering into the program. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate eligibility to return to clinical course activity, in consultation with the UPD. This may involve some clinical remediation as per the individual student’s academic needs. The completion date of the student’s degree program will be extended by the duration of the leave taken, up to the maximum time allowed for completion of their program. Please refer to the Policy Regarding Length of Completion of 2nd Entry and Post RN Internationally Educated Nurses BScN Programs for additional information. Students returning to clinical courses after a long term absence may be placed on a waiting list for placement. All efforts will be made to place these students.

3.1.4. Once on leave of absence, a student is not registered in the Undergraduate Nursing Program and is not required to pay fees. The coding of the registration status for students who are approved for a Leave of Absence by the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health will be “Registered as Inactive”. While on a leave, students will not attend courses or engage in any coursework. Depending on when the leave begins, a student may retain access to resources of the University, such as using library facilities or computing resources for the remainder of the Session only.

**Undergraduate students may only register within a “session” (i.e., Fall/Winter and Summer) as opposed to a “term”, and exit decisions from a program can only be determined at the end of a session. All exit decisions must be made coincident with the completion of course work in any given session. Since Nursing students may be concurrently enrolled in courses that both span a full session (6 credits) and are completed in one term (3 credits), discretion regarding the timing of a final decision on student progress and/or exit may be necessary. The School of Nursing will ensure registration and exit decisions are communicated to the Registrar's Office for application to a student's record at the end of the relevant academic session.

3.2. Parental Leave

3.2.1. The School of Nursing acknowledges the need for individuals to have special arrangements made during their educational program for the purpose of pregnancy/parental leave. The School of Nursing supports a student’s decision to take up to a full year for their pregnancy/parental leave(s).

3.2.2. A student may request from one to three terms of leave (i.e., up to one calendar year), which must be completed within one year of the date of birth or custody, or the start of the leave. While on parental leave, a student does not register or pay fees to the University, hence will not have access to resources during that time.

3.2.3. A student must apply for parental leave by completing the Leave of Absence Request Form. The completion date of the degree program will be extended by the duration of the leave taken, up to the maximum time allowed for completion of their program. Please refer to the Policy Regarding Length of Completion of 2nd Entry and Post RN Internationally Educated Nurses BScN Programs for additional information. Normally, the start and finish of the leave would coincide with the beginning and end of term.

Before re-entering, students must meet with the UPD to plan their re-entry into the program. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate eligibility to return to clinical courses, in consultation with the UPD. This may involve some clinical remediation as per the individual student’s academic needs. Students returning to clinical courses after a long term absence may be placed on a waiting list for placement. All efforts will be made to place these students.

For more information on School of Nursing policies, please refer to School of Nursing Supplemental Calendar or visit the School of Nursing website www.yorku.ca/health/nurs/index/.

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