Return to Registered Nurse Practice Certificate
The RRNP Certificate is a program designed to provide educational access to non-practicing nurses and support their re-entry into professional practice. Program candidates include: individuals required by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) to complete courses, or a program of study, to either gain re-instatement of licensure or initial registration in BC; and those who have previously been registered by a Canadian provincial regulatory authority. The courses (theoretical, laboratory and practice) are intended to reacquaint participants with substantive knowledge, values and skills to support nursing practice decisions and actions within the context of an evolving Canadian health care system. In addition, the courses aim to inspire and support professional growth, which is integral to the maintenance of continuing competency.
This program of study is grounded in the Collaboration for Academic Education in Nursing philosophy, which acknowledges the Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners (CRNBC, 2011), the Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses: Standards, Limits and Conditions(2011) as well as the Competencies in the Context of Entry-level Registered Nurse Practice in BC (CRNBC, 2009) and the individual participants’ position and continuing competency plan to promote their readiness to return to practice.
Candidates for this program should have previously been registered as a nurse through a provincial nursing regulatory body and must not have been in practice as a registered nurse for the past five to 10 years. Individuals interested in the program, but have been away from Canadian nursing practice for more than 10 years, can apply for an individual assessment by the nursing Program Coordinator. Prior to program admission, these individuals may be required to complete additional course work or individualized prerequisites before registering into a course. In such cases and where feasible an individual learning plan is to be developed in consultation with the Program Coordinator as this will aid student advising and success.
The essential supplies and skills required to complete the program include: appropriate nursing attire; access to a stethoscope; regular access to a computer; and the ability to engage in online learning using a learning management system.
Admission Requirements
- A letter of assessment from College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) for applicants seeking initial registration with CRNBC (such as a non-practicing nurse living outside of British Columbia and within Canada) or applying for CRNBC reinstatement
-or-
- Verification of current annual Registered Nurse Licensure in Canada, in addition to:
- Official post-secondary transcripts
- Documented evidence of Registered Nursing practice/employment history
- Program Coordinator Interview
Admission Process
Contact Student Services for the program admission package (includes checklist and other required forms). Complete all forms and submit all the required documentation to TRU-OL Admissions. The processing of applications is expedited when all required documents are submitted at the same time.
Applicants are advised of their eligibility for admission and informed of course dates and registration procedures as soon as documents have been completed, admission requirements have been satisfied and provided that the program has adequate space.
Progression Requirements
- Prior to registering in NURS 3651, admitted students must supply: a current Criminal Record Check; Health Status Declaration; Up-to-date Immunization Record; Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); Health Sciences Placement Network (HSPnet) Consent Form; CPR Level C or CPR-HCP (Health Care Provider) training; and N95 Respirator (mask) fit-testing (if required by practice agency).
- Certificate requirements must be completed within three years of initial course enrolment.
- In addition, School of Nursing policy requires students to both achieve at least a C grade (minimum 60%) in each required course and maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.33 (minimum 65%). Grades are determined as per TRU Grading System Policy ED 3-5 using Academic/Career/Development Grading System.
Certificate Requirements
A minimum of 17 credits are required for Certificate completion.
- An additional three credits may be required for the certificate based on an individual student assessment and recommended plan by the Program Coordinator.
- The courses NURS 3641, Principles and Skillfulness: Theory, NURS 3643, Principles and Skillfulness: Lab and NURS 3651 must be completed through TRU-OL to receive this Certificate.
- Nine Credits (HLTH 3611, HLTH 3621 and HLTH 3631) may be transferred towards the TRU Post-RN B.S.N. program or the TRU-OL Bachelor of Health Science Program.
Courses
HLTH 3611,Professional Growth (3), required
HLTH 3621, Relational Practice (3), required
HLTH 3631, Clinical Judgement (3), required
NURS 3641, Nursing Skillfulness (3), required
NURS 3643, Principles and Skillfulness: Lab (0), required
NURS 3651, Return to Registered Nurse Practice (5), required
NURS 3661, Nursing Knowledge for Practice Transition (3), Optional/Shell for Transfer Credit
Residency Requirements
8 credits of TRU coursework, specifically NURS 3641, NURS 3643 and NURS 3651
Note:
Courses with practicum activities are held in BC and are available only to students residing in and BC and the Yukon. Applicants residing outside BC who want to complete the program may participate at practicum sites in BC if appropriate arrangements can be made. Punctual attendance and active participation is required. Students are responsible for all costs associated with labs and practice activities. Labs and practica activities may be limited by geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. Practica placements cannot be guaranteed in the student's home region.
Students are responsible for consulting with their TRU-OL program advisor to ensure that courses selected are appropriate for the program of study or to meet future educational goals.
Email Student Services for more information.