Practical Nursing PNG

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Excellent writing skills and reading comprehension are needed. Ability to write research and personal essays.

Math & Science Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply and divide, calculate ratios, percentages and apply formulas. Students should have an aptitude for sciences (biology, chemistry, anatomy), but also enjoy writing and reflection.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

The College of Nurses has published a detailed list of the skills abilities needed for nurses. See their list here.

• Able to empathize with others
• Prepared to work with vulnerable people
• Willing to handle situations involving blood, bodily matter and personal situations
• Able to cope in busy/changing environments
• Able to make decisions in life and death (crisis) situations
• Flexibility – able to deal with uncertainty and changing situations
• Personal integrity
• Ability to accept and comply with professional standards of behavior and practice
• Able to respect private and confidential information
• A commitment to life-long learning
• Develop professional relationships and rapport with individuals and groups
• Recognize the importance of maintaining interpersonal boundaries
• Recognize the needs of clients and colleagues
• Respond appropriately in situations that are  stressful or involve conflict
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Able to set priorities

Useful background experience for this program would be

Previous work as a lifeguard; leadership experience in youth activities (school council, youth group or church leader, camp counsellor); work with service clubs related to health care or health promotion, i.e. St. John’s ambulance; or volunteer  or co-op experience at a hospital or home for the elderly.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).

Places you may find yourself employed include

Long term care; mental health facilities; homes for the aged, retirement homes, and nursing homes; acute care hospitals; continuing care facilities; community care agencies; assisted living centres; occupational health departments; primary care clinics and physicians' offices; schools; or group homes.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Shift work; night and weekend work required
• Physically demanding work (lifting, standing for long periods of time)
• Deal with blood/vomit/food material/body parts/handle bodily functions

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Collaborate with registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, physicians, physiotherapists or other health care professionals
• Carry out many nursing responsibilities independently, depending on the nature and complexity of the client care required and the environment in which they work
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care
• Use critical thinking and clinical judgment to provide care for individuals and groups
• Document and communicate client data to ensure continuity of care
• Work with a variety of health professionals, consulting as necessary

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Upon successful completion of the program graduates will be eligible to write the national certification examination for Registered Practical Nurses
• RPNAO- Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
• Practical Nurses Canada
• PNFO -The Practical Nurses Federation of Ontario
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may wish to continue with post graduate studies at Fanshawe College
• Graduates may be able to transfer credit from their diploma to a university degree. See website for list of agreements.
• Graduates may be eligible for application to RPN to BScN University bridging programs at some universities if admission requirements are met (this is currently NOT available at Fanshawe College or Western university).

Last Modified: February 1, 2024