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Psychiatric Nursing (Year 1)

Psychiatric Nursing (Year 1) 2023-2024

Overview

If you want to play a role in advancing the mental health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, this Psychiatric Nursing program will appeal to you.

Psychiatric Nursing is a two-and-a-half-year diploma program delivered through blended learning via classes, labs and practicums. Experienced faculty will help you link theory with practice to help clients with mental illness, psychiatric disorders and developmental and/or cognitive difficulties function at their maximum potential. You will build a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing practice, including health assessment and interventions; mental health challenges; counselling models and therapeutic relationships; family and community partnerships; psychotropic pharmacology; and addictions and forensics.

This program is accredited by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, one of the most respected providers of nursing education in Canada. This Psychiatric Nursing program is recognized by the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan, as well as the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA), College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia (CRPNBC), and College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM).

On graduation, you will be eligible to write the Canadian Registered Psychiatric Nurses exam, register with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS) and apply for designation as a registered psychiatric nurse (RPN).

Admission is based on Sask Polytech’s “first qualified first admitted” policy. When we determine you meet admission requirements you will be offered a seat in the program if available. After we respond to your application, the earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission the better your chances of gaining a seat in the program. When all seats are full applicants will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlists are not carried forward to future programs.

Twenty-four seats are available. Applications will be accepted in February 2023 (starting Feb. 1, 12:01 AM). Please submit your application form via email at registration@northwestcollege.ca and phone in payment of your $35 application fee. You can also visit our North Battleford Campus to pay app fee.

The application-via-email process is to inhibit people from lining up outside overnight. After we receive the applications we will communicate to applicants via email. We will request transcript, if not received already, and other documents required to be ‘qualified’. These will include criminal record check (no older than 6 months), $200 tuition deposit, immunization records, blood work lab results, first aid (BLS-HCP), WHMIS 2015 and TLR certificates. These additional documents can be brought into the college during office hours.

Applicants still in high school or upgrading will need to provide an interim transcript during the application window and a final transcript before July 28, 2023. Transcripts may be ordered prior to Feb. 2023. These typically get sent to College electronically from the Ministry of Education.

Note: we can accept landing immigrants, permanent residents, and Canadian citizens. At this time, we are not accepting international students for Psychiatric Nursing. Foreign credential assessments should be completed prior to the application window.

Program Full. We are not accepting applications at this time.

Year 1 – August 28, 2023 – June 21, 2024

Year 2 – August 26, 2024 – June 20, 2025

Year 3 – August 25, 2025 – December 5, 2025

Please contact the North Battleford Campus for more information: 306-937-5100

Battlefords Campus
Aug 28th, 2023 - Dec 5th, 2025 Full-time

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 70% in the following five subjects:

  • English Language Arts A30
  • English Language Arts B30
  • one 30-level math such as Foundations of Math 30, Pre-Calculus 30, Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, Calculus 30, or General Math 30
  • Biology 30 and
  • Chemistry 30

NOTE: 

  • Foreign credentials can be assessed to determine if admission requirements are met. There is a $75 fee for NWC to submit your transcripts to Sask Polytechnic for assessment.

  • Students currently in high school or in upgrading are asked to provide a document from their high school to show their most current marks and the subjects they are registered in for the remainder of the academic year. An additional interim report from high school will be required midway through the final semester and these marks will be used to calculate the average marks. Admission will be offered based on these interim marks, contingent upon their final transcript showing attainment of grade 12 and the overall average of the five subjects at 70% or greater.
  • English Language Requirement: 

    English Language Profinciency.  We are accepting a minimum overall score of 105 on the online Duolingo English Test as the equivalent to the minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5. Saskatchewan students graduating from Fransaskois and French Immersion high school programs are not required to meet further English Language Proficiency requirements.

  • Standard First Aid and CPR Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP) C AED or equivalent
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
  • 2015 WHMIS
  • TLR

  • Immunization Record and lab results. IF you were born outside of Canada OR you are unable to obtain your childhood immunization records (ie: records destroyed, born in another province etc.) please ask for the following blood tests:

  1. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (NOT Hep B Antigen)
  2. Varicella Zoster IgG (NOT IgM)
  3. Measles IgG
  4. Mumps IgG
  5. Rubella IgG
  • Based on the results of the Bloodwork, the vaccinations required will be determined by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
  • Your blood work is used as a baseline to determine what vaccinations you will require.
  • Lab results.
  1. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (NOT Hep B Antigen)
  2. Varicella Zoster IgG (NOT IgM)

Disclaimer: North West College has the right to make any changes deemed necessary

Courses

Code Name

  • YEAR 1

  • BIOL 102 Anatomy and Physiology 1

    In the first of a two-course sequence, you will explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will learn how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact form and function. You will examine the following body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.

  • CLIN 107 Clinical Practice Education 1

    You will provide safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care for at least one client while managing self-care. You will apply the nursing process as you demonstrate evidence-informed practice. You will establish a therapeutic relationship as you demonstrate foundational nursing skills in a clinical practice education setting.

    Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102(concurrent), NRSG 100(concurrent), NRSG 101(concurrent), NRSG 110(concurrent), NRSG 111(concurrent)

  • NRSG 100 Promotion of Psychiatric Nursing Praxis

    You will be introduced to concepts of self that are central to the profession of psychiatric nursing. You will use critical reflection and synthesis to focus on developing the skills and attitudes expected of effective registered psychiatric nurses.

  • NRSG 101 Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing Concepts

    You will be introduced to core concepts of the psychiatric nursing profession. You will study the governing legislation and the curriculum framework as well as major influences and trends that contribute to the psychiatric nursing profession. You will learn about health and mental health literacy and the importance of health teaching and learning strategies for all populations across the lifespan.

  • NRSG 110 Foundations of Nursing Practice

    You will be introduced to theories and foundations of holistic nursing practice across the lifespan. You will learn how health interrelates with disease, illness, and wellness. You will become familiar with the nursing process as you study concepts of health promotion, illness prevention, illness detection, safety, and clinical decision-making.

  • NRSG 111 Medical/Surgical Nursing Skills 1

    You will study types of microorganisms, their characteristics, and the relationship between the chain of infection, transmission of infection, and agents used to control microbial growth. You will describe differences between prions, viroids, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. You will demonstrate fundamental psychomotor nursing skills in a simulated lab setting.

  • BIOL 103 Anatomy and Physiology 2

    In the second of a two-course sequence, you will continue to explore the human body focusing on the interaction between structure and function and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. You will examine how the levels of organization of the body and the components of cells, tissues and organs impact the form and function for the following body systems: endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance and reproductive.

    Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102

  • NRSG 109 Interpersonal Partnerships

    You will establish therapeutic relationships and apply therapeutic use of self. You will practice communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and critical reflection in a practice setting.

  • NRSG 112 Pathophysiology

    You will be introduced to physiological illnesses across the lifespan. You will study organ system dysfunction and homeostatic imbalance, and the importance of nutrition. You will study hemodynamic monitoring, lab value analysis, and surgical principles.

  • NRSG 113 Medical/Surgical Nursing Skills 2

    You will integrate the relationship between the chain of infection, the transmission of infection, and agents used to control microbial growth while practicing psychomotor skills. You will demonstrate intermediate and advanced psychomotor skills in a simulated lab setting.

    Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, CLIN 107, NRSG 110, NRSG 111

  • NRSG 114 General Pharmacology

    You will focus on the principles of safe medication administration. You will study pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and related nursing interventions.

    Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, NRSG 110, NRSG 113(concurrent)

  • NRSG 234 Physical Assessment

    You will be introduced to cultural, ethnic, social, and spiritual considerations in health assessment. You will perform holistic health and mental health assessments. You will collect and document subjective and objective data.

    Prerequisites(s): BIOL 102, CLIN 107, NRSG 100, NRSG 101, NRSG 110, NRSG 111, BIOL 103(concurrent), NRSG 109(concurrent)

  • CLIN 108 Clinical Practice Education 2

    You will focus on safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care for a minimum of two clients in a clinical practice education setting. You will recognize the importance of health and mental health promotion, as well as illness prevention and detection. You will develop therapeutic relationships and demonstrate therapeutic use of self. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while managing self-care. You will also demonstrate the ability to safely administer medications.

  • SOCI 171 Culture and Diversity in Canadian Society

    You will explore culture and diversity in Canada and the challenges they present. You will discuss the impacts of oppression, multiculturalism, immigration, social inequalities, and social justice at both personal and professional levels. You will discuss the historical and contemporary challenges of Indigenous peoples. You will also examine tools to foster social change and diversity competencies.

  • YEAR 2

  • CLIN 214 Clinical Practice Education 3

    You will demonstrate psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions. You will provide safe, competent, and holistic client-centred psychiatric nursing care to a minimum of three clients. You will counsel individuals, and critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while demonstrating self-care concepts. You will also demonstrate safe medication administration.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171, NRSG 238(concurrent), NRSG 240(concurrent), NRSG 241(concurrent), PSYC 163(concurrent)

  • ENGL 101 Critical Reading and Writing

    You will develop basic skills in critical analysis and effective reading by analyzing and evaluating materials from various disciplines. You will also refine your understanding and practice of the structures of composition by writing a research paper on a topic of your choice using APA-style.

  • NRSG 238 Individual Partnerships

    You will study effective professional helping skills with individuals. You will be introduced to evidence-based psychological interventions, selected theories of counselling, and several counselling approaches and strategies. You will apply this theory in a practice setting.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171

  • NRSG 240 Psychotropic Pharmacology

    You will be introduced to the concepts of psychopharmacology. You will study pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medications and related nursing interventions.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 108, SOCI 171

  • NRSG 241 Psychiatric Nursing Assessment and Interventions 1

    You will focus on the psychiatric nursing assessment and interventions of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. You will be introduced to the concepts of psychological and spiritual health, as well as sociocultural components of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

  • PSYC 163 Healthy Lifespan Development

    You will study human development from conception to death and examine theories and processes of human growth and development. You will discuss health promotion and health issues for each domain of development in relation to psychiatric nursing practice. You will explore physical, cognitive, social, and personality development across the lifespan.

  • CLIN 215 Clinical Practice Education 4

    You will demonstrate psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions for individuals, groups, and/or families under faculty supervision. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care while demonstrating self-care concepts.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163, NRSG 239(concurrent), NRSG 242(concurrent), NRSG 246(concurrent), NRSG 259(concurrent)

  • NRSG 239 Addictions

    You will study addictions across the lifespan and be introduced to bio-psychosocial theories, the Four Pillars strategy, and assessment, screening, and diagnostic tools. You will examine psychiatric nursing interventions, treatments, and concepts in health promotion with diverse cultures.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163

  • NRSG 242 Group Partnerships

    You will be introduced to the foundations of group counselling. You will study group theory and group process. You will demonstrate group facilitation skills in a practice setting.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163

  • NRSG 246 Family Partnerships

    You will learn family theory, family assessment tools, and psychiatric nursing interventions that will prepare you to work with diverse families. You will learn about forms of family violence along with other issues that affect families. You will develop strategies to improve an individual’s functioning within the context of a family and have the opportunity for experiential learning through practice.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163

  • NRSG 259 Psychiatric Nursing Assessment and Interventions 2

    You will focus on psychiatric nursing assessment and interventions of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. You will be introduced to comorbidity, relapse, and recovery concepts and will formulate plans of care.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 214, NRSG 238, NRSG 240, NRSG 241, PSYC 163

  • CLIN 216 Clinical Practice Education 5

    You will demonstrate guided psychiatric nursing assessments and interventions for individuals, groups, and/or families. You will study current and emerging health issues for marginalized and vulnerable populations. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing care. You will demonstrate increased autonomy as you engage in personal and professional developmental activities to enhance your learning while you manage self-care.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 215, NRSG 239, NRSG 242, NRSG 246, NRSG 259, NRSG 247(concurrent), NRSG 248(concurrent)

  • NRSG 247 Forensics

    You will study the role of the psychiatric nurse in a forensic environment. You will examine professionalism, forensic culture and subculture, psychiatric nursing assessment, and intervention protocols. You will study the theory of care, custody, and control in forensic settings.

  • NRSG 248 Community Partnerships

    You will study community theory and assessment tools. You will examine psychiatric nursing roles and interventions that will prepare you to work with individuals in diverse communities. You will also develop strategies for community improvement.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 215, NRSG 238, NRSG 239, NRSG 240, NRSG 241

  • YEAR 3

  • CLIN 243 Clinical Practice Education 6

    You will demonstrate integration, synthesis, and application of theoretical concepts. You will critically evaluate evidence-informed nursing practice as you care for high acuity clients with comorbidities. During a preceptored clinical practice education experience, you will demonstrate autonomy and leadership principles. You will model roles and responsibilities of a graduate psychiatric nurse and engage in professional development opportunities as you manage self-care.

    Prerequisites(s): CLIN 216, NRSG 247, NRSG 248

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