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Psychiatric Nursing


Location(s):  Regina   

Psychiatric Nursing is a diploma program. You will acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary for professional psychiatric nursing practice within a variety of health care settings in a changing health care system. You will learn how to help clients with mental illness, psychiatric disorders and developmental and/or cognitive difficulties to function at their maximum potential.

The curriculum is client-focused. Mental health promotion and primary health care are emphasized. The psychiatric nurse is a valuable member of an interdisciplinary health care team; therefore, 51% of the credit hours are allotted to clinical practice.

You will take Year 1 courses at Wascana Campus in Regina. Your studies will include introductory types of learning that focus on basic theory related to anatomy and physiology, microbiology and introductory concepts related to psychiatric nursing and wholistic nursing.

Year 1 includes four required courses offered in the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) (such as the biological and social sciences). These courses assist in inter-professional education initiatives.

The designated clinical locations for Years 2 and Year 3 include Prince Albert, North Battleford and Moose Jaw. These sites offer rich clinical experiences and, within each community, there exists a variety of clinical experiences that will assist in ensuring you are well prepared for clinical practice when you graduate. Preferences in clinical placement will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. A single clinical location will be assigned.

Graduates will be eligible to write the Psychiatric Nursing Registration Exams and register with the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan.

Length: 86 weeks (7 terms over 3 years)


Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in a variety of areas, including:

  • educational programming

  • home care, acute care, and long term care

  • youth care

  • mental health services

  • rehabilitative services

  • forensics

  • addictions


With further education, graduates may practice in a variety of health care settings. These include direct care, education, administration and research. Graduates receive a sound educational base that allows them to practice provincially, nationally and internationally.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.



Program Details

Start Date(s): September

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Admission Requirements


  • Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 70% in the following five subjects (or their equivalents): English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, one 30-level mathematics* (acceptable mathematics courses are Math A30, Math B30, Math C30, Calculus 30 and General Math 30), Biology 30 and Chemistry 30

  • English Language Requirement


Note

  • You will need access to a computer for the entire program.


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)


  • Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing one 30-level math above)



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

80Arithmetic
80Reading
80Sentence
5WritePlacer
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

Not applicable at this time


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • Your classroom studies will include process oriented curriculum where case studies, discussion, group work, journals, self-reflection, critical thinking activities and critical reflection will be actively used.
    • Labs provide the opportunity in a small group setting to further discuss and demonstrate the presented theory.
    • You will need access to a computer for the entire program.
      Clinical/Practicum
    • Labs provide the opportunity in a small group setting to further discuss and demonstrate the presented theory. Your practicums will occur throughout Saskatchewan in a variety of acute and community health care settings.
      Home Study
      Online
    • Enhanced technological supports will be used to deliver Year 2 and Year 3 online courses. Course manuals are available for students, and course schedules will guide students in independent learning. Certain online courses will have a laboratory component to provide opportunities to demonstrate the theory.

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit and Future Study Options

SIAST may recognize formal learning from other educational institutions.



  • CLIN 213  Clinical 1
  • You will have the opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned from Term 1 to Term 3 of the Psychiatric Nursing program. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to apply wholistic psychiatric nursing care in a psycho-geriatric setting with assigned clients.


    10.0 Credit Units
    150.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 292    NURS 238   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 233 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 234 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 235 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 216 Minimum Grade of 50 and NRSG 236 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 237 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NEPS 118  Introduction to the Human Body 1
  • The course introduces basic concepts related to structure and function of the human body.

    3.0 Credit Units
    78.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • NEPS 119  Introduction to the Human Body 2
  • The course builds on the basic concepts from NEPS 118 (Intro to the Human Body I) to further explore basic concepts related to the structure and function of the human body.

    3.0 Credit Units
    78.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50


  • NEPS 212  Microbiology for Health Sciences
  • The course provides an introduction to the concepts of microbiology in relation to health and the process of disease in humans.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 212   


  • NEPS 216  Healthy Growth and Development
  • Within the context of family and community, your studies will focus on the theories of growth and development of individuals through the lifespan.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 216   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • NRSG 101  Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing Concepts
  • You will be introduced to the Psychiatric Nursing curriculum framework, professional regulation, leadership concepts, and writing and research process. You will examine the concepts of mental health promotion and primary health care. You will review past, present and future influences that contribute to the psychiatric nursing profession.


    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • NRSG 102  Foundations of Psychiatric Nursing Practice
  • You will focus on the theory of wholistic psychiatric nursing care related to specific health challenges of the older adult. You will be introduced to concepts of mental health promotion, illness prevention, safety, clinical decision-making, documentation and self-care. You will have an opportunity to apply fundamental psychiatric nursing skills in a practice setting.

    6.0 Credit Units
    91.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   NURS 238   


  • NRSG 233  Interpersonal Partnerships
  • You will acquire the knowledge to develop the skills needed to establish therapeutic relationships and to conduct effective individual interviews. You will have an opportunity to practice communication skills, essential interpersonal elements, critical thinking and critical reflection in a practice setting.


    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 101 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50


  • NRSG 234  Physical Assessment
  • You will establish a foundation for the development of physical health assessment skills. You will be introduced to theory related to psychological, sociocultural and spiritual assessment. You will learn to adapt engagement skills, interviewing techniques, history taking and head-to-toe physical assessment to special populations. You will have an opportunity to practice comprehensive physical health assessments.


    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 221   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 101 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50


  • NRSG 235  Aboriginal Studies 1
  • You will be introduced to Aboriginal history and culture. You will explore the origins of Aboriginal populations, historical perspectives, Indian treaties, Indian policy, and the impact of these developments. Upon completion of this course, you will have gained an understanding of the Aboriginal culture.



    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   SOCI 261   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 101 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 118 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 212 Minimum Grade of 50


  • NRSG 236  Introduction to Pharmacology
  • You will develop knowledge of medications, the medication research process and patient safety. You will examine the history and future of psychopharmacology.


    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 222    PHAR 160   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 233 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 234 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 235 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 216 Minimum Grade of 50


  • NRSG 237  Health and Healthcare Concepts
  • You will be introduced to selected physical illnesses and psychiatric disorders of the older adult, concepts of psychiatric co-morbidity with medical diagnosis and selected interpersonal interventions. You will have the opportunity to explore concepts of wholistic psychiatric nursing care related to selected health challenges.


    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 291    NURS 293   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 233 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 234 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 235 Minimum Grade of 60 and NEPS 119 Minimum Grade of 50 and NEPS 216 Minimum Grade of 50


    Year 2

  • CLIN 214  Clinical 2
  • You will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned from Term 1 to Term 4 of the Psychiatric Nursing program. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to apply wholistic psychiatric nursing care in acute psychiatry with assigned clients.


    11.0 Credit Units
    168.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 213 Minimum Grade of P and NRSG 238 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 239 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 240 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 241 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CLIN 215  Clinical 3
  • You will have the opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned during Term 1 to Term 5 of the Psychiatric Nursing program. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to apply wholistic psychiatric nursing care in a child and/or adolescent practice setting. You will apply the new theory you are learning in Term 5 to the clinical setting.


    11.0 Credit Units
    168.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P and NRSG 242 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 243 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 244 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 245 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 246 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CLIN 216  Clinical 4
  • You will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned during Term 1 to Term 5 of the Psychiatric Nursing program and apply new concepts learned during Term 6. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to apply wholistic psychiatric nursing care to assigned clients in a selected setting.


    11.0 Credit Units
    168.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 215 Minimum Grade of P and NRSG 247 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 248 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 238  Individual Partnerships
  • Your studies will focus on concepts of effective professional helping with individuals. You will be introduced to evidence-based psychological interventions, selected theories of counseling, several counseling approaches and strategies. You will have opportunity to apply this theory in a practice setting.


    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 213 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 239  Addictions
  • You will learn about selected addiction assessment tools, types of addictions, psychiatric nursing interventions and prevention. You will examine selected theory, the nature of selected addictions and the various treatment options available.


    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 213 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 240  Psychotropic Pharmacology
  • You will build on the basic concepts from the NRSG 236 (Introduction to Pharmacology) course. You will learn to assess pharmacotherapeutics and provide safe administration of psychotropic agents and psychiatric nursing interventions.


    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 213 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 241  Psychiatric Nursing Assessment, Responses and
    Interventions
  • Your studies will focus on the assessment and continuum of client responses to mental illness and mental health assessment. You will be introduced to standard tests, rating scales for mental health assessment, concepts of relapse, recovery and co-morbidity. You will have the opportunity to design interventions for individuals experiencing psychiatric disorders.


    5.0 Credit Units
    69.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 213 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 242  Group Partnerships
  • You will be introduced to the foundations of group work. Your studies will focus on group theory, group process and mental health promotion. You will have the opportunity to participate in groups and develop practical skills in group facilitation.


    3.0 Credit Units
    38.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 243  Children and Adolescents
  • You will be introduced to selected theory of common psychiatric, developmental and social disorders of children and adolescents. You will be provided the opportunity to explore selected models of assessment and psychiatric nursing interventions.


    3.0 Credit Units
    38.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 244  General Pharmacology
  • You will build upon the pharmacology concepts from Term 3 and Term 4 of the Psychiatric Nursing program. You will be provided with further opportunity to explore and assess selected pharmacotherapeutics and other related nursing interventions.


    2.0 Credit Units
    37.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   NEPS 223    PHAR 264   

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 245  Health and Mental Health Literacy
  • You will be introduced to concepts of teaching and learning. You will examine a literacy model and develop strategies to support mental health literacy across selected populations.


    2.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 246  Family Partnerships
  • You will learn about selected family theory, selected family assessment tools and psychiatric nursing interventions that will prepare you to work with diverse families. You will learn about various forms of family violence and explore the issues and challenges of families. You will develop strategies to improve family function and have the opportunity for experiential learning through practice working with families.


    3.0 Credit Units
    38.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 214 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 247  Forensics
  • You will gain an understanding of the role of the psychiatric nurse in secure environments. You will examine professionalism, prison culture and subculture, psychiatric nursing assessment and protocols for interventions. You will learn about selected theory of care, custody and control in forensic settings.


    3.0 Credit Units
    38.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 215 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 248  Community Partnerships
  • You will learn about selected community theory and community assessment tools as well as psychiatric nursing roles and interventions that will prepare you to work with diverse communities. You will develop strategies to improve community function and have the opportunity for experiential learning through practice working with communities.

    3.0 Credit Units
    39.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 215 Minimum Grade of P


    Year 3

  • CLIN 217  Consolidated Clinical 5
  • You will have the opportunity to consolidate concepts learned during Term 1 to Term 6 of the Psychiatric Nursing program and apply new concepts learned during Term 7. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to apply wholistic psychiatric nursing care to assigned clients in a clinical setting.

    9.0 Credit Units
    140.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 216 Minimum Grade of P and NRSG 249 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 250 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • CLIN 218  Preceptored Clinical 6
  • During your selected preceptored experience, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate integration, synthesis and application of the theoretical concepts of the Psychiatric Nursing program. You will use critical reflection, critical thinking and clinical judgment to demonstrate your ability to model professional practice roles and functions.

    16.0 Credit Units
    245.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 217 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 249  Professional Development
  • You will examine the concepts of interdisciplinary practice, leadership, professional practice transition issues and professional self-care. You will be introduced to the theory of portfolio development and be afforded the opportunity to create an E-Portfolio.


    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 216 Minimum Grade of P


  • NRSG 250  E-mentoring
  • You will be introduced to the theory of mentorship and will have the opportunity to collaboratively partner with a professional mentor. You will use enhanced technology to explain and document your mentorship experience.


    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 216 Minimum Grade of P



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