Course Description

Preparation for Nursing Practice in Canada

Prepares students for transitioning into the workforce by examining the context of nursing practice within the Canadian health care system, analyzing current workplace and professional issues which influence nurses’ roles in health care, and developing skills related to seeking employment.

This course prepares the student as a practitioner by developing an understanding of the influences and pressures that shape the health care system and nursing. The student is prepared for the practice setting through developing greater awareness of the variety of players in the health care system, alternative health care models, and the current issues facing nursing within this context. This course builds upon the leadership capabilities, ethical knowledge and global awareness of the novice nurse as change agent by deepening their understanding of the context of nursing practice through critical reflection of their practice experiences and examining related health and nursing policies. It also prepares students with strategies and skills necessary to seek and gain employment in the nursing workforce. 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of the Canadian health care system in comparison with alternative models
2. Articulate an understanding of the responsibilities of federal, provincial, and regional and community levels of governance in the delivery of health care in Canada
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the current political, economic, social and professional influences on nursing and health care in Canadian Society
4. Articulate an awareness of the diverse career opportunities open to new graduates
5. Demonstrate skills for entering the workforce and beginning practice as a professional Registered Nurse
6. Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of strategies for enhancing nursing influence on the evolving health care system
7. Articulate an understanding of the responsibilities of Registered Nurses for maintaining competence throughout one’s career.
8. Demonstrate competence in completing the components of the CNO Quality Assurance Program.

The Moodle course management system will be used as an extension of this course outline, and for course content, extra learning materials and communication. Students are required to check the course Moodle site on a very regular basis. Students should use their York U email for course communication.

There is a Question and Answer thread. Only questions posted here will be addressed. Do not sent individual questions by email. If one person has a question the entire class can benefit from the answer.

Please Note: Extensions are not normally granted and, if urgently required, an extension MUST be negotiated with me at least 48 hours before the due date.  Otherwise, late grade penalties outlined in the syllabus will be applied.

1. Learning Plan-CNO QA format-Part 1-(20%)
2. Political Activity Report

Write a 3-page report about an issue you took action about. The report must describe the activity chosen, why you chose it, and how you went about your activity. You can choose one of two ways to approach this assignment.

1. You can write a letter to an elected member of government or a federal candidate. Issues for this activity may be selected from the issues currently being dealt with by RNAO (see the list of action alerts on the RNAO website). How did you decide the type of action, and what did you do to learn about how to engage in that activity?
2. You can meet with an elected person (MPP, MP, City Councilor, etc.) or a candidate for Federal office in the upcoming election about a nursing/health issue. Describe what you learned about how to have an effective meeting. How did you prepare to make best use of the meeting time?
3. Student-led Presentation (20%)

In self-selected groups with 3-4 members, students will explore and critically analyse a current political, social, ethical, economic or any issue that is influencing nursing practice and healthcare. The issue should be at the macro level (homelessness, social determinants of health, enhancing medicare, pharmacare, mental health, RN prescribing, long term care, primary health care, aging population etc.) rather than at the unit or individual level (for example burnout, absenteeism, bullying). 

Expert groups will identify an issue and through researching the issue, the group will address how to move the issue through the policy cycle to influence policy and practice. Each group will create a Poster and will have 15-20 minutes to talk to the class about their work. 5-10 for questions will follow.  The best posters will be invited to present during Nursing Week 2020 at CAMH.

4. Learning Plan- CNO QA format-Part 2
5. Final Exam (25%) during exam weeks Dec. 2018

It will be based on all the course content from week 1 through 12 including the assigned readings and material covered in presentations, discussions, and guest speakers. (Important: It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you are available to sit for examinations during the entire exam period for the term corresponding to your course. It is strongly recommended that you do not make any travel arrangements prior to the end of the term's examination schedule.)