Practical Nursing Re-entry to Practice

Overview

To be eligible to re-register as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia, you are required to complete the Practical Nursing Re-entry to Practice program. This program is approved by Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN).

This program encompasses major health concepts: Anatomy, Physiology and Social Sciences. Courses include Professional Practice and Communication, Health Assessment of the Adult, and Pharmacology and Administration of Medications. In addition to course work, you apply your skills in lab sessions and clinical placements.

Clinical placement

• Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid.
  • Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, weekend and /or holiday shifts. Shifts range form 6-12 hours and start times vary, with some beginning at 7 am and 11 pm.
  • Students are not guaranteed placements of their choice and may be required to complete a placement in communities throughout the province.
  • Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are the responsibility of the student.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities

Study options

• You complete your program through a combination of online, in-person skills labs and clinical placements. In-person courses are held at Ivany Campus. No additional campus locations are available.
• In-person skills labs can take place any day/time of the week, including evenings and weekends.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC offers the only Practical Nursing Re-entry to Practice program in Nova Scotia. The program is approved by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing.
• Hands-on learning: In-person skills labs provide opportunities to practise and observe demonstrations, apply your skills and update your knowledge about new techniques, technologies and procedures, so you can re-enter the field with confidence.

Other info

• Many employers in this sector require one or all of the following as part of the hiring process: current, official criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and/or child abuse register search. A conviction or finding may impact your ability to secure employment.
• Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) provides information to candidates about the skills and abilities required to work as an LPN in Canada.

2022-23 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2022

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus	Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Referral from Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN).

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in many programs. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

This program is not offered at regular NSCC tuition.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Practical Nursing - Re-entry to Practice

Career options

• This program is designed to get you back into the workforce as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you can apply to earn credit. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ANAP 2005 - Anatomy and Physiology Review
Upon completion of this course the learner will have reviewed human anatomy and physiology, and the basic structure, functions and assessment of the body systems. Integration of systems and maintenance of homeostasis within the body will also be outlined.

CONC 1200 - Dementia: Understanding the Journey
This course prepares the student to work with persons experiencing Alzheimer Disease or other dementias in facility and/or community settings. The student will develop an understanding of dementia and the impact on both the individual and families. Strategies based on the philosophy of providing person-centred care to persons as well as support to family caregivers will be explored. The course will be delivered through completion of the provincial standard Dementia: Understanding the Journey Course. The student must attend all sessions and complete the final project of the course to meet the requirements.

LPNR 2001 - Professional Practice and Health Literacy
Upon completion of this course, the student will examine concepts related to their professional role and scope of practice. This will include, but is not limited to, an understanding of accountability, legal and ethical issues, leadership, administration, conflict resolution and time management, research and evidenced-based practice. The student will also have an opportunity to review current issues in health care. The student will employ effective communication skills in interactions with employers, clients, families, and other members of the health care team. This course will provide the student with the opportunity to develop information and literacy research skills required to prepare documents used in the learning environment and health care field.

LPNR 2002 - Care of Adults in Health and Illness
Upon completion of this course the learner will have an understanding of common disorders affecting the body systems and the care required while employing Orem’s self care deficit theory of nursing. The learner will also have the opportunity to review the factors that affect health and wellness both on an individual and community level.

LPNR 2005 - Family and Community Health
Upon completion of this course, the student will have applied an understanding of the process of growth and development across the life span in the review of family-centred care. Through the application of Orem’s theory of self-care, the student will focus on family-centred care and identify alterations in health specific to age groups. The student will also explore the role of the LPN within community settings.

LPNR 2006 - Oncology and Palliative Care
This course describes the concepts of Oncology nursing and the role of the Practical Nurse in assisting the client and family to deal with loss and death. Students will also develop an understanding of the concepts related to Palliative care based on Cancer Care Nova Scotia Palliative Care Front-line Education.

LPNR 2007 - Nursing Skills
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will have reviewed the theory related to basic nursing skills that are commonly required in the care of clients. These skills are required in acute, long-term care, and community environments. The learner will have an opportunity to practice and perform selected skills in scheduled skills labs. Learners will demonstrate professional conduct competencies at all times in the lab setting.

LPNR 2008 - Crisis, Mental Health and Wellness
Upon completion of this course the learning will have a basic understanding of mental health issues, abuse, crisis, and related challenging behaviours. The course is designed to allow the student to explore the role and responsibilities of caregivers as they support individuals and families experiencing these alterations in mental health and social well-being.

LPNR 2010 - Instructor Led Clinical Practice I
This course provides learners with an instructor led opportunity to apply the nursing process and health promotion strategies and to perform nursing skills for clients/residents with alterations in health in acute care settings. Learners will function within the legal and ethical parameters of their role.

LPNR 2020 - Preceptored Clinical I: Pharmacology
This course provides the student with a preceptored learning experience to apply the nursing process in the administration of medications in the clinical setting. Students must complete the 40 hours of clinical experience.

LPNR 2030 - Preceptored Clinical II
This course provides learners with a preceptored opportunity to apply the nursing process and health promotion strategies and to perform nursing skills for clients/residents with alterations in health in a variety of settings. The learner will employ clinical judgment in the provision of safe competent care using entry level competencies. Learners must complete the 120 hours of clinical experience.

PRNS 2003 - Pharmacology/Administration of Medications
This course teaches, in a simulated setting, the basic concepts of pharmacological theory and the skills necessary to safely administer medications, and provides awareness of responsibilities and legal implications. Students will not be permitted to use calculators in this course.

PRNS 2004 - Health Assessment of the Adult
This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop health assessment skills. It includes an introduction to a health assessment, components of health interview and guidelines to performing a head-to-toe physical examination. It also encompasses a review of anatomy as it pertains to the physical examination.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.