Practical Nursing Program

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide nursing services to patients and their families in a variety of hospital, community, residential, and home care environments in collaboration with doctors, physicians, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses.

The Practical Nursing diploma program equips students with the knowledge, judgment, and skills to provide safe, competent, and ethical care.

Why Study At Sprott Shaw?

• Licensing exam preparation and study guides for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration (CPNRE) exam at no additional charge 
• Career and professional development success courses to help create a career development marketing plan, learn the cardinal rules of professionalism, and identify the target markets and employment resources for the nursing industry 
• Preparation and orientation courses to teach you how to find credible research, write papers, create proper citation formats including APA, and study effectively for exams
• Prerequisite certificates including First-Aid Basic Life Support (BLS), FoodSafe, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)  
• All-inclusive program costs where what you see is what you pay. Our costs include registration fees, assessment fees, tuition, textbooks, supplies, course materials, uniforms, certificates, graduation fees, clinical and practicum fees, and much more
• Access to dedicated Employment Services Specialists (ESS) who can help you with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and the overall job search after graduation
• Multiple start dates so you can start your education when you want to without the wait
• Preceptorship, clinical, and practicum opportunities with health authorities across BC including Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health Authority, Island Health, Northern Health, and Interior Health Authority

Learning Objectives

The Sprott Shaw College (SSC) Practical Nursing Program curriculum is based on the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM, formerly the BCCNP) Standards of Practice Framework. These include the Scope of Practice Standards, Professional Standards, and the Practice Standards as set out by BCCNM.

On completion of this program graduates will:

• Apply the Entry to Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care to clients across the lifespan
• Practice within current legislation, Scope of Practice Standards, Practice Standards, and Professional Standards for Licensed Practical Nurses
• Value and engage in continuous learning to maintain and enhance competence
• Practice in collaboration with other members of the health care team to meet the collective needs of their clients
• Participate in interprofessional problem solving and decision-making processes
• Advocate for and facilitate change reflecting an evidence-informed practice
• Make practice decisions that are client-specific and consider client acuity, complexity, variability, and available resources
• Use critical thinking, clinical judgment and knowledge of assessment to plan, implement, and evaluate the agreed-upon care of plan
• Develop a collaborative relationship with clients by connecting, sharing, and exploring with them in a caring environment
• Provide culturally safe, person-centered care across the lifespan that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual and is sensitive to cultural safety and diversity
• Provide leadership, direction, assignment, and supervision of unregulated care providers as  appropriate
• Identify own values, biases and assumptions and the influence of these on interactions with clients and other members of the health care team

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

Sprott Shaw students are eligible to apply for Langara’s Advanced Entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Nursing (Post-LPN) program.

At Langara College, successful candidates will receive the opportunity to complete Pathophysiology 2192 and enter into Term 3 of Langara’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students will be able to complete the Bachelor’s program in 2 years and 8 months.

At Athabasca University, successful candidates will receive the opportunity to complete all of the non-nursing, required, support, and option theory courses for their Bachelor of Nursing through distance education. As students continue to work in their field, they can complete their baccalaureate nursing theory courses through a flexible learning environment. Graduates of this program are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and become registered nurses (RNs).

Where Are Sprott Shaw Graduates Working?

In addition to health authorities across the province, our graduates are working at recognized hospitals like Vancouver General Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Kelowna General Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, and more.

Sprott Shaw students have received acute, complex care, and long-term experiences at various recognized organizations including BC Cancer Agency, North Shore Hospice, Correctional Health Services, Good Samaritan Society, and Revera Living Incorporated where they have been placed in one of 175 homes and residencies across Canada.