COURSE CURRICULUM

The nursing program at Cape Breton University offers a comprehensive and structured curriculum designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice through a series of progressive courses and clinical experiences. The pathway begins with foundational courses such as Transitioning to the Role of a Professional Registered Nurse, which supports Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) moving toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) by introducing core concepts of professional nursing practice, including ethics, legal responsibilities, collaboration, communication, leadership, and informatics. This foundation is expanded upon through courses like The Roles of the Registered Nurse in Evidence-Informed Practice and Professional Formation courses that develop a strong professional identity, focusing on leadership, clinical judgment, communication, ethics, and comportment. The curriculum includes a series of Foundations of Nursing courses that emphasize essential psychomotor skills, clinical reasoning, and the care of diverse populations across the lifespan, with integrated clinical practice components to apply learning in real-world settings. Health Promotion and Assessment courses further build nursing competencies by focusing on health promotion, illness prevention, and comprehensive assessments using population health models. Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics courses deepen understanding of disease processes and medication management, essential for safe and effective nursing care. Students engage in Nursing Practice Integration courses, which offer extensive practicum hours across various care settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in acute, community, and long-term care environments. Advanced courses in Health and Illness explore biopsychosocial responses to acute and chronic conditions, further honing critical inquiry and evidence-informed care. The program also includes specialized topics such as Indigenous Peoples’ health perspectives, wound care, and both qualitative and quantitative nursing research methods. The final stages of the program focus on synthesis and professional development through Nursing Practice Integration V and VI, where students demonstrate leadership, create health program plans, and complete a preceptored transition to professional nursing practice. This rigorous curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared, confident, and competent as registered nurses ready to meet diverse healthcare challenges.