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Nursing Re-entry


Location(s):  Distance Learning Option

If you’re thinking of re-entering the nursing profession, now is the time. As a registered nurse, you have the ability to touch many lives in so many ways. Whether you want to practice at the patient bedside or work in research, community health, health education and more – the job opportunities for RNs are more diverse now than ever before.

The Nursing Re-entry program is an applied certificate program that gives nurses previously registered in Canada an opportunity to gain the necessary skills and competencies to re-enter the workforce as a registered nurse. It is a distance education program offered over the internet and through home study, which means you can take it wherever you live.

Who qualifies?

The Nursing Re-entry program is specifically designed for individuals who:

  • have previously been registered in Canada and are eligible for re-registration in Saskatchewan, or

  • are currently registered in Saskatchewan and want to update and evaluate their knowledge and skills

On graduation, if you previously were registered in Canada you’ll be licensed as an RN. If you previously were not licensed in Canada, you’ll be eligible to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE).

Come back to Nursing with SIAST

Whether you want to re-enter the profession or simply to update your skills, SIAST offers one of the most respected nursing re-entry programs in Canada. Our small class sizes mean more one-on-one interaction with faculty. High-tech simulation learning centres use near-life scenarios to give you hands-on practice. Clinical practice placements let you transfer your skills into the real world.

The program is designed to enable completion on a part-time basis within a three-year time frame. This helps you build your professional credentials while maintaining job and/or family responsibilities.

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Length: You must complete all courses within 3 years


Career Opportunities

SIAST’s Nursing Re-entry program is designed to ensure you will move confidently into today’s primary health care settings. As a graduate, you will be prepared for employment in a wide range of acute care, long-term care and home care settings. Most RNs work in direct patient care, but your background and experience could also open doors to jobs in administration, education, research and more.

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

Program Details

Start Date(s): Ongoing

For more information, contact rnre-entry@siast.sk.ca.

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • Evidence of English language proficiency as determined by the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA)

  • A letter from the SRNA recommending the candidate for the Nursing Re-entry program and indicating the English language proficiency test and score


Note

  • Medical fitness (including current immunization) is required prior to participating in the clinical experience.

  • Current CPR Health Care Provider "C" AED or equivalent is required before commencing the clinical component of the program.



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.

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
      Clinical/Practicum
      Home Study
      Online
      Shop/Lab
      Work-based Training

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.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.



  • CLIN 200  Clinical Experience 1
  • Note: Prior to participating in CLIN 200 (Clinical Experience 1), you must have medical fitness, current immunization and current CPR Level 'C' (BLS Level 'C'). You will attend a 32-hour orientation practicum to re-familiarize yourself with the hospital setting, new equipment and the health care environment. You will assist clients with basic care, utilizing the nursing process, and hone your assessment, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. You will use the skills you reviewed and practiced in NRSG 206 (Nursing Re-entry Lab 1) including communication with respect and courtesy, and conduct consistent with the SRNA standards and competencies and the CNA code of ethics. You will work on a one-to-one basis under the guidance of an experienced registered nurse who has volunteered to be a clinical preceptor.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 206 Minimum Grade of P and NRSG 209 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CLIN 201  Clinical Experience 2
  • You will apply relevant theory, knowledge, skills and judgments from all of the courses and labs in the program. You will work on a one-to-one basis under the guidance of a registered nurse who has volunteered to be a clinical preceptor. The length of the clinical experience is 240 hours.

    16.0 Credit Units
    240.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Equivalent Course(s):   CLIN 276   

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 207 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 208 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 211 Minimum Grade of 60 and NRSG 212 Minimum Grade of P


  • COMP 170  Basic Computer Operation
  • You will be introduced to the basics of computer concepts. Topics you will study include computer components, hardware and software, working in a graphical user interface, file management, word processing and the Internet. The general skills you learn in this course will prepare you for further courses such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COAP 342    COMP 182   


  • NRSG 200  Health Assessment 1
  • Health Assessment 1 is the first of two courses that focus on the theory related to physical assessment. You will study interviewing techniques, history taking and a head-to-toe physical assessment. You will learn about assessment of the integumentary system, head and neck, breasts and axillae, lungs and thorax, and cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and lymphatic systems.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual


  • NRSG 201  Health Assessment 2
  • Building on the theory you learned in NRSG 200 (Health Assessment 1), you will continue to study the assessment of body systems. The course content includes assessment of the abdomen, musculoskeletal system, neurological system, male and female genitalia and rectum, adapting techniques of health assessment to other age groups and psychological and sociocultural assessment.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 200 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 202  Issues and Trends in Professional Nursing 1
  • You will be reintroduced to the theory related to professional nursing, including the evolution of nursing, teaching and learning, critical thinking, decision- making and the nursing process, and reporting and recording in nursing. This is the first of two courses where you will focus on issues and trends in professional nursing

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard


  • NRSG 203  Issues and Trends in Professional Nursing 2
  • You will examine how nursing has changed since you last worked as a nurse. You will learn about new roles nurses have acquired, the role nurses play in the research process, the use of research in clinical decision making, and the importance of continuing professional development in nursing. You will increase your knowledge of legal and ethical issues facing nurses today. You will review communications techniques and learn about conflict management and resolution. You will also increase your knowledge of leadership and inter-professional practice and the systems approach to patient safety.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard Individual, Online/Blackboard

    Prerequisites:
    COMP 170 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 204  Perspectives in Community Nursing
  • You will be introduced to the role nurses have in primary health care. You will learn how nurses influence the determinants of health to improve the health of Canadians. You will acquire knowledge about establishing the culture of patient safety. You will be reintroduced to infection control and how communicable diseases such as SARS and AIDS have impacted this area. You will acquire knowledge about how you can be sensitive to the diversity of your clients and learn more about all cultures including First Nations cultures and their traditional health care practices. You will also explore basic concepts in mental health nursing.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 201 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 202 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 205  Mental Health Nursing
  • You will acquire knowledge and skills that will enable you to implement nursing interventions for clients experiencing a variety of mental health challenges. You will review nursing interventions for disorders associated with anxiety, aggressive behaviour, affective or mood disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse and family violence.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 203 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 204 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PHAR 200 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 206  Nursing Re-entry Lab 1
  • You will review and practice basic nursing skills (including body mechanics, ambulation, transfers and lifts). You will also review and practice skills related to medical asepsis (including hand washing and isolation techniques). You will also have an opportunity to apply the theory you learned in NRSG 200 (Health Assessment 1) and NRSG 201 (Health Assessment 2) related to general physical assessment techniques and the physical assessment for designated body systems.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 204 Minimum Grade of 60


  • NRSG 207  Nursing the Childbearing Family
  • You will examine the various aspects of pregnancy and the newborn. You will examine the concept of family and review reproductive life planning.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    PHAR 200 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 208  Child Health Nursing
  • You will explore the nursing care required to support infants, children and adolescents (and their families) experiencing common health alterations. You will review the growth and development of children from birth to 19 years. You will learn principles of child health nursing with the client as a partner to enhance patient safety.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    PHAR 200 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 209  Adult Health Nursing 1
  • Your studies will focus on the concepts of growth and development of the adult from 20 to 64 years, inflammation and infection, the immune response and cell aberration. The course content includes fluid and electrolyte and acid/base balances and imbalances. You will examine the nursing care required to support adult clients (and their families) undergoing surgery and experiencing health alterations related to fluid and gas transport.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 205 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 210  Adult Health Nursing 2
  • You will apply the knowledge you gained in NRSG 209 (Adult Health Nursing 1) as you explore the nursing care required to support adult clients (and their families) experiencing health alterations related to metabolic functioning, digestion and elimination, cell aberration, reproduction and sexuality, defense and protection.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 200 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)


  • NRSG 211  Nursing the Older Adult
  • You will explore the nursing care required to support older adults (and their families) experiencing common health alterations and loss, grief and/or death. You will review the growth and development of the older adult. You will explore issues related to older adults (including the healthy adaptive older person, the effects of ageism, elder abuse and neglect, the caregiver role and institutionalization). You will examine drug-related issues affecting older adults.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 210 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • NRSG 212  Nursing Re-entry Lab 2
  • You will review and practice nursing skills related to surgical asepsis, oxygenation, digestion and elimination, and medication administration.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    CLIN 200 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)


  • PHAR 200  Pharmacology in Nursing
  • Your studies will focus on the basic principles of pharmacology and common medication classifications. You will explore general nursing roles and responsibilities related to drug administration. You will identify cultural factors influencing drug therapy. You will learn about adapting drug therapy for children and older adults. You will also learn about and perform correct drug dosage and I.V. rate calculations. You will explore the phenomenon of pain and the implications for nursing care in partnership with clients experiencing pain.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    NRSG 201 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 202 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NRSG 203 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)



  • You will need Microsoft Word (2000 or newer) and Internet access for COMP 170 (Basic Computer Operation).
  • You can purchase your books and manuals from the Wascana Campus Bookstore.
  • You must complete the program within three years.
  • Because there is no faculty support available during July and August, these months are not counted when determining your course end date.
  • For student loan purposes, the program is considered to be equivalent to 30 weeks of full-time study.

  • More Information


    • Phone 1-866-goSIAST

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