Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Nursing Practice in the Canadian Health Care System
NURS8015

Description: During this course, the student will be introduced to the Canadian health care system and explore the integral role of the Registered Nurse within various contexts. The scope of practice and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse are examined while applying professional standards as defined by various Canadian Professional Nursing Organizations. Health care team functioning will be explored through role knowledge in practice (role of others) and collaborative intraprofessional and interprofessional relationships. Concepts of human relations and therapeutic communication are discussed. Individualized plans of care will be explored through application of the nursing process. Personal, professional and client well being will be explored as students transition into the role of the Canadian Registered Nurse.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Enriched Nursing Skills and Assessments
NURS8348

Description:

This course will explore foundational nursing concepts and skills including medical asepsis, infection control, physiological needs, patient safety, and physical examination and assessment of the patient. Examination techniques and assessment findings will be discussed in relation to the healthy adult. This course will emphasize the application of hands-on demonstrations of nursing interventions and skills to support students in the clinical setting.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Living with Chronic Illness and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
NURS8855

Description: This course will focus on comprehensive geriatric assessment, and older adults living with chronic illness. Students will examine the quality of life and well-being of older adults who live with chronic illness such as visual/auditory changes, bone and joint disorders, pain and dementia. Promoting effective learning/communication, quality, and continuity of care within the health care continuum will be supported as students gain a greater understanding of chronic illness and disease. Students will also examine the physical and cognitive challenges associated with aging, through the development of individual, holistic comprehensive geriatric plans of care. Students will learn how to care for older adults and how to support their families through application of the nursing process, utilizing case studies to enhance learning.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Pharmacology and Pathophysiology I
PHAR8000

Description:

In this course, students will examine the principles of pharmacology and pathophysiology of common diseases and injury. Major drug classes will be discussed in terms of indications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic and adverse effects and teaching points required to be provided by the nurse. Students will explore the role of the Registered Nurse in management of disease and disorders. Case-based learning will be utilized for students to apply theoretical learning to patient scenarios.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Fundamentals of Communication and Conduct for Canadian Nursing Practice
COMM8290

Description: In this course, the student will explore communication theories and styles as they apply to Registered Nurses in Canada, with an emphasis on professionalism in order to provide safe, competent, compassionate, ethical, and evidence-informed care. Methods of engaging with diverse populations will be explored with an expectation of application of professional standards related to therapeutic communication, documentation, advocacy, and privacy and confidentiality. Students will also have an opportunity to utilize a variety of communication techniques as they interact with Standardized Patients in a simulated client-centred setting.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: COMM1085 AND NURS8015
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement I (Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses)
FPLT8291

Description:

In this practicum the student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and judgment as a member of the health care team in a long-term care setting. The student will build on prior clinical experience and nursing knowledge with an added gerontology focus to support transition to practice nursing in Canada. Utilizing reflective practice, the student will explore their personal and professional development and roles and responsibilities in becoming a Canadian Registered Nurse.

  • Hours: 100
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: NURS8015 AND NURS8347 OR NURS8348 AND NURS8702 OR PHAR8000 AND OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:

Clinical Care Lab
NURS8358

Description:

This course will provide the student with the opportunity to develop clinical nursing skills. Students will apply theoretical knowledge in a lab setting to facilitate nursing interventions and support the advancement of critical thinking abilities. Emphasis will be placed on working within the scope of a Registered Nurse to provide safe, competent care. The student will prepare for medication administration within the Canadian healthcare system. Principles of medication preparation and administration including drug calculations and related College of Nurses of Ontario practice standards are studied.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: NURS8348
  • CoRequisites:

Seniors Care in the Canadian Health Care System
NURS8687

Description:

In this course, students will gain a greater understanding of the role of the gerontological nurse and the interprofessional team when caring for seniors and their families in the Canadian health care system. Concepts of healthy aging and aging in society will be examined, including cultural competencies, economic and legal issues, and documentation. The student will also identify the needs of individuals and their families requiring end-of-life care, exploring holistic approaches to the care in the context of death, dying and diversity. A person- and family-centered approach will be emphasized as foundational. Emerging trends and issues will be explored.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Pharmacology and Pathophysiology II
PHAR8010

Description:

Building on the concepts of Applied Pharmacology and Pathophysiology I, students will explore more in-depth pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics of acute and chronic diseases. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions in maintaining homeostasis. The role of the Registered Nurse in management of diseases and disorders will be explored. Case based learning will be utilized for students to apply theoretical learning to patient scenarios.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR8000
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement II (Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses)
FPLT8325

Description:

In this practicum the student will demonstrate knowledge, skill and judgment as a member of the health care team in an acute care setting. The student will continue to transition to practice nursing in Canada and build on prior clinical experience and nursing knowledge to support patients across the lifespan. Utilizing reflective practice, the student will explore their personal and professional development and roles and responsibilities in becoming a Canadian Registered Nurse.

  • Hours: 172
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8290 OR FPLT8291 AND NURS8357 OR NURS8358 AND NURS8765 OR PHAR8010
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Theory and Research
NURS8393

Description: This course will build upon previous knowledge of nursing theory and strengthen student’s ability to apply nursing theories in a variety of health care contexts. This course will assist students to examine basic principles of research, the needs of the research consumer, and develop skills of critical appraisal and evaluation of health care literature. Students will be introduced to Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM), and utilize their research skills within the context of the EIDM model.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Nursing Care Across the Lifespan
NURS8397

Description:

In this course nursing theory and evidence-informed research will be used to plan person-centered care for individuals across the lifespan and continuum of care. Students will explore alterations in physiological and psychological function based on individual patient characteristics and conditions. The role of the Registered Nurse in primary and community care settings will examined. Case based learning will be utilized to support application of knowledge and advancement of student’s critical thinking skills.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Practice and Simulation
NURS8845

Description: As supported by regulatory and professional nursing bodies, the role of the Canadian Registered Nurse will be explored through simulation, application scenarios, and case-based learning. Students will refine nursing skills and complete comprehensive assessments related to medical-surgical, complex, and gerontological patient populations. Emphasis is placed on supporting the development of clinical decision and critical thinking skills.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8290 OR FPLT8291 AND NURS8357 OR NURS8358 AND NURS8765 OR PHAR8010
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement III (Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses)
FPLT8331

Description:

In this placement, students will amalgamate their nursing knowledge and abilities to participate as a contributing member of the health care team. Learners will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, skill and judgment in order to provide professional entry-level competencies for safe, competent, and ethical care in an acute care setting.

  • Hours: 172
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8320 OR FPLT8325 AND NURS8845
  • CoRequisites:

NCLEX Preparation
NURS8375

Description: This course provides an overview of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in Canada. This course will enable students to review the NCLEX-RN Test Plan components and their relationship to the College of Nurses of Ontario Entry-to-Practice competencies. In addition, the student will have three opportunities to complete practice examinations and to identify and reflect on areas of strength and learning needs through a formal reflection process and completion of Action Plans.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Achieving Success in Your Health Care Career
NURS8580

Description: This course will prepare professional nursing students to transition into entry to practice, specifically examining essential employability skills and professional career development. Students will focus on developing oneself as the professional nurse including personal reflection, goal setting, and caregiver and self-care strategies. Professional communication and behaviours will be examined. Application of professional practices related to seeking, selecting, and securing employment opportunities will occur through participation in simulated employment procedures.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Leadership, Management and Trends in Nursing Practice
NURS8876

Description:

Students will be introduced to concepts related to nursing leadership and management in the dynamic and changing Canadian health care system. This course will support professional socialization, while considering major trends and issues in nursing and health care practices at a provincial, national, and global health level. The role of advocacy in nursing in Canada will be discussed.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Preparation
NURS8885

Description: This course introduces Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a performance-based testing methodology which allows students to demonstrate their nursing knowledge, skill, and judgement for entry to practice competency. Students demonstrate the nine roles of the Registered Nurse through lab based simulations and standardized patient encounters within various practice settings. Through these experiences, students will provide care safely, competently, compassionately, and ethically to individuals across the lifespan as well as, families, groups, and communities.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT8320 OR FPLT8325 AND NURS1510 OR NURS8393 AND NURS8845
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Conduct comprehensive assessments to plan individualized care supporting health promotion and disease prevention in complex and non-routine patient environments
  2. Integrate evidence-informed research, theory, and critical inquiry within the context of the Canadian health-care system to inform nursing practice and advance clinical judgment
  3. Model personal and professional responsibility, accountability, self-regulation, and ethical practice as a Registered Nurse when caring for clients and their families to meet Canadian nursing regulatory standards, practices, and legislation
  4. Communicate effectively with diverse populations and the healthcare team to form partnerships and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, groups and communities
  5. Integrate and promote best practices and approaches across the lifespan to plan and deliver nursing care within the Canadian healthcare system
  6. Use knowledge from social and health sciences to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care across the lifespan and within the continuum of care
  7. Use leadership skills to influence positive change for social justice and health equity in a variety of environments and situations
  8. Establish education objectives to support career growth as a nurse in Ontario
  9. Demonstrate entry-level Registered Nurse competencies in the Canadian health care system to provide client-centered care
  10. Advocate for client, self and the nursing profession by implementing strategies to provide safe and quality nursing care
  11. Integrate principles and philosophy of end of life care to support the client and their families through the experience of death and dying