Bachelor of Science Nursing
The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) is a program that prepares nurses to practice in a variety of health care settings. The curriculum is a blend of biological, social sciences, humanities and nursing courses, combining academic and professional theory with nursing practice. In 2016, the CBU nursing program adopted a model of concept-based learning to keep pace with the evolving nature of nursing education. A concept-based curriculum aide in assisting students to develop the high level of clinical reasoning and nursing judgement needed to respond to the complexity of today’s health care system. Concept-based learning is student-centered and student-directed. Students are encouraged to be active learners; to delve into course content, and to learn how to access information independently.
For more information on Bachelor of Science Nursing please visit our web page.
Cape Breton University – Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) Student Education Options
Advanced Major
Nursing Specialty Focus Option
The Nursing Speciality Focus option is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore an area of nursing in-depth through specialized courses and focused nursing practice experiences. The goal is to expand the students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to a specific area of nursing. The courses associated with the Nursing Speciality Foci are offered in conjunction with Dalhousie University and are open to all nursing students in the province.
Admission Requirements
• Passing grade in all previous courses taken to fulfill the BScN degree requirements.
To fulfill the requirements of a Nursing Speciality Focus – students must complete:
• Two, three-credit theory courses. The courses will be taken on-line in Semester 6 and Semester 7 and may be taken in-lieu of the required electives.
• An associated six week, six-credit nursing practice experience in a related practice area. The nursing practicum will take place in Semester 7 and will be associated with NRSG 4900.
Presently there are three approved Nursing Speciality Foci Options:
Acute Care Nursing Speciality Focus:
Semester 6 – NRSG 4471 Emergency Preparedness
Semester 7 – NRSG 4472 Acute & Critical Care Nursing and NRSG 4900 Nursing Practice Integration V
Mental Health Nursing Speciality Focus:
Semester 6 – NRSG 4371 Addictions Nursing
Semester 7 – NRSG 4372 Mental Health Nursing and NRSG 4900 Nursing Practice Integration V
Public Health Nursing Focus:
Semester 6 – NRSG 4381 Public Health Nursing
Semester 7 – NRSG 4380 Intro to Epidemiology Methods and NRSG 4900 Nursing Practice Integration V
NOTE: Students may also take any of the above on-line courses as electives without fulfilling the full requirements of a particular nursing focus.
Additional nursing elective courses may be offered by CBU, STXFU, or Dalhousie and will be open to all nursing students in the province. Information on these courses will be provided as it becomes available.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor of Science Nursing
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) is limited and therefore competitive. All eligible first year candidates are ranked based on their previous academic performance (60%) and their compatibility for the nursing profession based on their score on the CASPER evaluation tool (40%).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Please refer to the CBU website for Application opening and closing dates.
Requisite Skills for Nursing Practice
The College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS) has identified the requisite skills and abilities for nursing practice in Nova Scotia. Becoming a Registered Nurse in Nova Scotia: Requisite Skills and Abilities outlines the requirements and performance expectations of nurses in Nova Scotia and can assist you in determining whether nursing is an appropriate career choice. We recommend that you review this document at the link above to ensure that you meet these requisite skills and abilities. If you have any further questions please contact the nursing department at nursing@cbu.ca.
Entry to the Bachelor of Science Nursing Program
There are three points of entry into the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) Program:
1. Direct Entry Program (3 Year/ 8 Semesters): For applicants direct from High School or mature students who do not qualify for admission to the Advanced Standing Program (NOTE: Students who have completed a minimum of 30 credits of university level courses and have the five required pre-requisites for the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Advanced Standing program are not eligible to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Direct Entry program).
Direct Entry Program Admission Requirements:
– Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 70 percent in five academic Grade 12 courses that must include: English, Math, and two sciences from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.
Cape Breton University invites all individuals to apply, however preference will be given to Nova Scotia residents.
2. Advanced Standing Program (2 Year/6 Semesters) – For applicants with previous university study
Advanced Standing Program Admission Requirements:
– Successful completion of a minimum of thirty credits of university level courses with a minimum grade of 65% in all subjects. Within the 30 credits, students must have the following:
– 5 required pre-requisite courses (Physiology, Anatomy, English, Microbiology, and Statistics)
– Additional 15 credits of university level courses
Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.
Please Note:
For the Advanced Standing Program, ranking is based on the average of the 5 pre-requisite courses and the CASPer scores. Only applicants with the above pre-requisites, including 15 credits of electives, will be considered for admission. Applicants must have completed or be enrolled in the above-mentioned pre-requisite courses by the application deadline with a completion date of all courses no later than May 15th for the September intake and January 1st for the May intake to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing – Advanced Standing program.
Applicants to the BScN – Advanced Standing program will be notified of their admission status the end of May for the September intake and the end of March for the May intake.
Cape Breton University invites all individuals to apply, however preference will be given to Nova Scotia residents.
3. LPN to BScN Pathway – For LPN applicants with in-career experience.
LPN to BScN Pathway Program Admission requirements:
– Graduated in 2008 or later from a two-year Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Practical Nurse Program
– Obtained a minimum average of 75% in all Practical Nurse Diploma Program courses
– Completed a minimum of 1800 hours of work experience as a LPN within the last two years (confirmed by the employer)
– In possession of a current LPN License.
Applicants to the LPN to BScN pathway program must include with their application:
– A letter of intent
– NSCC transcripts
– A professional letter of reference from current employer
– A copy of valid LPN license
Students must also write the CASPer test and have their results forwarded to Cape Breton University to be considered for admission. CASPer test must be written by the application deadline. Please visit https://takecasper.com/ for test dates.
Please Note: Only complete application packages will be considered for admission.
English Language Proficiency
It is essential that all students entering the BScN program be proficient in the English language. All students need to have adequate knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking in order to be successful in the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program. In addition, all students must have the ability to read cursive writing.
Please refer to CBU’s Academic Calendar to review requirements under its English Language Proficiency Policy.
Vaccination/Immunization Requirements
Immunizations and vaccinations protect patients and students. The immunizations and testing are required and are a condition of the applicant’s acceptance into the program. Students must start the immunization process as soon as they are offered admission to the program and must complete the process prior to entering the program in September. Proof of immunity must be in writing and signed by either a nurse or a physician.
Immunizations required (and subject to change) include:
– Diphtheria-Tetanus & Pertussis – Polio
– Mumps – Measles (Rubeola)
– Varicella – 2-step Mantoux Test (TB)
– Hepatitis B – Influenza Vaccine (Highly Recommended)
Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Search Check
All applicants admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program are required to submit a current (within 6 months of the September admission date) Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search Check. A Child Abuse Registry Form is also required.
CPR
All applicants admitted to the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) program must maintain up-to-date certification in Health Care Provider CPR (Level HCP). This certification can be obtained from St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, or Cape Breton University Student Affairs. Students must recertify every 1 to 2 years, depending on the certification guideline, until graduation. Proof of certification/recertification is to be submitted to the Department of Nursing.
First Aid
Students must be certified for Standard First Aid on admission to the program. The certification can be obtained from St. John Ambulance, Red Cross, or Cape Breton University Student Affairs. Proof of certification is to be submitted to the Department of Nursing.
Additional Costs of the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN)
The following are additional costs associated with this program. These include, but may not be limited to, the following:
– CPR certification and recertification,
– Immunizations,
– Purchase of uniforms, shoes and equipment,
– Criminal Reference Record/Vulnerability Sector Search,
– Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention,
– CBU Nursing Students’ Society,
– National licensure online preparatory examinations and learning tools.
Program Curriculum Sequence for Bachelor of Science Nursing
2017 DIRECT ENTRY/ADVANCED PATHWAY CURRICULUM SEQUENCE
PROGRAM ENTRY POINTS:
- Direct Entry Students – Term I & II
- Advanced Entry Students – Terms III – VIII Table on next sheet
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Term I/ II |
Term III |
Term IV |
Term V |
Term VI |
Term VII |
Term VIII |
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Pre-Requisite Non-Nursing Courses 15 credits / term 30 credit total |
Concepts Foundational to the Profession of Nursing |
Nursing of Individuals & Families in Transition across the lifespan |
Nursing of Persons & Families with acute health challenges |
Nursing of Persons & Families experiencing chronic illness |
Analysis & Integration of Professional Nursing Concepts, Individuals, Families, Communities and populations |
Transition to Nursing Practice |
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BIOL2203 |
NRSG2101 |
NRSG2301 |
NRSG3101 |
NRSG3304 |
NRSG4101 |
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BIOL2204 |
NRSG2201 |
NRSG2203 |
NRSG3301 |
NRSG3501 |
NRSG4501 |
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CHEM1104 |
NRSG2401 |
NRSG2501 |
NRSG3303 |
Elective (3cr) |
Elective (3cr) |
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COMM1103 |
NRSG2403 |
NRSG2503 |
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ENGL1109 |
NRSG2901 Nursing Practice I (3cr,4 wks,160hrs) |
NRSG2903 Nursing Practice II (3cr, 4 wks, 160hrs) |
NRSG3900 Nursing Practice III (6cr, 6 wks, 240hrs) |
NRSG3902 Nursing Practice IV (6cr, 6 wks, 240 hrs) |
NRSG4900 Nursing Practice V (6cr, 6wks, 240hrs) |
NRSG4902 Nursing Practice VI (15cr,13wks, 480 hrs) |
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MICR2101 |
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MATH1109 |
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PHIL1103 |
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PSYC1101 |
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PSYC1103 |
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Progression Policy for Bachelor of Science Nursing
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Policy Area: BScN Program |
Category: Nursing Program Academic |
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Title of Policy: Progression Policy |
Policy Number: 3 |
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Effective Date: June 2016 |
Page Number: 2 |
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Approved Date: June 2016 |
Policy Sponsor: Dean, SON |
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Revision Date: Aug 23, 2023 |
Approved By: Academic Committee SON |
Policy Statement
This policy outlines the mandatory academic requirements to progress from one term to the next in the BScN Nursing Program and to outline the procedures to be followed when students do not meet the expectations. Students’ academic requirements are based on the course grades recorded on their transcript.
Policy Implementation and Responsible Unit
The Academic Committee is a standing committee within the School of Nursing and is governed by the School of Nursing Bylaws. This committee consists of Faculty and Nursing Practice Educators elected by the Department along with the Department Chairs and School Dean as ex-officio committee members. The Dean as Chair of the Academic Committee is responsible for the operation of this policy.
Scope and Purpose
This Policy applies to all students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program including Direct Entry, Advanced Standing, LPN to RN pathway, regardless of location of study (i.e. Sydney main campus or satellite site).
Introduction and Guiding Principles
The School of Nursing (SON) at Cape Breton University (CBU) requires students to adhere to the principles set forth in the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses (NSCN, 2017) and the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (CNA, 2017) related to student professional nursing practice. It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand all Standards of Practice or Code of Ethics applicable to their practicum context.
CBU’s BScN program values baccalaureate preparation for professional nursing practice and fosters an awareness of nursing-sensitive outcomes. Nursing scholarship is promoted to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care system and the challenges for preparing nurses for their roles in the 21st century. Our mission is to prepare nursing students to achieve excellence in the provision of safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical care. We are committed to fostering a learner-centered environment that instills values of critical inquiry, reflective practice, and lifelong learning.
Academic progression elements are presented in MPHEC documents (2016, 2023), NSCN Program Approval (2019), and the Nova Scotia Nursing Education Review Consensus Document (2015, 2023).
The Nursing Practice Policy, is based on the following guiding principles:
- Nursing Knowledge
- Professional Ethical Standards, and
- Reflective Practice
Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) Progression Requirements
General Principles
-Students are permitted to repeat any course (non-nursing, core nursing courses including clinical practice and electives) in the BScN program only once. A second failure in any course (whether the second failure occurs in a previously failed course, or in a course taken for the first time in the program) will result in dismissal from the program for 1 year. Students are permitted to reapply to the program. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed and the applicant must demonstrate their preparation to return to studies.
-Students wishing to appeal a decision based on School or faculty regulations or decisions should follow the School of Nursing Appeal Procedure outlined in the Academic Calendar and.
-Supplemental exams will not be available in any nursing courses.
-Students who fail a theory or professional practice course will be required to repeat the course to a satisfactory standard prior to progressing in the BScN program.
-Once enrolled in the Nursing Program it is the students’ continuing responsibility to inform the Dean of any criminal conviction or any significant personal circumstance which would adversely affect their ability to continue with their studies or which would make them ineligible for registration within Nova Scotia College of Nurses upon graduation.
-Students must pass any pre-requisite course in the BScN program in order to progress to the next course in the program.
-Final grades for electives and transfer credits will be included and calculated in the designated semester they appear on the degree audit/transcript.
-Final grades for In Community credits will be included and calculated in the semester they appear on the degree audit transcript
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In each of the following five Acadia courses: Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% |
In each of the following five Acadia courses: Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50% |
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BIOL 2803 ENGL1100 level course BIOL 2053 MATH 1253 BIOL 2823 |
PSYC 1013 CHEM 1013 PHIL 1423 PSYC 1023 COMM 1013 |
Individual Course Standards Cape Breton University Site Term 1 and Term 2 (Direct Entry) Cape Breton University
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CBU Main Campus Course Numbers and Progression Standard Term 1-2 Direct Entry BScN Program |
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Term One |
Term Two |
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Course No. |
Description |
Progression |
Course No. |
Description |
Progression |
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BIOL2203 |
Human Anatomy |
65% or > |
BIOL2204 |
Nursing Physiology |
65% or > |
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CHEM1104 |
General Chemistry l |
50% or > |
MICR2101 |
Microbiology |
65% or > |
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PSYC1101 or PSYC1103 |
Intro to Psychology, Natural Science or Human Science |
50% or > |
PSYC1101 or PSYC1103 |
Intro to Psychology, Natural Science or Human Science |
50% or > |
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ENGL1100 |
English 1104 |
65% or > |
COMM110 3 |
Interpersonal Communication |
50% or > |
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PHIL1103 |
Critical Thinking |
50% or > |
MATH1109 |
Statistics |
65% or > |
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Overall Term Average |
65% or > |
Overall Term Average |
65% or > |
Term 3 to 8 (LPN Pathway, Advanced Standing and Direct Entry)
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In each Nursing Course: |
In Non-Nursing Courses: |
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Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in the combined mark from their midterm exam and their final exam. Students must achieve a minimum final grade of 65% |
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in select non-nursing courses as described in this policy for term 3 as: Microbiology (CBU MICRO 2101) Statistics (CBU MATH 1109) English (CBU any 1000 level English) |
Individual Course Standards Acadia University Site Term 1 and Term 2 (Direct Entry) Acadia University
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In each of the following five Acadia courses: Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% |
In each of the following five Acadia courses: Students must achieve a minimum grade of 50% |
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BIOL 2803 ENGL1100 level course BIOL 2053 MATH 1253 BIOL 2823 |
PSYC 1013 CHEM 1013 PHIL 1423 PSYC 1023 COMM 1013 |
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Acadia Satellite Site Course Numbers and Progression Standard Term 1-2 Direct Entry BScN Program |
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Term One |
Term Two |
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Course No. |
Description |
Progression |
Course No. |
Description |
Progression |
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BIOL2803 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
65% or > |
BIOL2823 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
65% or > |
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CHEM1013 |
Fundamental Chemistry l |
50% or > |
PSYC 1023 |
Introductory Psychology II |
50% or > |
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BIOL 2053 |
Microbial Biodiversity |
65% or > |
ENG 1423 |
Writing & Reading Critically |
65% or > |
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MATH 1253 |
Statistics 1 |
65% or > |
COMM1013 |
Interpersonal Communication |
50% or > |
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PSYC 1013 |
Introductory Psychology I |
50% or > |
PHIL 1423 |
Freedom, Mind & Knowledge |
50 % or > |
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Overall Term Average |
65% of > |
Overall Term Average |
65% or > |
Term 3 to 8 (LPN Pathway, Advanced Standing and Direct Entry)
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In each Nursing Course: |
In Non-Nursing Courses: |
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Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in the combined mark from their midterm exam and their final exam. Students must achieve a minimum final grade of 65% |
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in select non-nursing courses as described in this policy for term 3 as: Microbiology (ACADIA BIOL 2053) Statistics (ACADIA MATH 1253) English (ACADIA any 1000 level English) |
General Standards
Progression: Within Nursing Courses
For Nursing specific courses (course codes starting with NRSG) in terms 3 through 8, additional criteria as outlined in individual syllabus:
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 65% in the combined mark from their midterm exam and their final exam. Students must achieve a minimum final grade of 65%.
Progression: Clinical Practice Integration Evaluation/Lab Components
Components of a professional practice course include practice, laboratory and/or simulated professional practice and written work. Professional practice courses such as labs are graded as:
Satisfactory (S) – Satisfactory performance in relation to the course goals. Unsatisfactory (U) – Unsatisfactory performance in any of the course goals Needs Development (ND)
Individual Term GPA Standards
Students must achieve an overall average of 65% in each term to progress to the next term. Failing to meet the overall GPA without course failure will result in a Failure to Progress perc code assignment.
Program Completion Standards
Progression to Completion Time. Students have 4 years to complete the program if they enter as an Advanced Standing or LPN-BScN student and they have 5 years to complete the program if they enter as a Direct Entry student.
Failure to Meet Progression Requirements
Students who fail to meet the progression requirements outlined will be designated as an FTP1, FTP2, or FTP3.
Failure to Progress
- BScN students who fail to obtain a grade of 50% in select non-nursing courses as outlined.
- BScN students who fail to obtain a grade of 65% in any nursing course as outlined.
- BScN students who fail to achieve an overall average of 65% in all courses.
Failure to Progress 1
A student who fails to achieve an individual course or term standards, in any one term, is designated as a Failure to Progress 1. This could include receiving an individual course grade of less than the standard, a grade of fail on pass/fail courses, a failing clinical evaluation, or failing to achieve an overage of 65% in the term.
BSCN students who are placed on FTP1 status will be permitted to repeat the course the next time it is offered in the timetable. This student will no longer be in good academic standing and will be on academic consultation. If the student subsequently passes the course and meets the other progression requirements, the student will be permitted to enroll in the subsequent term.
Failure to Progress 2
A student who fails to achieve for the second time an individual course or term standards, in any one term or throughout the program, is designated as a Failure to Progress 2. This could include receiving an individual course grade of less than the standard, a grade of fail on pass/fail courses, a failing clinical evaluation, or failing to achieve an overage of 65% in the term.
Students are permitted to repeat any course (including non-nursing courses, core nursing courses including nursing practice and electives) in the BScN program only once. A second failure in any course (including non-nursing courses, core nursing courses including nursing practice and electives) in the program will result in dismissal from the program for 1 year. Students are permitted to re-apply to the program. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed and the applicant must demonstrate their preparation to return to studies. If a student is readmitted, subsequent failure in any course (including non-nursing courses, core nursing courses including nursing practice and electives) will result in dismissal from the program. Students who have been dismissed twice will not be allowed to reapply for admission.
Failure to Progress 3
Following re-admission to the BScN program following 2 course failures/progression standard failures a student who fails to achieve for the third time in an individual course or term standards, in any one term is designated as a Failure to Progress 3.
A student who fails to achieve for the third time in an individual course or term standards, in any one term is designated as a Failure to Progress 3.
This could include receiving an individual course grade of less than the standard, a grade of fail on pass/fail courses, a failing clinical evaluation, or failing to achieve an overage of 65% in the term or program.
This subsequent failure in any course (including non-nursing courses, core nursing courses including nursing practice and electives) will result in permanent dismissal from the program.
References
Canadian Nurses Association. (2017). Code of ethics for registered nurses. https://hl-prod-ca-oc- download.s3-ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/CNA/2f975e7e-4a40-45ca-863c- 5ebf0a138d5e/UploadedImages/documents/Code_of_Ethics_2017_Edition_Secure_Interactive. pdf
Cape Breton University (2023) CBU Nursing Student Handbook.
Nova Scotia College of Nurses (Rev. 2019). Standards of practice for registered nurses 2017. https://cdn1.nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/RN%20Standards%20of%20Practic e.pdf
Nova Scotia College of Nurses. (2020). Entry level competencies for the practice of registered nurses. https://www.nscn.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/EntryLevelCompetenciesRN.pdf