Nursing
The year 2008 marks the School of Nursing's 75th anniversary, and on the strength of constant growth over the years, the School now runs both undergraduate and graduate programs in English and in French.
Five programs in fact lead to a bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Ottawa: The four-year generic program is offered in co-operation with Algonquin college and La Cité collégiale; students in the French-language stream take classes at the U of O while English-stream students attend either the U of O or Algonquin College's Pembroke or Woodroff campus; internships take place in francophone, anglophone or bilingual settings.
The School also offers a 24-month second-entry program, a bridge program for nurse's aids, and a bridge program for foreign-trained nurses.
Last comes the post-RN program, which is designed for experienced registered nurses; at the U of O, the post-RN is available in both English and French; in addition, all compulsory post-RN courses, as well as electives in both nursing and biomedical science are taught in English, by teleconference, at Eastern Ontario sites and in Montreal. The French-language teleconference service is offered both Hawkesbury and Cornwall.
Upon graduation, you qualify to write the Canadian RN registration exam administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Vision
The School of Nursing is committed to making a significant contribution to health care in Canada and internationally through excellence and innovation in the preparation of nurses, the development of nursing knowledge, and leadership in nursing practice.
Mission
The School of Nursing educates professional nurses at the entry and advanced practice levels. Research and other scholarly activities are carried out by members of the School to increase knowledge and improve the practice of the discipline. The School also fosters collaboration across disciplines to develop further the knowledge base for health care.
The School exercises its leadership role by supporting the dissemination of knowledge, promoting advanced nursing practice, and participating in nursing and interdisciplinary decisional bodies. The School promotes the collaboration of faculty and students with health, social and educational agencies to foster evidence-based practice and promote innovative and effective delivery of nursing care.
By virtue of its bilingual mandate and multicultural milieu, the School recognizes its responsibility to provide nursing education and contribute to nursing scholarship in French and English. The School also actively promotes the development of nursing and health care nationally and internationally through partnerships in education, research, and practice.
Goals of the undergraduate curriculum
The goal of the undergraduate curriculum is the preparation of a professional nurse who can function effectively and competently in a variety of health settings, respond to a large range of health care needs, and serve as a change agent. Graduates will be critical thinkers, self-directed learners, and practitioners who can function independently and interdependently in providing nursing care. Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Registered Nurse examination administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario. They will have the appropriate academic preparation to enter graduate studies.
Employment during enrolment
Students enrolled in the generic program may seek employment but the School will not assume responsibility for their nursing actions during this time. Should they choose to work in a health care agency, they may be hired as health care aides. It is the prerogative of the employing agency to determine the limits of their responsibility.
Nurse registration examination of the College of Nurses of Ontario
During the winter session of the fourth year, generic program students must register for the nurse registration examination with the College of Nurses of Ontario. The CNO sends all pertinent information directly to eligible students.