A variety of learning experiences

Gerontological Nursing – Post Graduate Diploma

Program Details

Length: 2 years

Total Credits: 60

Intake Terms: Winter

Campus: Castlegar

Student Loans: This program is not eligible for Student Loans

Credential Received

Post Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing

Overview

Program Summary

If you are an internationally educated nurse and interested in geriatrics, this Post Graduate Diploma will prepare you to effectively work with older adults, promoting wellness and enabling health.

The geriatric population is the fastest growing health cohort around the world. Currently 70 per cent of all patients in Canada are elderly. Registered nurses must have specialized knowledge and training to effectively educate, assess and care for these older people.

This Post Graduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing will give you the tools and skills to meet the complex physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual needs of the elderly.

You will be given the chance to have intercultural exchange between graduate nurses from other countries and on-campus BSN students. This will promote rich dialogue about nursing approaches, philosophies and global health needs.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • introduce internationally educated Registered Nurses to the Canadian health care. system and the scope of Registered Nursing practice in Canada.
  • examine complex needs of the elderly.
  • interpret basic geriatric trends and issues.
  • apply a variety of health assessment strategies and tools.
  • enhance critical thinking skills when planning for the management of complex geriatric issues.
  • apply evidence-based interventions to maximize geriatric wellness.
  • develop advocacy skills at relational, unit and policy making levels.
  • model a health promotion, wellness, and person-centered approach to care.

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants from countries outside of Canada must meet the following requirements.

  • B.Sc. Nursing degree / GNM Diploma from a recognized nursing school with English as a primary language of instruction.
  • Registration with a national/provincial/state nursing association
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with no band score lower than 6.0 and reading band score 6.5

Additional Requirements

  • One letter of reference from current or previous employer
  • Resume / CV with a minimum of 900 hours nursing experience within the last five years
  • Completed Immunization Forms

Graduation and Promotion

Satisfactory completion of all courses in the semester with a minimum grade of 60% and cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher each semester is required for promotion.

Program Courses

Term 1

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
EASL066College Preparation - Research Writing

3.00

GNUR399College Orientation

2.00

GNUR403Interpersonal Communications

3.00

GNUR500Introduction to Gerontological Nursing

3.00

GNUR502Introduction to Health Care Practice in Canada

3

Term 2

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
GNUR503Delirium, Dementia and Depression in the Elderly

3.00

GNUR504Nursing Lab - Basic Skills & Physical Assessment

3.00

GNUR511Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part I

3.00

GNUR514End-of-Life Care

3.00

GNUR520Clinical Practice in Complex Care

5.00

Term 3

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
GNUR411Introduction to Nursing Leadership

3.00

GNUR412Professional Nursing in the Canadian Health Care System

3.00

GNUR505Advanced Pharmacology for the Elderly

3.00

GNUR512Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part II

3.00

MHAD500Mental Health and Addictions I

3.00

45

Term 4

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours

Required courses

CodeTitleCreditsTotal Hours
GNUR501Psychosocial Issues Impacting Aging

3.00

GNUR508Nursing Lab - Advanced Clinical Skills & Wound Care

3.00

GNUR525Clinical Practice in Community & Acute Care

5.00

MHAD501Mental Health and Addictions II

3.00

45

Additional Program Policies