Nurse Refresher Certificate

This program is available only to applicants residing in BC.

This certificate program is designed for nurses who have been away from active nursing practice for five or more years. It is available to nurses who are required by the Registered Nurses Association of BC (RNABC) to complete a refresher program to be eligible for reinstatement of membership as a practising registered nurse. The program may be of assistance to nurses who are not yet registered with the RNABC and who are required to take a refresher program to meet all or part of the registration requirements. This program is approved by the RNABC.

This full- or part-time self-paced program combines theoretical study and clinical practice to help nurses update their nursing knowledge to the current level, prepare them to re-enter nursing employment with confidence, and provide them with the skills needed to keep pace with ongoing changes in nursing. The program, which focuses on nursing competency, employs an integrated self-care nursing model. Candidates learn to apply the model in all phases of nursing and practice it in a clinical setting. Theoretical study takes place at home, and clinical practice takes place in a clinical agency in the candidate's region if possible.

Admission Requirements

• Graduation from a nursing program recognized by the RNABC.

• Current registration, or eligibility for registration, as a non-practicing member of the RNABC. Applicants who have not yet met RNABC registration requirements are eligible for admission in some instances. Applicants whose RNABC registration has lapsed are required to apply to the RNABC for non-practicing or student membership.

• Satisfactory health report issued by family physician.

• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (Basic Life Support - Level C).

• Updated immunizations and TB testing.

• Satisfactory criminal records search.

Upon submission of admission forms with all required documents, program personnel contact applicants for an interview.

A nurse's uniform and shoes appropriate to the clinical agency are required. A stethoscope is recommended.

Attendance at clinicals in BC is required. Courses with clinical components are available only to students residing in BC. All expenses associated with attendance at clinicals are the responsibility of the student.

Program admission requirements may be waived for individuals who want to enroll in NURS 340 for professional development purposes only and do not intend to complete the entire program at this time. Candidates seeking admission to NURS 350 must meet all program admission and prerequisite requirements.

Certificate Requirements

• Completion of NURS 340, Health Review and NURS 350, Nursing Update is required.

• Admission to NURS 350 is dependent on successful completion of NURS 340 and the availability of appropriate clinical placement. Clinical placements may be limited by location and time of year. There is a final examination at the end of each course.

• During the practicum that concludes NURS 350, candidates are responsible for the full workload of a registered nurse.

Graduates are granted an OC Nurse Refresher Certificate.

For more information, contact Student Services.