Nipissing University received its charter as an independent University in 1992, and was created to address the specific needs of Northern Ontario. Nipissing’s strategic priorities regarding the student experience as well as academic and research excellence is grounded in this commitment. Nipissing is proud to be a primarily undergraduate university with a reputation for excellence in teacher education, arts, science, professional programs, and is proportionally the most nursing intensive university in Ontario.
The university’s School of Nursing is located in North Bay, Ontario and offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RPN-BScN bridging, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RPN-BScN Blended Learning Program. Nurses are at the centre of health care delivery in key transition points. Nurses also excel in leadership and administrative roles that incorporate research, management, and education.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program offers classes that are learner-centred and are taught by skilled faculty. This full-time program is offered on campus in North Bay and takes three and a half to four years to complete. The program offers students a distinctive, collaborative education in a student-centred learning environment. Clinical experiences are provided at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC), as well as agencies throughout the city, depending on the focus of the practicum starting in year one of the program. The NBRHC is located within comfortable walking distance of Nipissing’s main campus and residence complexes, and offers a convenient, accessible and state-of-the-art facility where you will gain valuable practical experience beginning in your first year.
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to BScN Bridging Program
If you already have a RPN diploma and are registered, or currently undergoing the registration process through the College of Nurses of Ontario, Nipissing offers a 3-year RPN to BScN Bridging Program. The program is offered on the North Bay campus on a full-time basis, where students integrate fully into year two of the four year on-campus program.
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to BScN Blended Delivery:
The School of Nursing has formed a number of partnerships with Ontario health care agencies that allow current RPNs the opportunity to study part-time or full-time towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This program is offered through distance education and can be completed as quick as 10 months or up to five years to complete. Theory based courses are offered through online delivery, while practicum-based courses are offered either within the health care agency that the student is employed by or one of our other partner agencies.
School of Nursing Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
The School of Nursing makes no individual commitment to Truth and Reconciliation however support and engage with the larger university commitment.
Nipissing University
Strategic Planning: Pathways: Our Commitments to Water, Land and Peoples
As we move forward to build a respectful foundation for Nipissing University’s future, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee welcomes the opportunity to work with the Nipissing University Indigenous Council on Education (NUICE) in the spirit of a Treaty relationship. Our joint efforts will be grounded in a decolonizing approach as we engage with members of our campus community and those external to the university.
One of the focus groups was dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation.
Call to Action # 24
We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
Mandatory Course: Yes.
BScN
NURS 3536 Indigenous Health and Wellness 3 credits (BScN)
Students in this course are immersed in a diverse learning environment to critically examine and reflect on Indigenous wellness and health care and healing practices as well as Indigenous determinants of health. Students explore health and wellness concepts within historical, social, cultural and political realities.
Course Objectives:
- describe Indigenous ways of knowing to health and wellness;
- develop a holistic model of practise that incorporates an understanding of Indigenous healing practises;
- discuss how colonisation led to intergenerational trauma that impacts the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples;
- explain how the current health disparities faced by Indigenous peoples have their roots in their historical and current institutional experiences;
- reflect upon how reclaiming Indigenous culture and beliefs may allow for healing;
- describe how the current socio-political and economic environment contributes to health disparities;
- develop communication strategies that create and enhance culturally respectful nursing care.
Course description: Complete list of required NURS courses found here
RPN to BScN
NSGD 3126 Indigenous Health and Wellness 3 credits
Students in this course are immersed in a diverse learning environment to critically examine and reflect on Indigenous wellness and health care and healing practices as well as Indigenous determinants of health. Students explore health and wellness concepts within historical, social, cultural and political realities.
Course descriptions. Complete list if required courses can be found here.
Elective Course
Wiidooktaadyang: Promoting Health and Wellness in Anishinaabe Communities.
Developed in partnership with Nipissing First Nation, this three-module micro-credential is highly interactive, self-directed, and aims to strengthen the capacity of any person interested in learning about strengths-based health and wellness from an Anishinaabe perspective. Wiidooktaadyang is a Nbisiing Nishnaabe term meaning “we are helping one another” and it describes a philosophy of care developed by the people of Nipissing First Nation. Participants in the course will develop an understanding of Indigenous peoples’ health, culture as a foundation of care, and engage with practical learning to promote holistic health and wellness as a priority in their work with Indigenous peoples.
Course description: Full details can be found here
School of Nursing Commitment to Call to Action # 24: 3 out of 5 = 60%
| 1. Aboriginal health issues | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions. | |
| 2. The history and legacy of residential schools | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions. | |
| 3. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | |
| No. No explicit reference. | |
| 4. Treaties and Aboriginal rights | |
| No. No explicit reference. | |
| 5. Indigenous teachings and Practice | |
| Yes. See mandatory course descriptions. | |
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing’s “Statement” of apology for colonial harms resulting from nursing education
Dec.11, 2023: CASN apologizes to Indigenous Peoples of Canada for Colonial harms resulting from nursing education…CASN is committed to a process of self-reflection, learning, and transformation. We will take the following steps to address the harms:
- Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety, and Humility: Promote education, resources, and practices that address anti-Indigenous racism, supporting decolonization, cultural humility, and cultural safety for nursing faculty, staff, and students. Promote institutional policies and processes that address systemic racism to foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
- Curriculum Revision: Promote a review of nursing education curricula to ensure a strengths-based focus and trauma-informed approach, the inclusion of content on the continued impact of colonialism and racism on Indigenous health, as well as Indigenous perspectives on health and well-being.
- Community Engagement: Establish meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities to ensure their voices are heard in shaping nursing education policies and practices.
- Recruitment and Retention: Promote strategies that create culturally safe and supportive learning environments including pre-admission supports, in-program supports, and services that are developed in partnership with Indigenous communities.
- Ongoing Accountability: In collaboration with Indigenous partners, establish mechanisms to monitor progress and address concerns raised by partners, Indigenous nursing students, and faculty.
Land Acknowledgement:
Located on the School of Nursing Home Page and the Nipissing University Home Page
Nipissing University sits on the territory of Nipissing First Nation, the territory of the Anishnabek, within lands protected by the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. We are grateful to be able to live and learn on these lands with all our relations.
| NOTE: All content has been submitted to the respective faculty for validation to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. The Nipissing University School of Nursing reviewed and approved the document. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Research Assistant: Timothy Maton |