Consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top universities, and the #1 undergraduate university in Ontario for 13 years running, Trent University is home to a dynamic community of scholars embodying our motto nunc cognosco ex parte – now I know in part – valuing what has been learned, and what is yet to be discovered. Attracting excellent students from across the country and around the world, Trent is known for leadership in teaching, research, and student satisfaction. Here, students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff, and their peers through diverse communities that span our unique collegiate communities, disciplines, hands-on research, co-op and career experience, and community-based activities. Trent University offers students the opportunity to study in more than 100 programs across two campuses in Peterborough and Oshawa and offers career-ready academic programs and experiences. 

The Trent Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare. Graduates of our programs are well-known in the industry as critical thinkers whose compassion and scientific knowledge are rooted in the values of professional and social responsibility. Our programs span a variety of nursing contexts. Starting in first year, theory and practice occur simultaneously, and skills are developed through lectures, seminars, case studies, simulation labs, online coursework, and clinical practice. By the final year of study, students will have had the opportunity to practice nursing in a range of hospital and community settings.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)

Develop a strong understanding of social justice and political advocacy in the healthcare environment by choosing courses with topics including aging, mental health, Indigenous communities, rural healthcare, as well as gender and women’s health. Trent’s interactive and inclusive Bachelor of Science in Nursing teaches students to become confident and compassionate healthcare professionals. Beginning in your first year, you’ll take part in an immersive hands-on learning experience through lectures, seminars, simulation labs, and clinical practice. Benefit from the unique ability to study in Trent’s state-of-the-art life and health sciences facilities, expanding your knowledge to deliver care to individuals as well as communities, and across all demographics and cultures.

Collaborative Program

The 4-year collaborative program leading to an Honours degree in Nursing (BScN) consists of 20 credits, with at least 12 credits NURS credits. The Collaborative Program Course Map provides an easy-to-follow guide of the program requirements, broken down by semester. The Academic Calendar is the official document of the University and should also be reviewed to ensure you understand all of the requirements of your program and policies of the institution

Accelerated Collaborative Program Option

Collaborative students have the opportunity to complete their program two semesters early by taking courses in the summer, following the Accelerated Collaborative Program Map. Download the course map as an easy quick reference guide and checklist to ensure you understand and meet your degree requirements

RPN to BScN Pathway 

Ready to take your Nursing career to the next level? Trent’s RPN to BScN pathway, in partnership with George Brown College, allows for recent Practical Nursing graduates to upgrade their qualifications to become a Registered Nurse (R.N.). Upon successful completion of the 1-year George Brown College RPN Bridge to BScN Certificate program, students will progress onto Trent’s post-bridge BScN degree program. The entire pathway will take roughly three years to complete and will be completed at George Brown College’s Waterfront campus in downtown Toronto. 

Trent/Fleming School of Nursing Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing does not make an explicit commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Trent University

Board Directions 2022 – 2026/27

Vision (includes)

• We foster an environment where Indigenous knowledge are respected and recognized as a valid means by which to understand the world. 

Mission (Includes)

• Remain at the forefront of Indigenous education and scholarship 

THEME 1 

• Trent University is committed to academic achievement and scholarship, and to the pursuit of it in a way that is committed to diversity, social, environmental, and governance responsibilities
  • Goals: Includes – Advance Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and a response to the Anti-Racism Task Force

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. Integrated in multiple courses.

NURS-1001H-A: The Nursing Profession in Today’s Society2024FA – Peterborough Campus

Introduction to the history, image, and structure of nursing as a profession. Key topics include introduction to attributes ofprofessionalism, self-regulation, professional organizations and healthy workplaces, professional conduct, accountability, inter-professional collaboration, the nurse–client relationship, professional communication, the nursing process, and personal andprofessional values.

Week 3 – Understanding the Healthcare System & Legislation [Seminar 3]

Includes: Funding Indigenous Healthcare, responsibility, the Indian Act, Treaties, Self-determination, and governance for healthcare

NURS-2000H-A: Health Promotion and Population Health2024WI – Peterborough Campus

Examination of concepts relevant to practice with vulnerable community populations including social determinants of health, health promotion, population health, epidemiology, and marginalization. Topics include ethical issues in community practice (POA, advanced directives, accessibility, equity), critical social theory, social justice, and environmental effects on health.

Week 8 Indigenous Peoples’ Health

NURS-3004 H-A: Nurse as Leader and Advocate2024FA – Peterborough Campus

Focus on the nurse’s role in providing leadership and facilitating change in personal, professional, and community contexts. Discuss and analyze theories and skills related to leadership, management, change, and organizations. At the beginning level, students participate in developing health and social policy and explore advocacy and political action in the context of individual and societal change

Multiple Indigenous readings throughout the course

In March 2017, the Senate of Trent University approved the Special Committee on Indigenous Education Report that recommended the creation of a requirement for all undergraduate students to have a foundational understanding of the history, traditions, cultures, and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.  This recommendation would be implemented through the addition of a degree requirement that all undergraduate students must successfully complete at least 0.5 credits at the 1000 level or beyond from an approved list of courses with Indigenous content.  This university-wide requirement would ensure that the institution remains a leader in this area and works toward the calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. 

Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR)

All undergraduate students beginning studies at Trent in the Fall 2018 term or thereafter must complete at least 0.5 credit from the Approved Indigenous Course List as part of their university degree requirements. Individual courses that meet this requirement are designated by the (ICR) after the title of the course. 

Course description: Approved Indigenous Course List can be found in the Academic Calendar and here: https://www.trentu.ca/indigenous/icr.”

School of Nursing Commitment to Call to Action # 24: 4 out of 5 = 80% 

1. Aboriginal health issues
Yes. See description under Mandatory content.
2. The history and legacy of residential schools
Yes. See description under Mandatory content.
3. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
No. No explicit reference.
4. Treaties and Aboriginal rights
Yes. See description under Mandatory content.
5. Indigenous teachings and Practice
Yes. See description under Mandatory content.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Community Engagement: Establish meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities to ensure their voices are heard in shaping nursing education policies and practices.
4. 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.
5. 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 Trent/Fleming School of Nursing Home Page and Trent University Home Page 

Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

NOTE: All content has been submitted to the respective faculty for validation to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. The Trent University Trent/Fleming School of Nursing reviewed and approved the document. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Research Assistant:  Timothy Maton