School of Nursing

Return to: Faculty of Health Sciences

Health Sciences Centre, Room 2J36, ext. 22378
http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing

Faculty as of January 15, 2015

ASSOCIATE DEAN (HEALTH SCIENCES) AND DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF NURSING

C. Byrne/M.H.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Guelph), R.N.

ASSISTANT DEAN, UNDERGRADUATE NURSING EDUCATION

O. Wahoush/M.Sc. (Ulster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.

COORDINATOR OF STUDIES

L. Bentley Poole/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.SC.N. (Toronto), R.N.

PROFESSORS

Andrea Baumann/B.Sc.N. (Windsor), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Gina Browne/B.Sc.N. (Catherine Spaulding), M.S. (Boston), M.Ed., Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Basanti Majumdar/B.Sc.(N)., M.Sc.N. (Delhi), M.Ed. (Columbia), Ph.D. (Michigan), R.N.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

Noori Akhtar-Danesh/B.Sc., M.Sc. (Iran), Ph.D. (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)
Pamela Baxter/B.Sc.N, M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Sheryl Boblin/B.Sc.N. (Alberta), M.Ed. (Alberta), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Denise Bryant-Lukosius/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (D’Youville), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Maureen Dobbins/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Susan Jack/B.Sc.N. (Alberta), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Sharon Kaasalainen/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Janet Landeen/B.Sc.N. (Connecticut), M.Ed. (Victoria), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Maureen Markle-Reid/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Colleen McKey/B.Sc.N. (Niagara), M.Sc. (D’Youville), Ph.D. (Capella), R.N., CHE (Canadian College Health Service Executives)
Ann Mohide/B.Sc.N. (Toronto), M.H.Sc., M.Sc. (McMaster), R.N.
Charlotte Noesgaard/B.N. (McGill), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), R.N.
Jenny Ploeg/B.Sc.N., M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Jennifer Skelly/M.H.Sc., M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Patricia Strachan/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Catherine Tompkins/B.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), M.Ed. (Toronto), Ph.D. (California), R.N.
Ruta Valaitis/B.A., B.Sc.N. (Windsor), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Lynda Bentley Poole/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Toronto), R.N.
Michelle Butt/B.Sc., B.N. (Memorial), M.Sc. (Queen’s), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Sandra Carroll/Ph.D. (McMaster) R.N.
Nancy Carter/ B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (D’Youville), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Ruth Chen/B.A. (California-Berkeley), M.Sc. (Yale), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Kirsten Culver/B.Sc. (Queen’s), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Michele Drummond-Young/B.Sc.N., M.H.Sc. (McMaster), R.N.
Christopher (Christy) Gombay/B.A.(Toronto), M.A (Carleton), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Eileen Hanna/ B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Ed. (Ontario), R.N.
Ruth Hannon/B.N.Sc. (Queen’s), M.H.A. (Wales), M.S.F.N.P. (D’Youville), N.P.-P.H.C.
Peter Helli/ B.Sc. (Guelph),  Ph.D.  (McMaster)
Tracey Jewiss/ B.Sc.N. (Lakehead), M.Sc.(D’Youville),  R.N.
Yvonne Lawlor/B.N. (New Brunswick), M.Ed. (Brock), R.N.
Jeannette LeGris/B.N. (Manitoba), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Ola Lunyk Child/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Toronto), R.N.
Louela Manankil-Rankin/B.Sc.N., M.A. (Toronto), M.Sc. (McMaster), R.N.
Lynn Martin/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), D.Ed. (Toronto), R.N.
Terry McCurdy/B.Sc. (Waterloo), M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Michael McGillion/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Iris Mujica/B.Sc.N., M.Sc.N. (McMaster), R.N.
Amy Palma/B.Sc., B.Sc.N. (Toronto), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), R.N.
Joanna Pierazzo/B.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), B.Ed. (Brock), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), Ph.D. (Western Ontario), R.N.
Kristine Rogers/B.Sc.N. (Ryerson), M.N. (Toronto), R.N.
Diana Sherifali/B.Sc.N., Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N. 
Olive Wahoush/M.Sc. (Ulster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Jennifer Yost/ B.Sc.N. (Villanova), M.A. (NewYork), Ph.D. (New York), R.N.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

S. Baptist/B.A.

ACADEMIC ADVISORS

E. Reeves (McMaster site)
M. Davis (Mohawk site)
A. Bolender (Conestoga site)

Note

The School of Nursing has a large number of part-time faculty appointed from community health-care agencies. A complete list is available from the office of the Associate Dean (Health Sciences) and Director, School of Nursing.

In 1942, McMaster University began its first program in Nursing, a cooperative effort between the University and the Hamilton General Hospital. Since the establishment of McMaster University’s School of Nursing in 1946, students have received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree upon graduation. The program has functioned completely under the supervision of the University, while enjoying the full cooperation of community hospitals and agencies in the operation of its clinical courses. In July 1974, the Schools of Nursing and Medicine became the Faculty of Health Sciences.

In 1982, the Post Diploma Stream of the B.Sc.N. Program was introduced. In 2005, the Post Diploma Registered Practical Nurse Stream began. These categories of admission were created to provide Diploma Registered Nurses and Diploma Registered Practical Nurses with the opportunity to work towards a B.Sc.N. degree. In 2007, the Basic-Accelerated Stream was

implemented to allow students with significant university preparation in the sciences to pursue baccalaureate nursing education in a shorter time frame.

McMaster University is one of nine Ontario universities collaborating with the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing to offer a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program. The program, which commenced in September 1995 and is now offered at the Graduate level.

In 1994, the first Ph.D. candidates entered Nursing Graduate program which is offered by the School of Graduate Studies through the Faculty of Health Sciences. M.Sc. students entered in the fall term of 1995. All enquiries about the Nursing graduate program should be directed to the Graduate Programs Office, HSC-3H48, (905) 525-9140, ext. 22983.

Information Sessions for high school students are hosted by the Student Liaison Office during the school year. For more details about these sessions or to register for a visit, please call the Office of the Registrar at (905) 525-4600. Applicants not applying directly from high school who require a supplemental application package will find this at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/. All further inquiries should be directed to the Admissions Coordinator at (905) 525-9140, ext. 22232.

The provincial legislation on entry to practice requires all new graduating nurses to have a baccalaureate degree in Nursing. In response, McMaster University, Mohawk College and Conestoga College have formed an educational consortium to offer the McMaster Nursing degree through the McMaster Mohawk Conestoga B.Sc.N. Program. Currently the Basic (A) and Basic Accelerated (F) Streams are offered at the McMaster site. Students wishing to register in the B.Sc.N. Program at McMaster should pay particular attention to the information which immediately follows this introduction. The Basic (A) and Registered Practical Nurse (E) Streams are offered at the Mohawk and Conestoga sites. Those students who wish to register in the B.Sc.N. Program at either Mohawk or Conestoga College should refer to the Collaborative B.Sc.N. (A) and (E) Stream references throughout the School of Nursing section of the Calendar. Students are also advised to contact the Office of the Registrar at either Mohawk or Conestoga College for additional information. Please note that any information that is site specific is noted in the appropriate section of the Calendar. In 2014 the B.Sc.N. Program and the Schools of Nursing at McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga all received seven year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, the highest level of accreditation possible.

The B.Sc.N. Program

The B.Sc.N. Program promotes the development of nursing as a caring, client-centered, scientific and humanistic profession. With an emphasis on person-based learning within a problem-based approach, and small group and self-directed learning, the program provides a general baccalaureate education in nursing for the preparation of professional nurses who will practise in a variety of health-care settings. Central to our mission is the preparation of nurses who will work to enhance the quality of health of individuals, families, communities and society. In fulfilling its mission, the B.Sc.N. Program promotes skills in its graduates to prepare them for life-long, self-directed learning, critical thinking, advocacy and collective action.

In 2009, the B.Sc.N. Curriculum was renewed and is now called the Kaleidoscope Curriculum. All streams share a common curriculum in their final year of the program.

Some changes were implemented in September 2009 for existing cohorts, although students entering prior to September 2009 will be expected to meet the program goals that were in place the year in which they entered. All students from all years have seen a change in emphasis in small group, tutorial classes with a renewed focus on the McMaster model of nursing and nursing education which has been in place since 1989. Consistent with the philosophy, the person is re-emphasized as the central focus for learning, and person-based learning within a problem-based approach has been adopted. In addition, students are exposed to different ways of knowing including empirical, ethical, personal, aesthetic and emancipatory.

Four types of courses are taken within the curriculum: (1) required nursing courses (professional practice and classroom); (2) required health sciences courses (e.g. anatomy, physiology, biochemistry); (3) required non-health sciences courses (e.g. psychology), and (4) elective courses (non-professional, liberal arts or sciences).

As students move through the program the focus of learning progresses in the following ways. In Levels I and II students are provided with a strong basis in the health and social sciences and are able to choose a variety of electives. They learn about themselves and their clients as individuals. The focus is on health, health assessment and the promotion of health. In Levels II and III students begin to consider the family and the community as client. Students begin to deal with more acute and complex situations. In Levels III and IV, there is a strong focus on nursing and the integration and appraisal of knowledge based on the different ways of knowing into client care in both the classroom and professional practice setting. Students also begin to consider health care from the national and global perspective. Students initially learn about nursing’s role in health care and, through inter-professional education opportunities, they gain greater understanding of the interprofessional health care team.

Themes are a logical grouping of prominent or frequently recurring concepts that provide direction to sequence and unify concepts throughout the curriculum. The themes that guide the renewed curriculum include:

1. Personhood and Caring: This theme focuses on the humanistic aspect of nursing beginning with a focus on the nurse and client as person and the professional, therapeutic relationship between nurse and client.
2. Context, Health and Healing: This theme focuses on the internal and external influences on health and the nurse’s ability to provide safe and competent care as part of the health care team within a health care system and broader community.
3. Learning and Knowing: This theme focuses on critical inquiry, discovery and appropriate use of technology within nursing to facilitate life long learning and reflective practice.

Evaluation by self, peers and faculty is part of an on-going assessment process of the achievement of clinical, course, and program outcomes.

Goals for Students Who Enter in September 2009 or Later

Graduates of the McMaster University B.Sc.N. Program will be prepared to engage in competent professional practice in a variety of health care contexts and with diverse clients across the lifespan (individual, family, group, communities, populations) who have stable and unstable outcomes and multi-factorial influences (internal and external) on their health status. Graduates will:

1. Provide competent care with a holistic awareness of the impact of the internal and external context on health and healing.
2. Integrate an understanding of the client’s unique perspective on his/her health, and how this perspective influences participation in one’s health care
3. Identify the need for appropriate change in health care, create a climate for adopting change and contribute to effecting and evaluating change.
4. Build relationships in a team environment and be actively engaged in team decision making around client care.
5. Contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through demonstrating an inquiring approach to practice.
6. Provide technologically appropriate care in a variety of contexts.
7. Contribute to the future of the nursing profession through a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth and integrate critical inquiry into professional practice.
8. Assume leadership roles in partnership with clients and the health care team.
9. Assume advocacy roles in partnership with clients and the health care team and challenge inequities that impact on the health of clients.
10. Practice within the professional standards, guidelines, legislation and values of the nursing profession.
11. Establish therapeutic partnerships with clients to enhance health and healing and communicate effectively in a variety of media.

Admission Policy and Procedure

Admission Policy

Enrolment in all B.Sc.N. programs is limited. Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.

Application to the B.Sc.N. Program in the Faculty of Health Sciences implies acceptance of admission policies, procedures and the methods by which applicants are chosen for the program.

There are now three streams of study leading to the completion of the B.Sc.N. degree. The Basic (A) Stream requires four years of full-time study, and is available to those applying directly from an Ontario secondary school with Grade 12 U or M courses; to those who have qualifications equivalent to Grade 12 U or M courses; and to applicants with other qualifications who meet the admission requirements. Note: Any differences in the application process or course of studies are noted in the appropriate section below.

The Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream is available to diploma prepared Registered Practical Nurses only. Graduates of an approved Diploma Practical Nurse Program who are admitted are granted 30 units of advanced credit. This program requires three years of full-time study.  Note: The Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream will be offered only at Mohawk and Conestoga Colleges.

The Basic-Accelerated (F) Stream is open to applicants who have completed another university degree or have completed a minimum of 54 units (2 years) of university degree credits. Applicants with a nursing background will not be considered for this Stream. This program is available on a full-time basis and requires five terms of study taken over one calendar and one academic year.

The requirements and application deadlines vary depending on the applicant’s background. An applicant supplying documentation or evidence which, at the time or subsequently, is found to be falsified will be withdrawn from consideration. Any student admitted to the program having submitted false documentation will be withdrawn.

The School of Nursing is committed to equality of opportunity. Disability is not grounds for exclusion from the School. Every attempt will be made to remove barriers and create accommodation provided any accommodation maintains the same academic and clinical standards for all students and does not require significant program change. Applicants should refer to the School of Nursing Admissions Procedure and Guidelines for Applicants with Disability available from the School of Nursing Admissions Office (905) 525-9140, ext. 22232 and consult Student Accessibility Services at (905) 525-9140, ext. 28652 or TTY (905) 528-4307.

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) has released a statement about Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario. This statement can be found at http://www.cno.org/Global/docs/reg/41078%20SkillAbilities%204pager-Final.pdf . The CNO states that “Individuals considering a career as a nurse in Ontario should review this document and assess their ability to meet the criteria. The requisite skills and abilities serve as a benchmark, outlining the requirements to meet the minimum standard necessary to ensure public safety.” (CNO, pg 3)

Admission Procedure

Applicants From Ontario Secondary Schools (A) Stream

Applicants currently completing Grade 12 U or M courses apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). (See address below.) Application forms are available in secondary school guidance offices or on-line at http://www.ouac.on.ca/101. Applications for all studies beginning in September must be received by OUAC no later than January 15. Note that this is a program that is usually over-subscribed and it is recommended that you apply by January 15 to be considered in the first round of admission offers. Secondary schools will forward mid-term and final transcripts directly to OUAC in support of applications.

Applicants With Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School (A) Stream

Applicants apply online to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at http://www.ouac.on.ca/. Applicants must also have official transcripts forwarded from their secondary school to the Office of the Registrar by January 15 (recommended).

Applicants With Other Qualifications to (A) Stream and Basic Accelerated (F) (McMaster Site) Streams

Applicants apply online to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ and complete the supplementary application on-line at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing by February 1. Applications for all studies beginning in September must be received by February 1.

• Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
  170 Research Lane
  Guelph, ON, N1G 5E2
  http://www.ouac.on.ca/
• Admissions Coordinator (Nursing)
  McMaster University, HSC-2J34L
  1280 Main Street West
  Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8

Any applicant to the (F) Stream who is a current or returning McMaster student should contact the Admissions Coordinator (Nursing) for specific directions.

McMaster Mohawk Conestoga B.SC.N. Program (A) and (E) Streams {Mohawk and Conestoga Sites}

Applicants must contact the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) for an application package. Applicants should also forward all official academic documentation, including all university transcripts if applicable, to the College they wish to attend.

• Ontario College Application Services (OCAS)
  370 Speedvale Ave. West
  P.O. Box 810
  Guelph, ON N1H 6M4
  http://www.ocas.on.ca/

Admission Requirements

Non Academic Requirements for all Streams

The B.Sc.N. Program is committed to ensuring that Standards of Practice in Nursing are adhered to by requiring students to maintain their certification in CPR, seek a police records check and comply with surveillance for infectious diseases. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in an offer of admission being withdrawn or the student not being allowed to attend class.

Immunization

The Ontario Public Hospitals Act requires all students working in a hospital setting to meet certain criteria related to surveillance for infectious diseases. Detailed medical information, including a record of completion of required immunizations, will be required upon acceptance and annually thereafter.

Police Records Check

During the nursing program, all nursing students will work with vulnerable populations. As a result, in order to protect these vulnerable people from potential harm, the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing recommends and many clinical agencies require that all nursing students provide confirmation of the absence of a criminal conviction or outstanding criminal charges. The Police Records Check must include Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).

All students are required to have a satisfactory Police Record Check completed annually. Students may be required to produce documentation of this at some clinical placements. Expenses for the Police Records Check are the responsibility of the student. Registered students who have been convicted of an offense under the Criminal Code (Canada) for which they have not been pardoned may be denied the opportunity to enter clinical placement.

CPR Certification

Students are required to provide evidence of a valid certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Care Provider level with training in AED. Please note that for health care providers, certification is valid for one year from the date of the course. As a result, annual re-certification is mandatory. Courses are readily available in most communities.

A student who plans to enter the Undergraduate Nursing Program may qualify under one of the categories described below.

I. Basic (A) Stream McMaster Site

Applicants Directly From Ontario Secondary Schools

To be considered to this category, applicants must not have attended any post secondary educational program prior to application.

The selection method for Ontario secondary school applicants is by academic qualifications. Early conditional offers of admission are made in late March or early April based on the following:

1. six appropriate midterm/interim Grade 12 U or M course grades, or
2. at least three final Grade 12 U or M course grades plus enrolment in the appropriate three additional Grade 12 U or M courses.

Offers based on interim grades will be conditional upon maintaining satisfactory performance on final grades.

Requirements:

The following are the minimum Grade 12 U and M requirements under the OSS curriculum:

1. English U;
2. Biology U;
3. Chemistry U;
4. One of Advanced Functions U, Calculus and Vectors U or Mathematics of Data Management U;
5. Two additional Grade 12 U or M courses to total six.

Applicants with Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School

Applicants from other provinces and countries must achieve the equivalent to the qualifications listed above in their secondary school graduation year.

Applicants with a University Degree or with University Degree Credits

To be considered applicants must:

1. achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least B- in all university degree credit courses taken. Possession of this GPA does not guarantee an offer of admission due to limited number of available spots and high number of applications. A minimum of 12 units or equivalent are required. (These courses may be taken as a full-time or part-time student. University correspondence degree courses are acceptable.)
2. apply online to OUAC at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ using Form 105D by February 1; Current McMaster students are not required to apply through OUAC.
3. submit all secondary and post-secondary transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at McMaster University by February 1. Applicants who are in the final year of their degree when applying or are applying as a second degree do not have to submit their high school transcript.
4. complete the supplementary application on-line at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing by February 1.

Note: University degree credit courses completed prior to admission will be assessed for advanced credit by the Office of the Coordinator of Studies following admission to the program. Applicants with significant university science courses should refer to admission requirements for the Basic-Accelerated (F) Stream.

Applicants from a Pre-Health Sciences Program

Applicants who have successfully completed a pre-health sciences program at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) will be considered for admission to Level I of the B.Sc.N. program at all sites. Applicants who are currently registered in a pre-health sciences program may be given a conditional offer of admission based upon interim grades. The offer of admission will be withdrawn if the applicant does not complete the full program or does not meet the required admission Grade Point Average (GPA).

To be considered applicants must:

1. complete at least two semesters, including at least one full (two semesters) or two half courses in each of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. Applications will not be considered from applicants who possess one credit only in the required subjects. Please contact the Admissions Coordinator for the list of approved programs;
2. achieve a GPA in the pre-health sciences program that meets the minimum cut-off average of Ontario secondary school applicants to the program of 3.6 (90%);
3. apply online to OUAC at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ using Form 105D no later than February 1;
4. submit all secondary and post-secondary transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at McMaster University by February 1;
5. complete the supplementary application online at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing by February 1.

Note: For admission consideration, completion of the full Pre-Health Science Certificate must be done within one year of the anticipated start date to the undergraduate Basic Nursing 1 program.  Transfer credit will not be granted for any pre-health sciences courses.

Applicants from Others Degree Nursing Programs

Applicants who are enrolled in a Nursing degree program at a university or in a college/university consortium may apply to transfer to the Mohawk and/or Conestoga sites to earn a McMaster B.Sc.N. degree. Applicants will not be considered for studies above Level II. All potential applicants should contact the appropriate site to determine if there is space for transfer applicants. For the Mohawk College site, contact the Associate Dean, B.Sc.N. Program; for the Conestoga College site, contact the Chair, Nursing Programs.

II. McMaster Mohawk Conestoga B.SC.N. Program (A) Stream Mohawk and Conestoga Sites

Admission requirements for students applying to the Mohawk and Conestoga sites of the McMaster B.Sc.N. program are equivalent to those for students applying to the B.Sc.N. Basic (A) Stream (See Admission Requirements, Basic (A) Stream, McMaster Site).

Applicants with Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School

Applicants from other provinces and countries must achieve the equivalent to the qualifications listed above in their secondary school graduation year.

Applicants with a University Degree or with University Degree Credits

To be considered applicants must:

1. achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least B- in all university degree credit courses taken. A minimum of 12 units or equivalent are required. (These courses may be taken as a full-time or part-time student. University correspondence degree courses are acceptable.) All university transcripts must be submitted to the College. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal of the offer of admission.
2. University degree credit courses completed prior to admission will be assessed for advanced credit by the Coordinator of Studies Office following admission to the program.
3. apply to Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) along with the required fees by February 1. All applications must be received by OCAS on or before this date to be given equal consideration by the colleges. Please note that February 1 is not a deadline for submitting applications as OCAS will continue to process applications received after this date. You are encouraged, however, to submit your application as early as possible, especially in the case of oversubscribed programs where there are often enough qualified applications received by the equal consideration date (February 1) to fill the program.

Note: University degree credit courses completed prior to admission will be assessed for advanced credit by the Office of the Coordinator of Studies following admission to the program.

Applicants from a Pre-Health Sciences Program

Applicants who have successfully completed a pre-health sciences program at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) will be considered for admission to Level I of the B.Sc.N. program at all sites. Applicants who are currently registered in a prehealth sciences program may be given a conditional offer of admission based upon interim grades. The offer of admission will be withdrawn if the applicant does not complete the full program or does not meet the required admission Grade Point Average (GPA).

To be considered applicants must:

1. complete at least two semesters, including at least one full (two semesters) or two half courses in each of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. Applications will not be considered from applicants who possess one credit only in the required subjects;
2. achieve at least a 75% GPA in the pre-health sciences program. Please note: a 75% is required in each of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. No exemption will be granted in the program for pre-health sciences courses. Students who have taken these required courses more than once will be considered on an individual basis;
3. apply to Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) along with the required fees by February 1. All applications must be received by OCAS on or before this date to be given equal consideration by the colleges. Please note that February 1 is not a deadline for submitting applications as OCAS will continue to process applications received after this date. You are encouraged, however, to submit your application as early as possible, especially in the case of oversubscribed programs where there are often enough applications from qualified applicants received by the equal consideration date (February 1) to fill the program.

Note: For admission consideration, completion of the Pre-Health Science Certificate must be done within one year of the anticipated start date to the undergraduate Basic Nursing 1 program. Transfer credit will not be granted for any pre-health sciences courses.

Applicants from Others Degree Nursing Programs

Applicants who are enrolled in a Nursing degree program at another university or in another college/university consortium may apply to transfer to the Mohawk and/or Conestoga sites to earn a McMaster B.Sc.N. degree. Applicants will not be considered for studies above Level II.

All potential applicants should contact the appropriate site to determine if there is space for transfer applicants. For the Mohawk College site, contact the Associate Dean, B. Sc.N. Program; for the Conestoga College site, contact the Chair, Nursing Programs.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed Level I of a B.Sc.N. Program with an overall GPA of at least B (75%) and at least a B- average in nursing and science courses.

Applications for transfer into the B.Sc.N. Program to commence studies in September must be received by the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) in Guelph no later than May 15.

Applicants must submit the following to the Registrar’s Office at the appropriate College by May 15:

1. official transcripts of all university work taken.
2. an official letter from the Dean/Director of the program in which the applicant is currently enrolled stating that the applicant is in good standing in that program.
3. course descriptions and outlines for all nursing and science courses for assessment of advanced credit.

III. Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream (McMaster)

Please note that the last intake for this stream at McMaster was Fall 2010. Any applicants interested in this stream should see information for Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream (Mohawk and Conestoga) below.

Post Diploma R.P.N. to B.SC.N. (E) Stream (Mohawk and Conestoga Sites)

To be considered applicants must:

1. possess a current CNO annual registration payment card or have written the Practical Nurses Registration Examinations by May 31 of the year of application;
2. have a diploma in practical nursing (two year program) from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 75% or higher. Applicants who have satisfactorily completed a diploma practical nurse program but who have not achieved the required Grade Point Average (GPA) may become academically eligible by completing at least twelve units (two full courses or four half courses) of university degree credit in any subject area with a GPA of at least B (75%). This minimum GPA does not guarantee admission.
3. apply to the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) by February 1. All applications must be received by OCAS on or before February 1 to be given equal consideration by the college.

Note: University degree credit courses completed prior to admission will be assessed for advanced credit by the Academic Advisor following admission to the program.

Note: Potential applicants who possess a certificate in practical nursing should seek upgrading to diploma practical nurse at a College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Aboriginal Section of the R.P.N. to B.Sc.N. (E) Stream (Mohawk)

Mohawk College has targeted 5% of its enrolment to seats in Health Science, Human Services and Applied Arts postsecondary programs to qualified Aboriginal students in oversubscribed programs. Barriers such as highly competitive grade-point averages or overall ranking was removed, while still ensuring all participating students met the minimum program admission requirements. By eliminating the competitive barriers with an oversubscribed program, an additional pathway for Aboriginal students has been created in postsecondary education. Preference is given to Aboriginal students in the Aboriginal Section of the RPN to BScN Stream, but if not completely filled, qualified non-Aboriginal applicants are offered admission to this site to facilitate integration of cultural learning and experiences for both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal students. This mixture of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students ensures a full cohort to achieve financial sustainability and supports the partnership’s goals of integrating learning opportunities for both groups of students, enriching the learning outcomes for all students and strengthening partnerships with our Aboriginal Communities.

Applicants should contact the Associate Dean Nursing, Mohawk College for further information. Applicants should apply to Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) along with the required fees by February 1. All applications must be received by OCAS on or before this date to be given equal consideration by the colleges. Please note that February 1 is not a deadline for submitting applications as OCAS will continue to process applications received after this date. You are encouraged, however, to submit your application as early as possible, especially in the case of oversubscribed programs where there are often enough applications from qualified applicants received by the equal consideration date (February 1) to fill the program.

IV. Basic-Accelerated (F) Stream

The Basic-Accelerated (F) Stream is available to those applying from a university science program of studies. Students may complete the program of studies in five academic terms.

Note: (F) Stream is not open to students currently enrolled/registered in the Basic Stream at McMaster or any other nursing program. Applicants with two undergraduate degrees will not be considered for the Accelerated Stream. Please see the policy under the General Academic Regulation section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

To be considered applicants must:

1. achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least B- in all university degree credit courses taken.
2. complete a minimum of 54 units (2 full years) of university credit which include a grade of at least C- on each of the following required courses:
   • six units of Introductory Psychology
   • six units of Human Physiology or six units of Human Anatomy and Physiology
   • six units of Biochemistry, three of which can be Nutrition and
   • three units of Statistics
     Six units are equivalent to one full credit or two half credits.
     Note: When choosing Biochemistry courses to meet the requirements, students are advised to select relevant courses that would facilitate success in a nursing program. For example, three units of Biochemistry and three units of Human Nutrition will be acceptable. Students must have completed or be currently registered in the required courses at the time of application. Official transcripts must be submitted by February 1 otherwise the application will not be considered. Normally, the required Human Anatomy and Physiology and Biochemistry courses must be completed within the last four years. If you have taken these courses more than four years ago, we encourage you to contact the Admission Coordinator at (905) 525-9140 ext. 22232. Otherwise, your application will not be considered.
3. apply online at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ using Form 105D to OUAC no later than February 1; Current McMaster students are not required to apply through OUAC.
4. submit all secondary and post-secondary transcripts to the Office of the Registrar at McMaster University by February 1. Applicants who are in their final year of their degree when applying or are applying as a second degree do not have to submit their high school transcript.
5. submit the completed supplementary application on-line following instructions at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/ by February 1.

Unsuccessful Applicants

Applications are not held over from one year to another. An unsuccessful applicant may reapply to the B.Sc.N. Program by submitting a new application, including supporting documentation.

Application for Deferred Registration

Deferred registration is granted only under exceptional circumstances to those candidates who have been admitted and have accepted the offer. Registration may be deferred for one year only. The request for deferral, outlining the reasons for the request, must be postmarked no later than July 31 of the year for which deferral is requested.

Registration to Practise Nursing (For All Nursing Students)

On receiving the B.Sc.N. degree after successful completion of the Program, graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) which is administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Application to write the CRNE is made through the Faculty of Health Sciences. The CNO requires all applicants for registration to provide a recent criminal record synopsis (CIPC check) as part of the R.N. registration process. If you have any questions related to the Regulated Health Professions Act, please contact the College of Nurses of Ontario directly at 1-800-387-5526.

Academic Regulations

In addition to meeting the General Academic Regulations  of the University, students enrolled in the B.Sc.N. Program shall be subject to the following program regulations.

Registration in the B.Sc.N. Program implies acceptance on the part of the student of the objectives of that program and the methods by which progress toward the achievement of those objectives is evaluated.

Since the academic regulations are continually reviewed, the University reserves the right to change the regulations.

The University also reserves the right to cancel the academic privileges of a student at any time should the student’s scholastic record or conduct warrant so doing. The B.Sc.N. Program reserves the right to remove a student from a class, clinical placement or laboratory setting at any point during the term if the student exhibits unsafe clinical practice or behaviour that places the patient or others at risk or is deemed a serious breach of professional behaviour. Such removal will result in the student receiving a grade of F in the course and may result in dismissal from the program. The clinical activities associated with any clinical course must be successfully achieved for attainment of a passing grade in the course.

If a student drops a required course, the student must notify the Coordinator of Studies Office. Written confirmation of return must be submitted to the Coordinator of Studies by the end of the drop and add period of the term prior to the anticipated date of reregistration in the course. Failure to notify the Coordinator of Studies may result in students being refused registration in the course based on resource limitations.

B.Sc.N. Program Academic Regulations

Basic (A); Post Diploma (E) and Basic-Accelerated (F) Streams

1. Minimum Grade Point Average: A student must achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 to be eligible to continue in the program (effective September 2011 intake).
2. Passing Grades in Required Health Science and Non-Clinical Nursing Courses:  A student must achieve a grade of at least C- in the required Health Science and graded non-clinical Nursing courses.  If a student fails to meet the minimum grade requirements, the student may, at the discretion of the Coordinator of Studies in consultation with the Reviewing Committee, be allowed to repeat the course in which the minimum Passing grade requirement has not been met.  If a student fails to meet the minimum passing grade requirement after repeating the course, he or she may not continue in the program.  A student may normally be allowed to repeat only one Health Science or one non-clinical Nursing course during the program.
3. Passing Grades in Clinical Nursing Courses: A student must achieve a Pass designation in all clinical courses.  If a student fails to achieve a Pass designation in a clinical course, the student may, at the discretion of the Coordinator of Studies in consultation with the program Reviewing Committee, be allowed to repeat the course in which the Pass designation has not been met.  If a student fails to achieve the Pass designation requirement after repeating the course, he or she may not continue in the program.  A student may normally be allowed to repeat only one clinical Nursing course during the program.
   
   The following courses are designated clinical courses:
   • Basic (A) Streams: NURSING 1I02 , 1J02,  2L03,  2P03,  3QQ3,  3X04,  3Y04,  4J07,  4K07,  4K10  
   • Registered Practical Nurses (E) Stream: NURSING 2T04 , 3QQ3 , 3Y04 , 4J07 , 4K10  
   • Basic-Accelerated (F) Stream: NURSING 2J04 , 2U03,  3QQ3,  3ZA3,  3ZB3,  4J07,  4K10  

4. Course Completion: For core nursing and health science courses, students must register in and successfully complete all the work of one level before proceeding to the next level. For each of the streams (A, B, E and F), courses must be taken in the sequence specified by the program requirements.
   
   The following courses must be completed by the end of Level II and before the start of Level III:
   • PSYCH 1X03  (McMaster and Mohawk) or PSYCH 1N03  (Conestoga): Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
   • PSYCH 1XX3  (McMaster and Mohawk) or PSYCH 1NN3  (Conestoga): Foundations of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

1. Dropping Courses: Students who drop or cancel required Nursing or Health Science courses must notify the Office of the Coordinator of Studies. The Program reserves the right to limit the number of times a student may register for and then drop or cancel a course, due to resource limitations.
2. Leave of Absence: Request for a Leave of Absence based on compelling medical or personal reasons must be made in writing to the Academic Advisor. The letter must outline the date of the beginning of the leave and the anticipated date of return. Notification of return from a Leave of Absence must be made through a letter to the Academic Advisor no later than May 1 of the academic year of re-entry. A reintegration plan for re-entry will be made by the Academic Advisor in consultation with the Coordinator of Studies. Normally only one Leave of Absence will be granted for the duration of the program.
3. Non-Academic Requirements: A student must comply annually before the start of classes with all non-academic requirements as outlined by the program. Failure to do so will result in removal from class and/or professional practice courses.
4. Access to Nursing Courses: Normally, Level I, II, III and IV Nursing courses are available only to students registered in the B.Sc.N. Program.
5. Travel within the Program: Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from learning settings external to the University and for covering any costs incurred. All students who enrol in the B.Sc.N. program are expected to travel to any learning setting in Hamilton and the surrounding area, including but not limited to Halton, Peel, Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara and Wellington regions (McMaster and Mohawk sites); and Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area, including but not limited to Wellington, Brant and Halton regions (Conestoga site).
6. Access to Clinical Courses: Students in any stream who register for a clinical lab course in Level III or above must also submit a placement request to the Placement Coordinator. Students who fail to meet the published deadline but who register for the course at least two months prior to the date it is to commence will be assigned a placement setting without consideration of their preferences. Students who do not register two months in advance and who fail to meet the submission deadline will normally be required to defer their placement until the next term in which the course is offered.
   The final assignment of learning settings for any course is constrained by the availability of the requested setting and faculty resources. Students may therefore be required to complete the practicum component of a course in a learning setting that is not of their choosing.
7. International or Outpost Clinical Placements: For Level IV students in Basic Streams (A) and (E) who are interested in International or Outpost placements, prerequisites include, but are not limited to, attaining a Grade Point Average of 8.0 in all Level II and Fall Term of Level III (Basic A Stream) or Winter Term of Level II and Fall Term of Level III (R.P.N. to B.Sc.N. E Stream), a pass in all clinical courses, and a pass in HTH SCI 3B03 or HTHSCI 2RR3 .
8. Specialized/atypical Clinical Placements: Specialized/atypical placements in Level IV are only available to students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 8.0 in all Level II and Fall Term of Level III (Basic A Stream) or Winter Term of Level II and Fall Term of Level III (R.P.N. to B.Sc.N. E Stream), and a pass in all clinical courses.
9. Access to Leadership and Management Courses: The Leadership and Management courses are open only to students registered in the Leadership and Management program, which was previously administered and is currently endorsed by the Canadian Nurses Association. Students in the B.Sc.N. (B) Stream may apply to the coordinator of the Leadership and Management program for permission to take these courses.
10. Transfer between Sites: Students attend the institution to which they are admitted for the entire program. Transfer from Mohawk or Conestoga Colleges to McMaster University site is not an option. Similarly, transfer from McMaster University to Mohawk or Conestoga Colleges is not an option.
    
    Transfers may be permitted between the College sites, based on availability of space in the Program at the desired site.
    
    To request a transfer between the College sites, the student must:
    • Register with OCAS requesting a transfer before February 1
    • Provide a letter to the Associate Dean/Chair and the Academic Advisor requesting the transfer
    • Request a letter of good standing be sent by the Associate Dean/Chair to the site to which you wish to transfer. Only students in good academic standing (GPA of 3.5 or above for those entering before September 2011; GPA of 5.0 after September 2011; not on academic probation) with a minimum of a B average in Nursing and Health Sciences courses will be considered.
11. Transfer between Streams: Normally a transfer between streams of the B.Sc.N. program is not permitted.
12. Documentation for Licensure outside of Canada: Documentation for Licensure for outside of Canada is done by the Office of the Coordinator of Studies. A fee of $100, for each request, is charged for providing the documentation and sending, by courier, to the agency requesting such documentation. Forms requesting this documentation are available on the website of the Coordinator of Studies. www.mcmaster.ca/nursing/education_cos.html

Continuation in the Program

Students are reviewed at the end of each term. To continue in the B.Sc.N. Program a student must obtain a GPA of at least 5.0. A student whose GPA is at least 4.5 may, at the discretion of the Coordinator of Studies in consultation with the program Reviewing Committee, proceed in the program and will be placed on program probation. A student may be placed on program probation only once during the program.

Failure

A student whose GPA is less than 5.0, and who has not been granted program probation, may not continue in the program. A student who fails to obtain a GPA of 5.0 at the completion of the program probation may not continue in the program. After repeating a required Health Science or Nursing course, a student who fails to meet the minimum passing grade or Pass designation may not continue in the program. A student may normally repeat a level of work only once.

Reinstatement

Those students who are ineligible to continue at the university and wish to reapply for reinstatement must contact the Office of the Registrar to secure a Reinstatement Request Form. Students are considered for reinstatement for September entry only and must apply by February 1. Reinstatement forms are carefully reviewed and the evidence considered will include the student’s academic performance before and after admission to McMaster, a brief summary of the circumstances relevant to the student’s lack of academic success, activities since last registered at the university, including all academic work and any other appropriate documentation. Students must indicate why they believe reinstatement will lead to success. Reinstatement is not automatic or guaranteed. Decisions are normally made after May 31 for September entry. Mohawk and Conestoga College site students wishing reinstatement to the Nursing Program must contact the Admission Office at the respective college for further information. If reinstated, students will need to complete a reintegration plan that will facilitate re-entry to the B.Sc.N. Program prior to enrollment of courses.

Readmission

Former McMaster University students who voluntarily withdrew from the Nursing Program must apply for readmission through the Office of the Registrar by February 1. Readmission requests are carefully reviewed by the Admissions Committee and the evidence considered will include the student’s academic performance in the program, a letter outlining the decision to return and activities since last registered in the program. Readmission is not automatic or guaranteed. Decisions are normally made after May 31 for September entry. Mohawk and Conestoga College site students wishing reinstatement to the Nursing Program must contact the Admission Office at the respective college for further information.

Accommodation Plan for Students Experiencing Cohort Lag

An individualized plan will be made with each student experiencing cohort lag as the Kaleidoscope Curriculum is phased in over the period of 2009 to 2013. In each instance, a plan for course completion will be developed considering which particular aspects of the curriculum have been completed with the guiding principle to advantage the student where ever possible. The Curriculum for students who entered in September 2008 will be of greatest concern. The Program reserves the right to offer courses which have been replaced by new courses in the Kaleidoscope Curriculum if this is to the students’ advantage, and if there are sufficient numbers of students requiring a course, based on resources. In other instances students will require individualized or group tutoring to learn specific concepts so that they can join a cohort who enters the program after them. Students experiencing cohort lag should contact the Office of the Coordinator of Studies.

Collaborative B.SC.N. (A) Stream, Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream Mohawk and Conestoga Sites

In addition to meeting the General Academic Regulations  of the University, as well as the academic regulations specific to the School of Nursing, (please refer to Academic Regulations in the School of Nursing outline in this section of the Calendar), Mohawk and Conestoga B.Sc.N. students are also subject to the following regulations.

Program Approval

Selection of courses must be approved by the Chair of the Program at the site to which the student is admitted. Where the Calendar indicates that a faculty office, Associate Dean or Dean of Studies must be contacted, students should contact the Academic Advisor at the appropriate site (Conestoga or Mohawk College). Before courses are selected, students are requested to determine the requirements for the program as outlined in the appropriate sections of this Calendar and to follow the instructions in the registration package.

Academic Standing

The College Reviewing Committees shall be comprised of members from the Colleges and the University; these Committees shall be chaired by the Coordinator of Studies (McMaster).

Required to Withdraw

Students must follow the withdrawal procedures for the respective College.

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission must be approved by the Academic Advisor at the site to which the student is admitted.

Academic Records

Student files shall be kept at the respective College site for reference and audit purposes.

Examinations

A Mohawk College, Conestoga College or McMaster student photo identification card is required at all examinations. 

Programs

• Basic (A) Stream (B.Sc.N.)
• Basic - Accelerated (F) Stream
• Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream

• Leadership and Management Program

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