School of Nursing

Health Sciences Centre, Room 2J36, ext. 22140
http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing

VICE-DEAN (HEALTH SCIENCES) AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF NURSING

S. Carroll/B.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.

ASSISTANT DEAN, UNDERGRADUATE NURSING EDUCATION

J. Pierazzo/B.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), B.Ed. (Brock), M.Sc.N.(A.C.N.P), Ph. D. (Western Ontario), R.N.

PROFESSORS

Andrea Baumann/B.Sc.N. (Windsor), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Maureen Dobbins/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Sharon Kaasalainen/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M. Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Susan Jack/B.Sc.N. (Alberta), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Maureen Markle-Reid/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

Noori Akhtar-Danesh/B.Sc., M.Sc. (Iran), Ph.D. (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)
Pamela Baxter/B.A. (Wilfrid Laurier), B.Sc.N, M.Sc., Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Denise Bryant-Lukosius/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (D’Youville), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Michelle Butt/B.Sc., B.N. (Memorial), M.Sc. (Queen’s), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Sandra Carroll/B.Sc. (Toronto), 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.
Michael McGillion/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.
Joanna Pierazzo/B.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), B.Ed. (Brock), M.Sc.N.(A.C.N.P), Ph.D. (Western Ontario), R.N.
Diana Sherifali/B.Sc.N., Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Patricia Strachan/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Olive Wahoush/M.Sc. (Ulster), Ph.D. (Toronto), R.N.

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Emily Belita/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), MN (Ryerson), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Lynda Bentley Poole/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Toronto), R.N.
Sheila Boamah/B.Sc.N. (Windsor), Ph.D. (Western Ontario)
Vanessa Cavalieri/B.Sc.N., MSc. (McMaster)
Kirsten Culver/B.Sc. (Queen’s), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Jason De Melo/ B.Sc. (University of Waterloo), Ph.D. (McMaster University)
Bernice Downey/B.Sc.N. (Ottawa), M.A., Ph.D. (McMaster)​
Kathy Fisher/B. Comm. (McMaster), M.A.Sc. (Waterloo), M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Steve Gandza/ B.Sc.N. (McMaster), MN (Ryerson)
Rebecca Ganann/B.Sc.N., M.Sc., Ph.D. (McMaster)
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)
Shaunattonie Henry/ B.Sc.N. (Ryerson), M.Sc.N. (Ryerson), M.A. Education (Central Michigan), Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Yvonne Lawlor/B.N. (New Brunswick), M.Ed. (Brock), R.N.
Lynn Martin/B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), D.Ed. (Toronto), R.N.
Jennifer Mohaupt/B.Sc.N (McMaster); M.Ed. (Queen’s); Ph.D. (Western Ontario)
Iris Mujica/B.Sc.N., M.Sc.N., Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Melissa Northwood/B.Sc.N., M.Sc.N., Ph.D. (McMaster), R.N.
Amy Palma/B.Sc., B.Sc.N. (Toronto), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), R.N.
Maria Pratt/B.A., B.Sc.N. (McMaster), M.Sc.N. (Western Ontario), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Sanja Visekruna/R.N., B.Sc.N.(Queen’s), PhD (Toronto)

PROGRAM MANAGER

C. Gibson/B.A.

ACADEMIC ADVISORS

T. Barecevic/B.A.
L. Thornton/B.A., M.Ed.

Note

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

The B.Sc.N. Program

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 (B.Sc.N.) degree upon graduation. In July 1974, the Schools of Nursing and Medicine became the Faculty of Health Sciences.

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 group and self-directed learning, the program provides a 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 advance the health and well-being 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, evidence informed decision making, advocacy and collective action.

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 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 Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Streams are offered at the Mohawk and Conestoga sites. 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 advised to contact the Office of the Registrar or Admission Office at the respective site for additional information. Please note that any information that is site specific is noted in the appropriate section of the Calendar; otherwise, information can be assumed to apply to students at all sites and in all streams of the B.Sc.N. Program. In 2021 the B.Sc.N. Programs at McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga received seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, the highest level of accreditation possible.

In 2009, the B.Sc.N. Curriculum was renewed and is now called the Kaleidoscope Curriculum. The Curriculum is recognized as a responsive curriculum, one that continues to be updated based on both health and nursing care learning needs. All streams share a common curriculum in their final year of the program.

Students 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) nursing (NURSING) courses (professional practice and problem-based nursing concept courses); (2) required health sciences (HTHSCI) courses (e.g. anatomy, physiology, biochemistry); (3) elective courses (i.e. course taken from subjects of a student’s choosing). Additionally, students in the Basic (A) Stream are required to complete psychology (PSYCH) courses as part of their program.

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 the roles of nursing in health care and, through inter-professional education opportunities, they gain greater understanding of the inter-professional health care team.

There are three themes that encompass the concepts in the BScN Kaleidoscope Curriculum: 1) Personhood and Caring, 2) Context, Health and Healing, and 3) Learning and Knowing. It is acknowledged that a great deal of overlap exists across concepts and themes. A concept-based approach needs to be conceptual not only in structure, but also in process. Conceptual learning is a process by which students learn how to organize information in logical mental structures, thus challenging students to become increasingly skilled at thinking. Conceptual teaching and learning complement the constructivist paradigm in fostering critical inquiry and deep understanding through the connections students make to past learning, their application of concepts in multiple contexts, and their development of an understanding of interrelated concepts.

BScN Program Goals

The concepts and themes inform the goals for the BScN Program. Graduates of the McMaster University BScN Program will be prepared to provide 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. 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. 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. Communicate effectively in a variety of media.

Registration to Practice Nursing in Ontario

On receiving the B.Sc.N. degree after successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The exam is administered by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a requirement of registration to practice nursing in Ontario. To facilitate this process, the School of Nursing provides information to the CNO confirming each student’s expected program completion term and verification of program completion. Students will be contacted in their final year of the program to consent to the release of this information to the CNO. If you have any questions related to practice as an R.N. or the Regulated Health Professions Act, please contact the College of Nurses of Ontario directly.

Admission Policy, Procedure, and Requirements

Admission Policy

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

The BScN Consortium including McMaster University, Mohawk College and Conestoga College will be undergoing a change. Fall 2023 will be the last intake of the Basic BScN and RPN to BScN streams at the Conestoga site. McMaster and Mohawk sites will continue to offer BScN streams as noted in the calendar.

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. The selection method for all applicants is by academic qualifications and assessment of personal and professional characteristics.

There are three streams of study leading to the completion of the B.Sc.N. degree.

• 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.
• 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 is offered only at Mohawk and Conestoga sites.
• 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 consecutive terms of study. Note: The Accelerated (F) Stream is offered only at
  McMaster University.

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 professional practice standards for all students and does not require significant program change. Applicants should 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 https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/reg/41078-skillabilities-4pager-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

McMaster B.Sc.N. Program Basic (A) offered at McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga sites and Accelerated (F) Streams offered only at McMaster site

Applicants From Ontario Secondary Schools to the Basic (A) Stream

Applicants currently completing Grade 12 U or M courses apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). http://www.ouac.on.ca/ 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 12. Note that this is a limited enrolment program.

Applicants With Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School to the Basic (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 12.

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

Applicants apply online to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ 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/
• BScN Admission Team
  McMaster University, HSC-2J36
  1280 Main Street West
  Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8
  bscnadm@mcmaster.ca

Facilitated Indigenous Admissions to Basic (A) Stream and Accelerated (F) Stream

In accordance with the Self-Identification policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants who wish to apply to a program that has a facilitated Indigenous admissions stream must complete the supplementary Self-identification Application. Information on the policy, application requirements and the online application can be found at: https://ishs.mcmaster.ca/admissions/self-identification.

One self-identification application is used for all Faculty of Health Sciences programs that have a facilitated Indigenous admissions stream, and should only be completed once even if an applicant applied to multiple programs. Applicants identify the program(s) they applied to on the Self-identification Application. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the Self-identification Application is submitted by the application deadline(s) for the program(s) they applied to in addition to completing any other application required for that program(s). If you applied to multiple Faculty of Health Sciences programs, the Self-identification Application must be completed by whatever the earliest deadline date is for the programs for which you have applied to.

McMaster B.Sc.N. Post-Diploma R.P.N. (E) Streams offered at the Mohawk and Conestoga sites

Applicants apply online to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at http://www.ouac.on.ca/ 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/
• BScN Admission Team
  McMaster University, HSC-2J36
  1280 Main Street West
  Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8
  bscnadm@mcmaster.ca

Admission Requirements

Non Academic Requirements for all Streams

In order to ensure the safety of all students and patients, the School of Nursing requires that all students adhere to Standards of Practice in Nursing. More detailed information will be provided upon acceptance into the program . For information on health screening please visit https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/healthscreening/formsandsubmission.html. For information on police clearance (Vulnerable Sector Screen VSC) please visit https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pcbe/police_records_check.html. Please see site-specific guidelines and ensure you have met all requirements by the deadline. It is the student’s professional responsibility to ensure this deadline is met. The process for notification, submission and verification of NARs varies by site. It is the student’s professional responsibility to ensure this deadline is met.

Additional requirements include:

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR - HCP with AED & BVM)
• Online Health and Safety modules available through Avenue to Learn
• Mask Fit Testing & Training (quiz)

Students must provide proof that ALL requirements have been met before practicing in a lab or professional practice setting. Students who fail to provide this proof will:

1. Not be allowed to enter a lab or professional practice setting, or
2. Be removed from a lab or professional practice setting until requirements are met.
3. Be reviewed under the Faculty of Health Sciences Professionalism Policy for failing to meet a requirement in a professional program

CASPer^TM Assessment Requirement for All Streams

All applicants to the B.Sc.N. Program are required to complete a mandatory, online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer^TM, as a component of the selection process.

McMaster B.Sc.N. Basic (A) Stream - McMaster, Mohawk and Conestoga Site Admission Requirements

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 and an assessment of personal characteristics. Early conditional offers of admission are made in mid to late April based on the following:

1. six appropriate midterm/interim Grade 12 U or M course grades (see list of required courses below), 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  (see list of required courses below) and,
3. CASPer^TM assessment.

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

Required Courses:

The following are the minimum Grade 12 U and M requirements under the Ontario Secondary School 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 courses.

Admission is by selection. Typically a minimum of 85% average is required for consideration.

Applicants with Qualifications Equivalent to Ontario Secondary School

To be considered, applicants from other provinces and countries must achieve the equivalent to the qualifications listed above in their secondary school graduation year. https://future.mcmaster.ca/admission/

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. If applicants have not taken university science courses, then they must have obtained a B in Chemistry 12U and Biology 12U and 12U Math in OSS curriculum. 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 with final grades 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 must complete a returning Student On-Line Application form if in their graduating year or internal applicant form for all other current McMaster students. You are not required to submit transcripts. Details can be found on the nursing.mcmaster.ca website application process pages. For more information please contact bscnadm@mcmaster.ca.); or
3. 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. if the applicant has not taken university science courses they must have obtained a B(75) in Chemistry grade 12 U and Biology grade 12 U in OSS curriculum or equivalent.
5. complete the mandatory online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer^TM.

Applicants from a Pre-Health Sciences Program

Applicants who have successfully completed a pre-health sciences Advanced Diplomas and Degrees 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 Basic (A) Stream. 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 85%; please note a 75% is required in each of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English.
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 mandatory online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer^TM.

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 Nursing 1 program.  Transfer credit will not be granted for any pre-health sciences courses.

McMaster B.Sc.N. Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream offered at Mohawk and Conestoga Sites Admission Requirements

To be considered applicants must:

1. possess a current CNO annual registration payment card 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 (GPA) of 75% or higher and are registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario. This registration status must continue for the duration of the program.
3. 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;
4. have grade 12 U English or equivalent and one of the following grade 12 U Mathematics courses: Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors or Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent.
5. apply to the OUAC by February 1. All applications must be received by OUAC on or before February 1 to be given equal consideration;
6. complete the mandatory online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer^TM.

B.Sc.N. Accelerated (F) Stream - McMaster Site Admission Requirements

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

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

To be considered applicants must:

1. achieve a cumulative average of at least B (75%) in the last 2 full years of university degree credit courses taken (minimum 54 units)
2. applicants must achieve a grade of at least C- (60%) on each of the following required courses:
   • six units of Psychology, 3 of which must be at the introductory level, the other 3 units must be from the approved list
   • six units of Human Physiology or six units of Human Anatomy and Physiology
   • three units of Statistics
   • six units in the following: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or Kinesiology
     Note: We are not able to assess course prior to application.
     Note: Six units are equivalent to one full credit or two half credits; three units are equivalent to one half credit.
     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 courses must be completed within the last five years. If you have taken these courses more than five years ago, we encourage you to contact the Admission Coordinator-Nursing at (905) 525-9140 ext. 22232 or bscnadm@mcmaster.ca.
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. complete the mandatory online 90-minute computer-based assessment called CASPer^TM.

Offers of Admission

Deadlines for acceptance of an offer are strictly enforced. Failure to meet the conditions and/or submit required documentation by the specified deadline outlined in the admission package will result in cancellation of the offer of admission. Applicants should ensure that they accept their offer of admission as directed well before the specified deadline.

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 and submitted for approval to McMaster University. Deferral is not guaranteed.

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. Additionally, Mohawk and Conestoga B.Sc.N. students are also subject to the regulations of their respective sites. Where two regulations conflict, the Regulation of the University shall be followed.

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.

Continuation in the B.Sc.N. Program

Academic Standing

At the conclusion of the each term, the student’s academic record and performance will be reviewed by the School of Nursing to determine if they have met the academic requirements. In order to continue in the B.Sc.N. Program a student must achieve the following academic requirements:

1. Minimum Grade Point Average: A student must achieve a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 at the end of the Winter and/or Spring/Summer term(s) to be eligible to continue in the program.
2. Passing Grades in Required Health Science and Graded Nursing Courses:  A student must achieve a grade of at least C- in the required Health Science (HTHSCI) and graded Nursing (NURSING) courses. A student is permitted to repeat a total of only two required HTHSCI or graded NURSING course in which they failed to achieve the minimum passing grade requirement; if a student fails to meet the minimum passing grade requirement after repeating a course, the student may not continue in the program. If a student fails to meet the minimum passing grade requirement on more than two HTHSCI and/or graded NURSING course, the student may not continue in the program.
3. Passing Grades in Professional Practice Nursing Courses: A student must achieve a Pass (i.e. P/C-/60%) designation in all professional practice Nursing (NURSING) courses (see Professional Practice Regulations for a complete list of NURSING courses designated as professional practice courses). A student is permitted to repeat only one professional practice NURSING course in which they failed to achieve a Pass designation; if a student fails to achieve the Pass designation requirement after repeating the course, the student may not continue in the program. If a student fails to achieve a Pass designation on more than one professional practice NURSING course, the student may not continue in the program. 

4. ​​​Course Completion: For required Nursing (NURSING) and Health Science (HTHSCI) courses, students must enroll in and successfully complete all the course work of one level before proceeding to the course work specified for the next level. For each of the streams (A, E and F), courses must be taken in the sequence specified by the program requirements. All elective requirements must be completed prior to the start of the final term of Level IV.
   The following courses must be completed before the start of Level III course work of the Basic (A) Stream:

• ​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  

5. Continuous Enrolment: Students must enrol in at least one required Nursing (NURSING) or Health Science (HTHSCI) course in each academic year in order to continue in the program, unless they have been granted a Leave of Absence (see Leave of Absence regulations). Students have a maximum number of years from the time of initial enrolment in the program to complete the program requirements for graduation. The completion time for BScN (Stream A) is 6 years and Post Diploma R.P.N. (Stream E) is 5 years and the Accelerated (F Stream) is 4 years.

Program Probation

To continue in the B.Sc.N. Program in good academic standing a student must obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 5.0. A student whose cumulative GPA is at least 4.5 may continue in the program and will be placed on program probation for the duration of one academic year. A student may be placed on program probation only once during the program.

Removal from Program

A student whose cumulative 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 raise their cumulative GPA to 5.0 or above at the completion of the program probation may not continue in the program. After repeating a required Health Science (HTHSCI) or Nursing (NURSING) course, a student who fails to meet the minimum passing grade requirement or Pass designation may not continue in the program. A student may normally repeat a level of work only once. Students are permitted to repeat 2 graded HTHSCI/NURSING course and only 1 professional practice NURSING course. A student who fails to meet the minimum passing grade requirement, may not continue in the program. A student who does not maintain continuous enrollment in the program without having been granted a Leave of Absence and/or who fails to complete the program requirements for graduation within the maximum allowable time may not continue in the program.

Reinstatement to the Program and University

Former Nursing students will be considered for reinstatement to the B.Sc.N. Program after one full academic year. Students may only apply to be reinstated into the stream from which they were removed. Students seeking reinstatement must contact the Office of the Registrar at McMaster University to submit a Reinstatement Request Form and the required fee. Students are considered for reinstatement for September entry only and must apply by February 1. Students will be considered for reinstatement to the B. Sc. N program upon the completion of 24 units of university work taken on a full-time basis in a non-Nursing program with a minimum average of 7.0 (B-).  Reinstatement is not guaranteed. A student who is granted reinstatement to the B.Sc.N Program will be required to complete a reintegration course that will facilitate returning to the B.Sc.N. Program prior to enrollment of courses. Additionally, the student may be required to repeat any or all of their previously completed courses in the program, which will be explicitly outlined in the terms and conditions of their reinstatement.
Students who are granted reinstatement to the B.Sc.N. Program will be placed on program probation for a period of one academic year, and calculation of their Grade Point Average (GPA) will begin anew. If at any review after reinstatement the student’s GPA falls below 5.0, the student will be removed from the program. Students who are approved for reinstatement to the program may not apply for subsequent re-entry or reinstatement if removed again.

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Program

Students must follow the withdrawal procedures for McMaster University in addition to their respective college sites (if applicable).

Readmission after Voluntary Withdrawal

Former Nursing students who voluntarily withdrew from the B.Sc.N. Program must apply for readmission 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 communicated between May and June for September entry.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

The School of Nursing recognizes that students may need to suspend their studies from the program due to extenuating personal or medical reasons. Students can request one leave of absence (LOA) from the program for a period of up to 1 year. Requests for an LOA are made by submitting a Petition for Special consideration (Form A) (see Petitions for Special Consideration and Appeals Section). During an LOA, a student may enroll in elective courses; however, they will not be permitted to enroll in mandatory courses in the nursing program.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify Academic Advising Services of their intention to return to their studies by the date specified in the terms of the LOA. Students who were on a LOA due to medical circumstances may be required to submit medical documentation from their physician indicating their ability to return to professional practice duties. All students returning from a LOA will be required to complete a Reintegration Plan in the term preceding their return. Students who fail to submit notification of Return from LOA by date specified in terms of LOA may not be permitted to return as planned and may be removed from the program.

Transfer between Sites

Students attend the institution to which they are admitted for the entire program. Transfer between sites is typically not an option. Exceptional circumstances may be considered.

Transfer between Streams

A transfer between streams of the B.Sc.N. Program is not permitted.

Dropping/Withdrawing from Courses

Please refer to the Sessional Dates outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar for specific deadlines for enrollment and changes, and for withdrawing from courses without failure by default. Students are able to add and drop courses without academic or financial penalty until the last day for enrollment changes. These dates are specific to each term and are different for single-term and multi-term courses.
Students who wish to add or withdraw from required nursing (NURSING) or health science (HTHSCI) courses after the last day for enrollment are strongly encouraged to contact Academic Advising Services to discuss the impact on their progression through the Program.

Transfer Credits/Course Exemptions

Students who have completed courses at the university level prior to commencing studies in the B.Sc.N. Program may be eligible to receive transfer credits/course exemption for requirements of their degree program. These credits should not have been previously used as a requirement for an already-conferred degree. Only courses completed at a university are eligible for consideration. Courses completed at a college are not eligible for review. Courses completed through Advanced Placement (AP)/ International  Baccalaureate (IB) will only be considered for transfer credits for Level I electives.

No course for which a grade of less than C- (60%) has been achieved will be considered for transfer credit/course exemption towards elective course requirements. No course for which a grade of less than B- (70%) has been achieved will be considered for transfer credit/course exemption towards mandatory HTHSCI or NURSING courses. Students who have completed AP exams through the College Board in acceptable courses and achieved a minimum grade of 4 will be considered for up to 18 units of transfer credit toward Level I electives. Students who have completed Higher Level (HL) courses and achieved final International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Certificate grade of 5 or greater will be considered for up to 18 units of transfer credit toward Level I electives.

The following courses are not eligible for transfer credit/course exemption due to the professional, integrated nature of the B.Sc.N Program:

• Basic (A) Stream: NURSING 1F03 , 1G03 , 1I02 , 1J02 , 1K02 , 2L03 , 2MM3 , 2NN3 , 2P03 , 3CN3 , 3QQ3, 3SS3 , 3TT3 , 3X04 , 3Y04 , 4J07 , 4K10 , 4P04 , 4Q03  
• Post Diploma RPN (E) Stream: NURSING 2A04 , 2AA3 , 3A04 , 3CN3 , 3QQ3, 3RS3 , 3RT3 , 3RY4 , 4J07 , 4K10 , 4P04 , 4Q03  
• Accelerated (F) Stream: NURSING 2I04 , 2J04 , 2U04 , 2V04 , 3QA3 , 3QQ3, 3V03 , 3ZA3 , 3ZB3 , 4J07 , 4K10 , 4P04 , 4Q03  

The following courses will only be considered eligible for review for transfer credit/course exemption if completed in an accepted Health Professional Program:

• Basic (A) Stream: HTHSCI 2LA2 A/B , 3PA2 A/B  
• Post Diploma RPN (E) Stream: HTHSCI 3C04 , 3PA2 A/B  
• Accelerated (F) Stream: HTHSCI 2PF3 A/B , 3C04 , 3PF1  

Mandatory HTHSCI and NURSING courses completed in one stream of the B.Sc.N. Program will not be considered for transfer credit/course exemption in another stream of the B.Sc.N. Program. Courses from another institution/program used to request transfer credit/course exemption for any eligible, mandatory HTHSCI or NURSING course in the B.Sc.N. Program must have been completed no more than 5 years prior to admission to the B.Sc.N. Program. Students who are interested in requesting transfer credit/course exemption for electives should refer to the guidelines regarding electives found in the Requirements for their stream. Students must submit a Transfer Credit/Course Exemption request form to Academic Advising Services within one year of program start-date to have their previous course work considered for the entirety of their program. Under exceptional circumstances if a transfer credit is granted, an additional course, with equivalent unit value, will be required to achieve the required units of a BScN degree. 

Please see the McMaster University General Policy for Transfer Credits  for additional information.

Letter of Permission

All students in good academic standing who wish to attend another university to take courses for credit toward a McMaster degree must first request a Letter of Permission (LOP) through the Student Centre in Mosaic. The School of Nursing requires that students must achieve a minimum grade of C- (60%) in courses used for elective requirements to receive the transcript designation of ‘T’ indicating successful completion. Courses taken at another university cannot be used to satisfy McMaster University’s minimum residence requirements, and will not be included in the calculation of the Grade Point Average. LOPs are not accepted for mandatory courses due to the integrated nature of concepts in the B.Sc.N. curriculum.

Students who are interested in taking a course on LOP to satisfy elective requirements should refer to the guidelines regarding electives found in the Requirements for their stream. 

Professional Practice Regulations

As a mandatory portion of the BScN programs, nursing students must fulfill unpaid training or work experience requirements during clinical courses.
Before entering the professional practice setting, every student who participates in a mandatory unpaid placement must sign a WSIB Declaration form.
If illness or an accident resulting in personal injury (e.g. needlestick injury, fall, actual or near miss, violence in the workplace) occurs during the unpaid training/placement program, the student must immediately:

1. Seek first-aid or emergency services if needed. Follow agency/workplace procedures;
2. Notify the faculty instructor and professional practice placement preceptor (who then notifies the supervisor);
3. Notify the professional practice placement coordinator;
4. Complete a McMaster University Injury/Incident Report.

Professional Practice Courses

The following courses are designated professional practice Nursing (NURSING) courses:

• Basic (A) Stream: NURSING 1I02 , 1J02 , 1K02 , 2K02 A/B, 2L03 , 2P03 , 3CN3 , 3QQ3, 3X04 , 3Y04 , 4J07 , 4K10  
• Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream: NURSING 3CN3 , 3QQ3, 3RY4 , 4J07 , 4K10  
• Accelerated (F) Stream: NURSING 2I04 , 2J04 , 2U03, 2U04 , 3QA3 , 3ZA3 , 3ZB3 , 4J07 , 4K10  

Removal from Courses

The B.Sc.N. Program reserves the right to remove a student from a professional practice course or laboratory setting at any point during the term if the student exhibits unsafe professional 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 professional practice activities associated with any professional practice course must be successfully achieved for attainment of a passing grade in the course.

Clearance to Participate

If the School of Nursing has concerns that a student’s participation in a professional practice course may pose a risk to the health and safety of the student, their peers, instructors, clients/patients, or
staff members of the professional practice setting the student may be required to produce documentation from a health care practitioner (typically the student’s attending physician) indicating that the student is
medically able to perform the full duties required in the professional practice placement. Students may be precluded from participating in the professional practice course until such time that they are able to produce the documentation, and obtain clearance/approval from the School of Nursing. This may result in the student having to take the course in a different term if, as a result, the student is absent from the professional practice setting for a significant portion of the course.

Reintegration to Professional Practice

Any student who has either (a) failed a professional practice course, and/or (b) has experienced a gap of 2 terms between professional practice courses as a result of a leave of absence from the program, repeating mandatory NURSING/HTHSCI course(s), or following a reduced course load, is required to complete a reintegration course in consultation with a faculty member designated by the School of Nursing. The purpose of the reintegration course is to re-familiarize the student course concepts and refresh their professional practice skills to ensure the student’s return to a professional practice setting is safe and successful for all stakeholders. The reintegration course must be completed to the satisfaction of the faculty member over the term (approximately four months) immediately prior to the student commencing professional practice course(s). Students who are required to complete a reintegration plan will be contacted by the School of
Nursing with further instructions and guidelines.

Examinations

McMaster student photo identification card is required at all examinations. Students attending the Program at the Mohawk College or Conestoga College sites also require a photo identification card from the college site at all examinations, regardless of location of examination.

Non-Academic Regulations

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.

Non-Academic Requirements

In order to ensure the safety of all students and patients, the School of Nursing requires that all students adhere to Standards of Practice in Nursing.

More detailed information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. For information on health screening please visit https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/healthscreening/formsandsubmission.html. For information on police clearance (Vulnerable Sector Screen VSC) please visit https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/pcbe/police_records_check.html. Please see site-specific guidelines (https://nursing.mcmaster.ca/current-students/nonacademicrequirements) and ensure you have met all requirements by the deadline, The process for notification, submission and verification of NARs varies by site. It is the student’s professional responsibility to ensure this deadline is met.

Additional requirements include:

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (CPR - HCP with AED & BVM)
• Online Health and Safety modules available through Avenue to Learn
• Mask Fit Testing & Training (quiz)

Students must provide proof that ALL requirements have been met before practicing in a lab or professional practice setting. Students who fail to provide this proof will:

• Not be allowed to enter a lab or professional practice setting, or
• Be removed from a lab or professional practice setting until requirements are met.
• Be reviewed under the Faculty of Health Sciences Professionalism Policy for failing to meet a requirement in a professional program

Immunization

The Ontario Public Hospitals Act requires all students placed 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. Failure to produce this information will result in a student being precluded from commencing professional practice course(s) or a suspension from professional practice course(s) until such time that they are able to produce the information and have fulfilled the requirements, which may result in the student having to take the course(s) in a different term. Information on specific medical information that is required will be sent to students prior to commencing their studies in the program and each year thereafter prior to the start of the academic year.

Police Records Check

During the course of the B.Sc.N 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 professional practice agencies require that all nursing students provide confirmation of the absence of a criminal conviction or outstanding criminal charges. All students are required to have a satisfactory Police Record Check completed annually. The Police Record Check must include Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Expenses for the Police Record Check are the responsibility of the student. Ensure you request two original copies from your Police Services as your placement may also request an original VSC, or follow the direction from the FHS Professionalism Office to submit your VSC with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the original copy. 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 professional practice placement.

CPR Certification

Students are required to provide evidence of a valid certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 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 recertification is mandatory. The cost of a course is the responsibility of the student. Courses are readily available in most communities. Certification obtained through an online provider will not be accepted. Certificate must be obtained in Canada.

Travel within the Program

Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from learning settings external to the University (regardless of site) and for covering any cost incurred. Students who enroll in the BScN Program are expected to travel to learning settings in the Hamilton and 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).

Access to Clinical Courses

Students in any stream who register for a clinical NURSING course must participate in placement survey(s) and/or site selector. Students who fail to meet survey(s)/selector deadline but who register for the course at least two months prior to the date 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 survey(s)/selector 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.

Global Health Professional Practice

Level IV students in Basic (A) Stream, Post Diploma R.P.N. (E) Stream and Accelerated (F) Stream have the option to complete global health professional practice placements in international or outpost settings for NURSING 4J07 . Prerequisites include, but are not limited to, (1) attaining a GPA of 8.0 in all mandatory NURSING/HTHSCI courses  Level II and Fall Term of Level III (Basic A Stream) or Winter Term of Level II and Fall Term of Level III (Post Diploma E Stream) or Fall and Winter term of Level III (Accelerated F Stream); (2) a pass in all professional practice NURSING courses; (3) a minimum grade of C- in  NURSING 4H03 .

Additional criteria (e.g. reference from a professional practice preceptor) may also be required to assess readiness to participate in a global health placement.

Specialized/Atypical Professional Practice Placements

Specialized/atypical placements in NURSING 4J07  and/or NURSING 4K10  are only available to students who have met the following criteria:

1. a cumulative GPA of 8.0 in all mandatory NURSING/HTHSCI courses completed prior to entry to Level IV course work
2. a pass in all professional practice courses on the first attempt.

Additional criteria (e.g. reference from a professional practice preceptor) may also be required and considered by the School of Nursing in allocating specialized/atypical placements. The reference will assess readiness to participate in a specialized/atypical placement. A pass in all professional practice courses does not necessarily mean that a student is ready to participate in an unpredictable or highly acute setting. Achieving the above noted criteria is not a guarantee that a student will receive a specialized/atypical placement as placements are limited.

Documentation for Licensure outside of Canada

Documentation for Licensure for outside of Canada is done by the B.Sc.N. Program Office. Typically, this process requires up to 16 weeks notice, variable depending on documentation required for the licensing body. A fee for each request, is charged for providing the documentation and sending, by courier, to the agency requesting such documentation. Please check the program website for details regarding fees. Forms requesting this documentation are available on the School of Nursing website http://nursing.mcmaster.ca/current/graduation-designations.

Programs

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