Durham College nursing students practise hands-on procedures as they gain the knowledge needed to be a competent and professional practical nurse.

Individuals looking to pursue a nursing career in Durham Region have access to one of the best nursing programs in the province according to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The governing body for Ontario’s approximately 145,000 registered nurses, registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners awarded the college’s Practical Nursing program Category 1 approval in December 2009.

The five-year Category 1 approval, the highest attainable rating given by the CNO, recognizes the two-year program, which provides students with the knowledge, skills and approaches necessary to practise as safe, competent and professional practical nurses.

The CNO is responsible for regulating nursing standards to protect public interest; sets requirements for potential nurses to enter the profession; establishes and enforces standards of nursing practice; and assures the quality of the practice of the profession and the continuing competence of nurses.

“This distinguished recognition from the College of Nurses of Ontario for full program approval for five years is yet another testament to the strong commitment and dedication of the Practical Nursing program team at Durham College,” said Susan Sproul, dean of the School of Health & Community Services. “Acknowledgement and thanks needs to be extended to our faculty, contract teachers, support staff, advisory board members and supportive practicum partners and preceptors. The ongoing support of these dedicated individuals is acknowledged and appreciated.”

The program places a strong emphasis on practical hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply theory gained in the classroom and lab to long-term care, medical, surgical, maternal/child, mental health and community environments.

The goal of the program is to advance students with high standards of health care to instill confidence in patients and allow for success in the nursing profession.

In addition to the Category 1 approval, the program also received more good news last fall when the group of Durham College graduates who wrote the CNO’s Practical Nursing licensing exam last September received a passing rate of 94 per cent.

All practical nursing applicants are required to pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination to become registered in Ontario. The exam questions are designed to measure specific competencies required by entry-level practical nurses.