CÉGEP Heritage College's Nursing program is a competency-based program that provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills required to care for patients and their families in various health care settings.
Students get hands on clinical experience in their first semester. Hours spent in the clinical setting gradually increase so that by third year, you will spend the majority of your time in a hospital setting, integrating your knowledge and skills in order to assume the graduate role with confidence.
In first year, you will be introduced to the Canadian and Quebec Health Care systems, the Nursing Process, and principles of therapeutic communication in order to optimize nurse-client relationships. You will learn basic nursing skills, which form the foundation of nursing, such as the clinical examination, vital signs, wound care, infection control, basic concepts of pharmacology, and medication administration. In second year and third year, you will focus on the integration of the nursing care needs of the client with complex health problems, diseases, and illnesses in various specialty areas ranging from obstetrics, pediatrics, medicine, surgery, geriatrics, and psychiatry.
Physical activity and health is an introductory course that combines a variety of physical activities in order to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Stress management, motivational factors, designing an exercise program, healthy eating habits and nutrition are some of the topics that complement the weekly activities. Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability in a fun-filled environment. The following activities may be offered: Soccer, Ultimate, Volleyball, Hockey, Ringette, Basketball, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Cross country running, Weight training, Circuit training, Yoga, Badminton, Flexibility, and Relaxation, and others.
This course is directed toward improving English language skills by extensive written work based on literary texts. It uses the same textbooks as the Introduction to College English: Literature, but because of the emphasis on writing skills has a reduced list of readings.
In this course, students will build a foundation on which to study the human body. They will develop an understanding of the major principles of anatomy and physiology, such as homeostasis and the structure-function relationship. Students will recognize the importance of these principles when exploring biochemical processes, cellular biology and body tissues. Select body systems will be further explored, including those controlling the body, such as the nervous and endocrine systems, and support systems such as the integument. In addition, the student will be introduced to basic laboratory techniques.
The student will learn the concepts basic to the role of the professional nurse. The student will learn and begin to apply the nursing process Allen/McGill Nursing Model, and critical thinking. The concepts of personal and professional growth and responsibilities will be explored.
The student will learn, apply and appreciate the use of therapeutic communication in order to optimize the nurse-client relationship and understand how this affects the psychosocial and physical well-being of the client.References to the client, nursing, environment and health will be based on the McGill Model.
We think of health in terms of medicine, but poverty, gender, race and ethnicities impact the general wellness of individuals. Nursing students examine social issues affecting health practice and outcomes, with a focus on their implications for practitioner-client interactions. This course examine social determinants of health, social trends affecting medical knowledge and practice, social relationships within the family, and cross-cultural perspectives on family life, health and illness. Students develop the ability to apply a sociological perspective to enhance their understanding of these issues.
The purpose of the second set is to encourage students to use a goal-oriented approach to improve the effectiveness of a physical activity whether it is a sport, corporal expression or an outdoor activity. After an initial assessment, students evaluate the physical activity in terms of their ability and attitudes; they set goals and try an approach aimed at improving their motor skills, their technique or their mastery of complex strategies. Finally, students are called upon to assess their progress.
involves the introduction of skills including serving, underhand and overhead strokes, rules and etiquette of the game and basic strategies of singles and doubles play.
This course provides a great opportunity to work out with a group in a friendly setting, where everyone works to their own capacity. Workouts will consist of different training approaches based on the five fitness components. The resistance used will be of personal choice of weights and/or body weight. Ultimately all workouts will provide both cardiovascular and muscular strength/endurance benefits, resulting in a very functional form of fitness
Students will experience a blend of activities such as yoga, meditation and stress management techniques. The course aims to increase flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength through a variety of workoutswhile developing awareness of mind and body.
involves learning the skills and strategies to comfortably use the winter environment to travel over snow and ice. Snow sports will include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating in the Gatineau Park and surrounding facilities. Exercising in cold weather conditions requires an understanding of proper nutrition, safety management, cold weather injuries, and dressing techniques; all topics that are covered in the course.
This course is condensed into the first seven weeks of the winter semester.
This is a true Canadian experience.
will allow students to experience the health advantages and adventure of outdoor based activities. Students will learn skills important to safely adventure in the outdoors including navigational skills, wilderness first aid, risk management and basic survival skills while engaging in a range of outdoor activities that will build their muscular and cardiovascular endurance. This course is condensed into the first seven weeks of the fall semester.
focuses on the progression of fundamental skills,. Team Sports is comprised of three different activities each lasting five weeks, to be determined by the individual teacher. Three of the following sports could be offered: Soccer, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee or others.
is a practice that has evolved over a period of approximately 5,000 years dealing with all aspects of health. The term yoga literally means union of mind and body. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to the many different styles of yoga, focusing on a variety of forward bends, back bending and balancing postures.
(Pre-requisite: 101-H11-HR)
In this course, the student will build on knowledge previously acquired and focus their attention to body systems crucial in maintaining homeostasis of the whole body. Interdependence will be emphasized as maintenance, processing and transport systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems are considered. In addition, human genetics, reproduction and development, will be discussed. Pathological conditions of the studied body systems will also be discussed, lending a more comprehensive look into the physiology of the human body.
(Pre-requisites: 180-D11-HR; 180-B16-HR; 101-H11-HR; 387-H05-HR)
The theory, lab and clinical components of this course focus on the basic nursing skills and physical examination techniques related to caring for the surgical client pre-operatively and post operatively. The student builds upon the framework of the nursing process to improve assessment skills. The fundamental concepts of health promotion and teaching methods are applied.
(Pre-requisites: 180-D11-HR; 101-H11-HR)
This course introduces the basic concepts of pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical application within the context of the Nursing Process. The student will examine the general classifications of medication, explore the indications, action and effects of drugs, as well as, method of administration, contraindications and interactions of drugs. The student will learn specific nursing responsibilities essential for safe drug administration.
(Pre-requisites: 180-D11-HR;)
Students in the Nursing program will explore the normal progression of development from a physical, cognitive, social and emotional perspective across the lifespan. A special emphasis will be placed on relating the theoretical components of developmental psychology to nursing practice.
This course’s emphasis is on how knowledge is defined, acquired, transmitted and applied. Students examine both messages and media to identify the strengths and limitations of each. Students learn to situate knowledge in a social, historical and personal context, a skill they will need in order to become lifelong learners.
This English course is designed for students in Nursing and Early Childhood Education, in other words for students who care for others. Since communication is essential in the caring milieu, the course emphasizes clear, precise, and concise written and oral communication. Through fiction and non-fiction, students examine both the message and the medium in terms of their programs.
(Pre-requisites: 101-H22-HR)
This course will focus on the impact of microorganisms on the human body. The characteristics of bacteria and of eukaryotic microbes will be examined, with emphasis on pathogenicity and resistance. Students will also look at the role of the immune system in fighting infection and at methods used to control microbial growth. A survey of select pathological microorganisms will deepen understanding of infections relevant to nursing practice. Furthermore, students will apply theory using microbiological laboratory techniques such as aseptic methods and diagnostic cultures.
(Pre-Requisites:180-D26-HR; 101-H22-HR;180-B21-HR; 350-H08-HR)
This course includes the basic nursing concepts required to care for families within the maternal-newborn hospital/community setting. The student will develop an understanding of growth and developmental tasks and events, lifestyle, pathologies and nursing problems related to the perinatal and neonatal period in a multicultural society. The concepts of ethics, rights and responsibilities, collaboration with others and social involvement are addressed within the context of maternal-newborn care. In the laboratory and clinical setting, the student is taught the knowledge and skills relevant to the specific pathologies and nursing problems.
(Prerequisites: 101-H22-HR; 180-B21-HR; 180-D26-HR; 350-H08-HR).
This course includes the basic nursing concepts required to care for children and families within the pediatric hospital and community settings. The student will develop an understanding of growth and developmental tasks and events, lifestyle, pathologies and nursing problems related to the pediatric client in a multicultural society. The concepts of ethics, rights and responsibilities, collaboration with others and social involvement are addressed within the context of pediatrics. In the laboratory and clinical setting, the student is taught the knowledge and skills relevant to the specific pathologies and nursing problems.
This course aims to apply different ethical theories, principles, and values to the areas of health and early child care. The focus is on understanding and evaluating certain practices in these fields from a moral point of view and having students clarify their own values in terms of their various societal roles. Particular attention will be paid to issues in bioethics and family ethics as well as applying an ethical decision-making model to relevant case studies.
The third physical education course is aimed at integrating physical activity into the student’s daily lifestyle through more effective application of related personal factors (i.e. time management, motivation, nutrition needs, designing an exercise program) that contribute to continued participation. During scheduled course hours, the student will be introduced to new skills and concepts related to the specific activity chosen. The student is also expected to maintain regular physical activity outside class hours within a personal activity program under the professor’s supervision by applying the knowledge gained while integrating new course material.
The group activity portion of this course will consist of a three day canoe camping trip on local waterways providing a quintessential Canadian experience.. Students will be involved with various organizational aspects of the trip such as purchasing food, planning and preparing meals over fires/camp stoves, preparing and maintaining fires and other responsibilities associated with building camp. The rest of the semester is completed independently, with the guidance of the teacher, focusing on the student’s personal activity program that they have designed for themselves.
No matter where you are, cycling is a great way to travel and at the same time, benefit from some fresh air and exercise. In this course we will start off with a couple preliminary outings that will take us into the Gatineau Park with a focus on bike selection, proper positioning and gear use. In addition, we will select, plan, and divide up some of the responsibilities for an overnight cycle tour in the region. Also, students will have planned and managed a personal activity of their choice in a health enhancing approach over the entire semester.
Fitness and Strength Training will allow students to develop and use personalized resistance training and cardiovascular training programs throughout the course. Classes are in two blocks that are broken down betweenworkout/application and lecture.
This course will allow students to discover the Gatineau Park through many of its hiking trails. Three to four weekend outings will take them to different areas of the park to explore the diversity that the park has to offer. Topics covered during the hikes will include ‘leave no trace’ principles, local flora and fauna, risk management, appropriate clothing and footwear, local history, and basic hiking techniques. The rest of the semester is completed independently, with the guidance of the teacher, focusing on the student’s personal activity program that they have designed for themselves.
This course will encourage students to assume more responsibility for directing and managing their own sport experience. Students will develop sport-specific techniques and fitness; appreciate and be able to execute sport-specific strategic play; share planning and administration of sport experiences; provide responsible leadership; and develop and apply knowledge about officiating, scorekeeping and training. Classes are in two hour weekly blocks.
This weekend course will emphasize the importance of mind and body awareness through a broad range of activities which include yoga, meditation, Qi Gong and relaxation techniques. In addition, the outings may include hiking, orienteering and ziplining in the fall or snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, indoor climbing in the winter among other adventures depending on the year. The rest of the semester is completed independently, with the guidance of the teacher, focusing on the student’s personal activity program that they have designed for themselves.
Snowshoeing is an excellent low impact, cardiovascular winter workout. Students will explore different types of terrain and visit different areas in the Gatineau Park over three weekend outings at the beginning of the winter semester. The rest of the semester is completed independently, with the guidance of the teacher, focusing on the student’s personal activity program that they have designed for themselves..
This course will encourage students to assume more responsibility for directing and managing their own fitness & health. Students will develop programs related to cardiovascular health, flexibility, muscular strength, stress management, nutrition and other lifestyle habits. Students will work in groups to prepare and present a specific component of fitness or health to the class and will participate weekly in group fitness activities or workouts. They will independently create and execute their own fitness and health program addressing all components of fitness.
This course explores a variety of outdoor paddling sports that will introduce and refine paddling skills during three weekend day outings on local rivers and lakes. The students will be introduced to Stand up Paddling, Dragon boating and Canoeing with a focus on flat water skills, equipment knowledge, and safety. The rest of the semester is completed independently, with the guidance of the teacher, focusing on the student’s personal activity program that they have designed for themselves.
(Pre-requisite: 101-H33-HR)
Students in this course will integrate and apply theory learned in the first three Human Body courses to pathological changes of the various body systems. An exploration of common diseases will be accomplished through case study work and other such application methods. Students will also hone research skills through the investigation of patient profiles; this will allow a deeper understanding of the etiology of homeostatic imbalances encountered in the clinical setting.
(Pre-requisites: 180-A31-HR; 180-A36-HR, 101-H33-HR;)
This course teaches concepts related to care of the adult in a medical-surgical clinical setting. The nursing concepts taught include: common medical and surgical problems and potential complications. There is an emphasis on the roles, relationships and responsibilities of the multi-disciplinary team; ethical dilemmas and the study of situations affecting the quality of adult life. The course emphasizes decision-making and the factors influencing the ability to make choices. In theory and lab, nursing procedures related to the care of the adult are taught with emphasis on nursing process and collaborative problems and the TNP. The interrelationship between medical diagnosis, medications, treatment and diagnostic testing is explored. In the medical surgical clinical setting, nursing procedures related to the care of the adult are taught with emphasis on nursing process and collaborative problems. The interrelationship between medical diagnosis, medications, treatments and diagnostic tests is applied.
The course focuses on how individuals, groups, societies or nations organize ideas, perceptions and values into explanatory patterns. Students explore major ideas and value systems by which diverse individuals, groups, societies or nations seek to explain the world and their place in it.
(Pre-requisites: 180-D41-HR,; 101-H44-HR; 180-B15-HR. )
This course teaches concepts related to the care of psychiatric/mental health clients. In the theory, and clinical settings the focus is on assessment, communication techniques and pharmacology. Clinical settings include hospitals providing care for the psychiatric/mental health clients. The student must consider ethical and legal implications, personal and professional values, conflict resolution, as well as collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
(Pre-requisites: 180-D41-HR,; 101-H44-HR)
This course teaches concepts related to Gerontology, Palliative Care and Ambulatory Care Nursing. Applying the Allen/McGill Nursing Model in the theory, laboratory and clinical settings; the focus is on assessment, and therapeutic nurse-client relationships, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly population and in providing care in the continuum of care services. The concept of nursing the aging population with complex health problems is specifically addressed in this course due to the complex nature of the clients’ health, the nursing assessments and interventions in this course attain a high level of complexity and demand an advanced level of skill and knowledge. Clinical settings include hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The student must consider ethical and legal implications, personal and professional values as well as collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
(Pre-requisites: 180-A51-HR; 180- A56-HR)
This course is condensed over 7.5 weeks (instead of 15).
It is designed to assist the graduating student to prepare for the workplace through examination of issues affecting the novice nurse. The Task Oriented Model is taught in the first few hours of the course and students are expected to apply its principles while working on their terminal group project. At the beginning of each class, current social/political issues are discussed and related to the field of nursing practice. Referring to the Allen/McGill Model, and using the template from the required textbook; economical, historical and political/sociologic factors influencing nursing and the health care system are addressed. Strategies to affect change are discussed. The legal rights and responsibilities of clients and of nurses, including scope of practice, and professional accountability are explored. The goals and functions pertaining to professional associations and unions are explored. The development of the profession and strategies to affect change are discussed. Other contemporary issues such as violence in the workplace, leadership, environmental health, nursing shortage, substance abuse by professionals, and entry to practice are also examined. Job opportunities and educational requirements for advanced practice fields are presented.
(Pre requisites: 180-A51-HR; 180-A56-HR)
This course focuses on the consolidation and application of all previously learned theory within an adult medical-surgical setting. The goal is to increase the student’s autonomy, organization and prioritization of client care. The concurrent theoretical component, which combines concepts related to care of the client, professionalism and nursing practice, is designed to assist the student in preparation for the evaluation by the Quebec Professional Order of Nurses in order to obtain license to practice Nursing in the province of Quebec. Upon completion of this course, the student can then advance to the final course requirement 180-C61-HR (Nursing Preceptorship).
(Prerequisite: 180-A60-HR)
Nursing Preceptorship is a clinical experience which integrates the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired during all previous courses in the Nursing Program. It is designed to facilitate the transition from the role of student to that of graduate nurse in collaboration of the Health Care Team. Clinical settings include hospital and ambulatory care services settings. The focus of the experience is on social integration into the work place, application of theory to practice, decision making and mastery of psychomotor skills. An integral aspect of the preceptorship is the ability of the student to assume responsibility for his/her own learning.
◉ For Certificate of Eligibility Holders who are at French level 100 or 101
◈ For Certificate of Eligibility Holders who are at French level 102 or 103
▣ For Non-certificate of Eligibility Holders
During our program, upon completion of the required courses for each respective year, nursing students are eligible to be hired by CISSSO for summer employment opportunities. These opportunities assist our students in building on their existing knowledge and skills to promote student excellence. For specifics, please refer to L'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec (OIIAQ).
Our state-of-the-art learning environment allows you to get individual support and a chance to build relationships. With small class sizes and dedicated teaching staff, you'll build lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You will experience exciting and engaging active learning through our innovative teaching and learning strategies, such as case based learning, gamification, interactive labs, and simulated clinical experiences in our high-fidelity Simulation Lab.
Our closely supervised clinical experiences allow you to grow personally and professionally improving critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, and communication skills, in order to improve patient experience and clinical outcomes. We offer individual and group support through a variety of resources such as peer tutoring, Brigil Learning Center (BLC), and Lunch and Learn activities.
In order to graduate, you must pass a Ministerial Examination of Language. If you are an English rights holder then you must pass a Ministerial Examination of College English, otherwise you must pass a Ministerial Examination of College French.
The Program Exit Assessment (PEA) is a final evaluation activity that shows a student’s achievement throughout the program. It requires students to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills gained from their Diploma of College Studies (DEC), as indicated in our College’s policy on student evaluation.
Admission requirements for the Nursing program vary depending on if you are a Quebec-resident, out-of-province applicant, or international applicant. Please review all general and program-specfic requirements before applying.
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