Emergency Nursing Specialty (Combined Emergency/Critical Care Option)

Advanced Certificate Part-time/Distance & Online Learning School of Health Sciences

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Palliative Approach in Nursing Practice

Responding to the increased need for palliative education and support, BCIT developed this course to prepare nurses to support and comfort patients and families who are facing end-of-life issues related to their disease progression or condition. NSSC 7000 – the Palliative Approach in Nursing Practice.

Overview

Emergency courses and clinical experiences give you the skills to support the diverse array of illnesses and injuries you could see on a given shift. Our critical care courses educate you in strategies, such as advanced hemodynamic monitoring and mechanical ventilation, to optimize care and comfort for acutely ill patients.

Program delivery mode: blended

About the program

The Emergency nursing specialty (emergency/critical care option) is a boutique program specifically designed for registered nurses (RNs). These RNs are working in community and rural hospitals and work primarily in emergency care, with some shifts in the intensive care unit.

Part-time, advanced certificate program that takes an average of 2.5 years to complete
Distance and online learning gives you flexibility to learn at your own pace while working
Clinical experiences in emergency and critical care settings

Who it’s for

This program is for individuals who:

Are RNs or those are completing their specialty BSN in emergency
Are undergraduate nursing students currently completing an accredited BSN program
Have six or more months of relevant work experience in an acute care setting
Are able to make effective decisions while managing fast changing patient situations
Are able to communicate well with their team, patients, and patients’ family

Does this sound like you? See Entrance Requirements to discover more about requirements and how to apply.

Are you looking for more critical care and intensive care unit (ICU) expertise with a foundation in emergency nursing? See BCIT’s Combined Critical Care and Emergency specialty option.

Your work experience matters

At BCIT, we value your work experience. If you’ve been working as a critical care or emergency nurse, take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process and fast track your advanced certification education.

What grads can do

We prepare you to work in intensive care, cardiac care, and cardiac surgical units. See Graduating and Jobs to learn more about career opportunities.

Entrance Requirements

Note: In alignment with public health orders, this program requires that students be vaccinated for a number of communicable diseases – including COVID-19.

Entrance requirements

The following are requirements for entry into Specialty Nursing certificate and degree courses. Enforcement or waiving of any or all entry requirements is at the discretion of the program head.

If you have any questions about your experience or qualifications, please contact the program head.

English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (73%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- ENGL 1177 - Academic Writing (73%) or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (73%) from a recognized institution
Post-secondary education: diploma in nursing

Current practicing registration with one of the following:
- BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) or
- Canadian provincial equivalent or
- Registered Nurse (RN) license number (if practicing outside Canada)
Work Experience: minimum six months work experience in an acute care setting

Submit a resume of work experience with your application.

Exceptions may be granted for undergraduate students taking entry-level theory courses or new graduates. A resume is required for placement in the program. If you have questions about whether your work experience qualifies, please contact the program head.

Interested nurses from international practice, residential, or other areas of care lacking recent (within two years) acute care experience may be required to complete a refresher course. BCIT recommends the following programs:
- Douglas College
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Thompson Rivers University
Please contact one of the institutions above, as well as the program head, to determine an appropriate preparatory course of study.

Clinical requirements

Note: Effective immediately, all health care workers who come into contact with patients at publicly-funded health care facilities or in the community, including at long-term-care facilities, will have to get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask during flu season. This policy affects all students who will be entering a clinical setting.

As such, you will be required to provide proof of your immunization or agree to wear a mask at all times prior to being placed in your clinical studies.

Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification

All students participating in clinical courses must have current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Level C or Level Health Care Provider (HCP). The original certificate must be presented upon application to the clinical courses.

BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration

As well as providing this information at the time of admission, BCIT requires students to provide proof of BCCNM membership, Canadian provincial equivalent, or RN license number for each clinical course. Without proper registration, you will not be permitted to continue in the course.

Face Respirator Fit Testing

A face piece respiratory fit test is required before students are permitted to enter the clinical practicum. Upon successful completion of the fit test, the original certificate must be presented to the program and annual re-fitting is required. Students are expected to carry their certificate with them at all times during their practicum.

For the Respirator Fit Testing, fit testing with a N95 respirator (1860, 1860s or 1870) is required and must be performed, in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4-02. Fit Testing must also include, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage of protective equipment. Students will be given specific instructions in preparation for their fit testing by the provider they choose.

International applicants

This part-time distance/online program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid work permit in Canada that will be valid for the duration of clinical training.

International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.

Program declaration

Please contact the program assistant to declare this program.

Scheduled Intakes

Ongoing Part-time Studies intakes: January, April, and September.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

If you are an experienced emergency nurse with more than three years of full-time nursing experience in the emergency department, then PLAR may be for you. PLAR is a process intended to provide students with an opportunity to receive credit for both credit-based and non-credit-based prior learning that has been acquired in a variety of ways, including work experience.

For additional information on PLAR and to order a PLAR manual ($15), which explains the options in detail and guides you through the process, contact the Program Head at 604.451.7078 or toll free 1.800.663.6542 local 7078.

Costs & Supplies

Face respirator fit testing – approx $25 per year; annual re-fitting required.

Tuition fees

Part-time Studies tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Part-time Studies Tuition & Fees pages for more information:

Books & supplies

All listed costs are estimates and subject to change.

Course books:

Core course books for the advanced certificate program: $449
Core course books for the degree program: $735

Please check the BCIT Bookstore for most current prices.

Codes for the e-texts can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore.

Courses

Program matrix

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Required Courses: (34.0 credits)			Credits
	NSCC 7150	Dysrhythmia Interpretation and Management This course supports the development of fundamental knowledge required to systematically analyze and interpret basic cardiac dysrhythmias. Participants will explore myocardial electrophysiology in relation to cardiac monitoring and develop a systematic approach to dysrhythmia analysis and interpretation. Further, participants will consider the predisposing factors and associated interventions related to the conduction defect present and the consequences of the dysrhythmia to both systemic and myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Finally, the significance of dysrhythmia analysis, interpretation, and management to critical care nursing practice will be explored. Although this course is conducted within the specific context of critical care nursing practice, it would also be suitable for other nurses or qualified health professionals requiring this skill. If you are not a registered nurse or a student nurse in the final years of your BSN program you must consult the Critical Care Nursing Program Head prior to registration. Health professionals who are not nurses may register for this course with approval of the Critical Care Specialty Program Head. If you are registering in the NSCC, NSHA or NSER nursing program follow the program course matrix. Program Head approval is required to take NSCC 7150 as a co-requisite with NSCC 7120, NSCC 7220, NSHA 7100, or NSER 7110. You must achieve 75% or greater in this course to continue forward in the Critical Care Nursing Program and register in NSCC 7220. course outline	2.0
and
	NSER 7110	Emergency Nursing Theory 1 Introduces emergency nursing and focuses on client perspectives of care in emergency settings. Provides opportunities to explore the concept of partnership with clients, families, and health care professionals in a time limited, changing environment. Introduces emergency skills such as assessment, urgency determination, and diagnostic reasoning. Provides opportunities to work through common, less complex emergency client presentations in the form of case studies, identifying concepts key to emergency nursing. Emphasizes examination of pathophysiology, assessment and decision-making. Students are given opportunities to work both individually and collaboratively, and will be expected to participate in group activities throughout this course. Prerequisite(s): NSCC 7150 course outline	4.0
	NSER 7210	Emergency Nursing Theory 2 This course builds on concepts presented in Theory 1 such as critical thinking, assessment, and level of urgency. Students are given opportunities to work individually and collaboratively through complex emergency patient presentations, identifying concepts key to emergency nursing. Pathophysiology, assessment, and decision making related to shock, pediatrics, mental health, substance use, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiac arrest will be explored. Students will be expected to participate in group activities throughout this course. Prerequisite(s): 75% in NSER 7110 and NSCC 7150 course outline	4.0
	NSER 7300	Emergency Nursing Clinical 1 Nurses develop and begin to enact their role in emergency nursing by exploring an emergency environment and assessing influences pertaining to patient and family health. Building upon theory and frameworks from the preceding courses, nurses focus on developing comprehensive assessment skills and applying this knowledge in the care of patients and families. Effective clinical decision making in the context of common, less acute patient presentations is another focus of this clinical experience. In addition, nurses will develop and foster collaborative relationships with patients, families, colleagues, instructors, and other health care providers. The development of critical thinking, systematic inquiry, and communication skills will be emphasized throughout this course. Clinical placements will be available in either a three and one-half week block or on a part-time basis over eight weeks. Prerequisite(s): NSER 7210 course outline	5.0
	NSER 7410	Emergency Nursing Theory 3 An introduction to the care of critically ill patients, this course focuses on the knowledge, values, and beliefs central to the practice of nursing patients who experience life-threatening injuries. Throughout this course, students explore key concepts related to resuscitation including primary assessment and interventions and mechanism of injury. In addition, there is a strong focus on the needs of special populations. Pathophysiology, urgency determination, clinical reasoning, and patient assessment continue to be a focus for learning. Prerequisite(s): 75% in NSER 7210 course outline	4.0
	NSER 7500	Emergency Nursing Clinical 2 Building on knowledge and skills acquired in previous theory and clinical courses, nurses continue to develop understanding and apply reflective practice to their role as emergency nurses. Broad perspectives of communities, environment, and health care resources are incorporated into nurses’ understanding of health assessment and emergency nursing care. With a focus on a diversity of complex health care challenges and issues arising in emergency practice, nurses use systematic frameworks and reflective problem solving to gain knowledge, make and evaluate clinical judgements, and examine and challenge practice. Developing confidence in the provision of competent emergency nursing care for complex patients is central to this course. Communication skills and relationship building strategies are emphasized as nurses assume an active role in creating partnerships with patients and families and participating in multi-member/interdisciplinary teams. This clinical experience will integrate knowledge and skills gained from workshops/laboratories such as cardiac arrest management and trauma care with clinical practice. Specifically, this course focuses student learning on caring for patients experiencing unstable, complex health challenges. This course may be done on a part-time or full-time basis. Prerequisite(s): NSER 7410 course outline	5.0
and
	NSCC 7320	Critical Care Nursing Theory 3 Learners build knowledge related to supporting oxygen supply and demand balance for critically ill patients by exploring theory of mechanical ventilation, advanced oxygen supply and demand assessment, and management of metabolic and oxygen demand. The remainder of the course focuses on pathophysiology, assessment and management of a variety of 'single-system' critical illnesses presented within narrative cases of patients and families in a variety of critical care settings. Narrative cases focus on acute kidney injury, acute respiratory failure and care of chronically, critically ill patients/family, and hemodynamic instability (including shock states) arising from hypovolemic shock, acute decompensated heart failure, and SIRS/sepsis. The narrative cases also provide context for learners to build understanding of patients' and families' experiences of critical illness, develop clinical decision-making processes that support effective patient and family care, and to build understanding of interprofessional collaborative practice within critical care environments. Please note, learners must be Registered Nurses to take this course. Please note: You must achieve 75% or greater to register in the next Critical Care Nursing course, NSCC 7420. Prerequisite(s): 75% in NSCC 7220 course outline	5.0
	NSCC 7420	Critical Care Nursing Clinical 1 This clinical course occurs in an intensive care unit of mixed cardiac care/intensive care unit. Clinical practice experiences build toward independence in providing independent nursing care for stable, critically ill patients and families experiencing a variety of critical illnesses [e.g. acute coronary syndrome, acute respiratory insufficiency and failure, acute kidney injury, hemodynamic instability (including shock states), acute decompensated heart failure, hypovolemic shock and sepsis]. Specific attention will be given to the unique challenges of caring for chronically critically ill patients, for families of critically ill patients and collaborative practice within the interdisciplinary team. Relevant patients will include those experiencing noninvasive or mechanical ventilation, cardiac and invasive hemodynamic monitoring, common laboratory and diagnostic processes, and active intervention intended to optimize oxygen supply and demand balance. Primary patient issues will be predominantly in one system, with other physiological systems minimally or potentially impacted. Learners also complete a one day Lab related to Cardiac Arrest Management: in team-based high fidelity simulations, learners have an opportunity to apply relevant theory (e.g. ACLS algorithms) and to practice skills required for recognition and intervention for life threatening dysrhythmias. While NSCC 7420 is generally a clinical teacher led course, in unique situations it is possible to complete this course as a preceptorship. [The stable patient is defined as one with 'potential to change or experiencing gradually evolving changes in condition.] Please note, learners must be Registered Nurses to take this course. Please note: You must achieve a successful grade to register in the next Critical Care Nursing course, NSCC 7520. Prerequisite(s):* 75% in NSCC 7320 course outline	5.0

Total Credits:			34.0

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

Program length

The length of the program varies, as it is offered in a variety of formats:

BCIT offers theory and some clinical courses by part-time, independent study. We deliver theory courses over a 12-week term using guided-learning modules and telephone tutor support. They often include teleconferences, which provide opportunities for students and tutors to discuss issues relevant to the course. If you work full-time, you would generally register for one theory course per term, although this can vary depending on your additional commitments.
Through independent study, learn in your own community and structure your learning schedule in a manner that is most convenient for you. Complete full-time clinical courses at clinical sites throughout BC, over 4 to 6 weeks. If you live outside BC, clinical placements may be negotiated.
Most Specialty Nursing programs arrange special offerings of courses as "Compressed time frame programs". Offered in full-time study formats, they enable you to take several courses over a specified period of time. If you are interested in this option of study, contact the program assistant for more information and program start dates.
Nurses with three or more years of experience can apply for PLAR, Prior Learning Assessment recognition credits towards their Advanced Specialty Certificate.

Program length for either the Advanced Certificate or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing can range from 2 to 7 years depending on your individual pace. Preparedness for employment can take from 10 weeks to 1 year.

Additional program options

Graduating & Jobs

Our grads are ready

At BCIT, we listen to what you need to do your job well. This combined program ensures you can provide the best patient care possible in the emergency department, while also supporting critically ill patients needing intensive care.

Career opportunities

Registered nurses with the combined emergency and critical care specialty work in emergency departments with some shifts in the ICU. Salaries start at approximately $32 per hour.

Canadian Nurses Association

Graduates of the BCIT program are eligible to write the Specialty Nursing exam for Emergency Nursing through the CNA Certification Program. CNA views certification as a method of validating nurses’ competence in an area of specialization within the field of nursing. BCIT Specialty Nursing graduates can receive a credit of up to 1,000 hours towards their initial certification examination.

Keep learning

Looking to get your BSN? Use your advanced certificate toward completing our Specialty Bachelors of Nursing program.

Beginning in 2018, BCIT Specialty Nursing Advanced Certificate Graduates can apply to receive transfer credits towards the online, two-year UVIC Master of Nursing program. Applicants can chose from the Advanced Practice Leadership of Nurse Educator options.

Health Match BC

Health Match BC is a new service that helps recent specialty nursing graduates find work within BC. Funded by the provincial government, Health Match BC prioritizes the hiring of BC nursing graduates. For more information, download the Health Match BC [PDF].

Graduate employment outcomes

The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2018-2020 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2017-2019 graduates and for Degree 2016-2018 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.

To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Emergency Nursing Specialty (Combined Emergency/Critical Care Option)

Apply for graduation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.

Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.

All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.

Professional associations

Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has the mission of advancing the practice and profession of nursing to improve health outcomes and strengthen Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system. Toward this end, it promotes high standards of practice, education, research, and administration. The CNA is the national and global professional voice of Canadian nursing, representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed and registered practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and retired nurses across all provinces and territories.

Emergency Nurses Association of BC (ENABC)
ENABC is the professional organization for emergency nursing in BC. ENABC's main goal is to provide standards for emergency nursing care, offer a forum in which emergency nurses can exchange ideas, promote the specialized education of emergency nurses, and support community relations. ENABC has an affiliation with the National Emergency Nurses Association (NENA).

National Emergency Nurses Association (NENA)
NENA represents emergency nurses across Canada. The association works closely with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) to improve quality of care in Canada's emergency settings. If you register with ENABC you are a member of NENA.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Carrie Meagher, RN
Program Head
cmeagher2@bcit.ca
604-451-7045
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7045

Maya Heskia
Program Assistant
maya_heskia@bcit.ca
604-451-7094
Toll-free: 800-663-6542 x 7094

Contact Us