UNBC will be launching a new way for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition to a new career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
The new LPN pathway will be part of the current two-year Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program offered through UNBC’s School of Nursing.
“What it does is it allows licensed Practical Nurses with two years of experience to come into the Bachelor’s program for our Registered Nurses, and accelerate their completion of the RN program,” said UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen.
Comprising Year 3 and Year 4 of the UNBC Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, the LPN Pathway will be offered at UNBC’s Campuses in Prince George and Fort St. John.
This pathway will also use seats already allocated to the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program, with an ongoing goal of filling half with LPN Pathway students.
According to the university, there are currently 16 seats in the program in Fort St. John and 24 in Prince George.
“Right now, we need to ensure that we’re filling all of our seats in the program,” Owen said.
“We’ve got some capacity, and this is a way to ensure that Northern Health gets as many nurses who are trained in the north, who are likely to work in the north.”
Owen said this is something that has been in demand from LPNs in the north.
“They’ve been asking for this program for quite some time,” he said.
“In the past, they would have had to start a brand new four-year program, so they weren’t willing to take four years out of their career, out of their communities and their family lives, whereas this program helps smooth that transition and give them the recognition for the prior education and also the prior experience that they have.”
Applicants interested in the Pathway program must be registered as LPNs with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives, and have at least two years of experience in acute care settings in the province.
Additionally, interested individuals are invited to attend an online information session on February 17th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
The application period is open as well, and will be open until March 9th.
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