RPN to Honours BScN Program

Bridge to BScN Program Philosophy

The Honours Bachelor of Nursing-Science Bridge program (BSNB) is designed using “Trauma-Informed Universal Designed Teaching and Learning Principles” (Bell, 2021).  Being trauma-informed means being aware of the everyday instances where a person’s internal capacity to cope with external stressors is not enough (Hoch, Stewart, Webb, & Wyandt-Hiebert, 2015). Universal Design for Learning is an approach to learning environment design that provides multiple means of engagement, representation and action or expression of learning (CAST, 2018). In other words, multiple ways to show the ‘why’ of learning, the ‘what’ of learning and the ‘how’ of learning (CAST, 2018). When combined with trauma-informed practices, this learning occurs in a safe environment, providing choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment (Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care, 2015). BSNB courses are rooted in this philosophy, providing authentic learning through assessments and evaluations that give choice, are applicable to practice, and seek to acknowledge each student’s need for emotional safety, respectful and professional collaboration with peers and faculty, and empowerment to grow both in their individual areas of need as well as their professional areas of learning.

This program is designed for the working professional RPN seeking to further their education with an undergraduate degree in nursing. Developed with both synchronous and asynchronous modules, this design promotes greater flexibility and fosters both collaboration and self-directed learning. This learning style requires active participation and personal drive to complete the weekly independent learning. This builds on the similar independent learning you do as a nurse to provide evidence-based practice assessments and interventions for your clients.