FAQs Graduate

What is the graduate student process for requesting a Leave of Absence from a program?

What is the N95 Particulate Respirator Mask and where can I get one?

As a requirement for practice, each student must be fitted with an N95 respirator prior to the start of practicum, by a certified provider.

A respirator is a mask worn over one’s nose and mouth to keep airborne contaminants out of the wearer’s respiratory system and provides a safe air supply while wearing it. The N95 respirator is a specially fitted mask required for use in the care of patients with Airborne infection control precautions.

An “N-95” mask means it is Not resistant to Oil is at least 95% efficient at removing particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter from the air while being used in the course of care and with proper fit and use.

Fit testing certification for an N95 mask is to be renewed annually by an approved provider. BSN program re-certification needs to be valid until at least May the following year, so it takes students through to the end of preceptorship/graduation in May.

What needs to be on my Fit-test Certificate card and what should I do after receiving it?

Students are required to carry proof of fit-testing on their person at all times during the placement experience, which includes the following information:

Student or PSI educator/Instructor name;
Post-Secondary Institution name;
Fit-test date;
Brand, model and size of respirator successfully fit-tested;
Fit-testers name.

Respirators typically utilized:

With the reintroduction of 3M 1870+ respirators across BC, Health Authorities are transitioning to utilizing the following standard models of N95 respirators (listed in order of preference):

1. 3M 1870+

2. 3M 8210

3. 3M 1860 / 3M 1860S

4. Halyard 46727 (IH, NH, VCH and VIHA only)

5. CAN99 from Vitacore

Note: Fit testing is specific to the individual and the model of respirator.

Some Suggested N95 Fit Testing Locations include:

Link2Life
2378 Alberta Street Vancouver, BC
Sign up for N95 Mask Fit Testing

EMTEC Environmental Consulting Ltd.,
#121-8680 Cambie Road, Richmond, B.C.
Sign up for N95 Mask Fit Testing

Vida First Aid
7818 6th Street, Unit 304, Burnaby, BC
Sign up for N95 Mask Fit Testing

NB: This list is not exhaustive, as new suppliers and brands may be updated from time to time.

The above companies are recommended but is not an all an exclusive list. Outside the lower mainland you may find N95 Fit testing services for health facilities in your own community. The service you need is N95 respirator fit testing services conducted in accordance with the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4.02. The masks generally supplied in the relevant clinical placements in the BC Health Authorities include: 3M Aura 1870+ (3M 1870 to be phased out by 2016), 3M 1860, 3M 1860S, Kimberly Clark Regular, Kimberly Clark Small.

Furthermore, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a US agency that approves respirators. According to WorkSafeBC, NIOSH-approved masks are also approved for use in the Canadian healthcare setting, as they meet the similar safety standards.

KN95 mask are respirator masks made according to China’s standards, and although very similar, there have been some differences in the breathability, and observed inconsistencies in the level of particulate filtration, which have been found upon testing conducted in Ottawa and the US (See quote and reference links below). So, while KN95 masks may be acceptable for average consumer use, it is not considered safe for healthcare standards where a nursing student/ healthcare provider would be working in an environment with a high risk of direct exposure to various microscopic infective particles. Furthermore,

“Health Canada indicates the N95 and KN95 standards are similar "with respect to design, filtration, performance and materials standards." However, it says that "recent testing performed by the CDC resulted in concerns with some KN95 respirators (specifically those with ear loop design) that pose a difficulty in achieving a proper fit, which is essential for use." (Source: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/7306…)

With that said, at this time we must continue to adhere to the list of healthcare provider approved masks referenced above. Please also ensure that your mask fit-testing provider is utilizing masks approved for Healthcare provider use and that their testing services are conducted in accordance with the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.4.02.

Should you not have access to fit-testing providers that can meet the identified standard, you will be asked to indicate that to the BSN program at the time of certificate collection. If you do not have a valid certificate which meets the school’s requirements, when the school arranges for testing, you will be responsible for testing cost, and you will also be required to participate at the scheduled time designated by the BSN program.

Please note, it is in your best interest if you have access to appropriate vendors, to get tested before the start of the term. Alternatively, for students who were not able to get fit-testing certificates, the School of Nursing will arrange testing. There will be limited flexibility in the fit-testing sessions at UBC and students will not be able to select a time. Appointments will be scheduled in tandem with other scheduled on-site activities.

What is the graduate student process for requesting a Leave of Absence from a program?

What is the N95 Particulate Respirator Mask and where can I get one?

What is the process for extending my graduate program?

What is the process for requesting a graduate Directed Study course?

What is the process for transfer credit between graduate departments at UBC?

What student spaces do I have access to?

When does the application Open?

When will I know my graduation ceremony date and time?

Where can I find a Gender-Inclusive Washroom?

Where can I find breastfeeding friendly spaces?

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