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FAQs Undergraduate
What is the BCCNM?
The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is B.C.'s nursing regulatory college. As of Sept. 4, 2018 — CLPNBC, CRNBC and CRPNBC joined together to become BCCNM. There are Standards of Practice for each designation of nursing: LPN, NP, RN and RPN. These standards assist nurses to provide safe, competent and ethical care by setting the requirements for practice.
In 2005 the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) was formed. Prior to that nursing in BC had been regulated through the Registered Nurses Association of BC (RNABC), which was replaced by the CRNBC. Under provincial legislation (the Health Professions Act), it is the duty of College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) to protect the public through the regulation of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed graduate nurses.
What is the CNSA?
"The Canadian Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) is the national voice of Canadian nursing students. …..As a member of CNSA, you have the opportunity to interact with other nursing students on educational, professional, and social levels. CNSA members connect with each other through annual national and regional conferences, CNSA member forums, Facebook, and Twitter."
Please visit the CNSA Website to learn more.
All UBC BSN Students have the opportunity to join the CNSA.
What is the minimum passing grade in the BSN Program?
The minimum passing grade for each course is 60%. The student must be identified as in Good Standing to progress from one academic term to the next, which means that the student’s cumulative grade average is 65% or higher.
For information on the minimum passing grade, please visit the information on "Good Standing" in the BSN Program.
What is the N95 Particulate Respirator Mask and where can I go to 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.
BSN program students are also required to submit N95 mask fit-testing certification annually, regardless of the expiry date listed on their previous certificate. N95 re-certification needs to be valid until at least May 2024, so it takes students through to the end of preceptorship/graduation in May 2024.
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.
Some Suggested N95 Fit Testing Locations include:
Link2Life
2378 Alberta Street Vancouver, BC
Ph: (604) 428-1870
Email: office@link2life.ca
Please click on link below to sign up for a session.
Sign up for N95 Mask Fit Testing
EMTEC Environmental Consulting Ltd.,
#121-8680 Cambie Road, Richmond, B.C.
Ph: 604-232-3365
Email: info@EmtecEnvironmental.com
Sign up for N95 Mask Fit Testing
Vancouver First Aid
Phone: +1 778-709-9180
Email: info@vancouverfirstaid.ca
Training Location: 1773 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5N 3Z8
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 NUS?
The NUS is the Nursing Undergraduate Society:
- All the undergraduate nursing students have the privilege of being members of the Nursing Undergraduate Society
- Council is composed of elected members from the student body
- Council provides an opportunity for communication between all five nursing terms, staff and faculty
- Is a link to the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and all other campus groups and clubs
- Provides a wide array of student services
- Organizes professional, philanthropic, athletic and social activities for Nursing students
- An excellent way to become involved in the UBC School of Nursing
The Nursing Undergraduate Society is located in room T246, Koerner Pavillion, UBC Hospital, and you can visit the NUS Website Online.
What is the Practice e-Portfolio (PeP)?
The Practice e-Portfolio (PEP) is a tool for students to record and manage their experiences in the clinical setting. It is also a tool for instructors to track progression of their students in the clinical setting.
What is the process to become an ESN/HCA?
UBC School of Nursing has very specific policies on working as an ESN. The first recommendation is to review this policy carefully prior to beginning your search or application for ESN roles. Both the updated ESN/HCA policy and timeline for applying for your Letter of Good standing, etc., will be communicated to all students in February 2023.
What is the profile of the average student who is accepted?
There is no such thing as an "average student" as we have a wide range of people undertaking the course and welcome all applications. In 2015 the average GPA of those offered a place was around 80% (or 3.7), and students were aged between 19-48 years old, from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, 87.5% were female and about 89% had completed a prior first degree qualification.
What is the required minimum academic standing to apply?
Applicants are required to have a minimum 70% average, or grade point average of 2.8 (calculated on a 4-point scale) based upon the most recent 30 non-nursing, university transferable credits completed at the undergraduate level. Note: Due to enrolment limitations, the academic standing required for admission is much higher than the above average and is subject to change each academic year.
What period of time may I apply for a Letter of Good Standing?
Given the fact that ESN hours must be completed before the start of Preceptorship (i.e., Term 5 practice course NURS 427), there will be a cut-off date for issuing Letters of Good Standing, after which the Student Services office will no longer issue LoGS to students. The process, timeline and key deadline dates will be communicated to students by mid-February of Term 2.