Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Bring Global Nursing Skills Anywhere You Go

Nurses are at the forefront of our health care system. The Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN) is an incredible opportunity. It’s a program that prepares students to be eligible to practice as registered nurses in a variety of health care settings. At Cape Breton University, you arrive inspired and leave prepared with the skills you need to thrive, with lifelong knowledge, skills and ability guiding you along the way.

The nursing curriculum is an intentional blending of courses from many disciplines, integrating theory and practice to facilitate self-growth, critical inquiry and a commitment to lifelong learning. Teachers and students engage in continuous professional development. From perfecting evidence-informed practice to respond to changing patient needs, to learning modern technologies, our faculty and students work together in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

CBU’s BScN strives for excellence in preparing our future registered nurses to be knowledgeable, compassionate and ethical professionals.

Accreditation

Cape Breton University’s Bachelor of Science, Nursing is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. 

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Accreditation involves the objective assessment of professional education programs against national standards of excellence, and Cape Breton University BScN nursing program has met these rigorous national standards a testimony to the public of the quality of  CBU’s BScN program. 

Director of Nursing

Willena Nemeth (RN) is CBU’s Director of Nursing. As a Registered Nurse, Willena models the highest standards of a licensed professional. She provides administrative and academic leadership to ensure a vigorous and high quality BScN program. Working in consultation with the Dean, Chair, and Department of Nursing members, Willena utilizes established partnerships and is the key liaison between local, provincial and national stakeholders including accrediting and professional regulatory bodies. Willena has a particular research interest in the transition of nursing graduates into professional practice, and can be reached at willena_nemeth@cbu.ca.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Knowledge of nursing theories, research and evaluation.
• Acquire practice-based learning.
• Learn to promote, maintain and restore health.
• Skills to prevent illness or injury.
• Qualify to write the NCLEX-RN exam.

Why study at CBU?

The nursing program at CBU uses a concept-based curriculum, so it’s easy to find the resources you need to gain the skills you need. Our concept-based learning is an approach to education that is more student-centered and student-directed. This means you’re fully immersed in real-world studies through engaging, hands-on learning.

CBU students have access to a wide variety of nursing practice placements (hospitals, community, long-term care) within the Nova Scotia Health Authority as well as private community partners that provide the experiential learning nursing students need to bridge theory to practice.

You also have an opportunity to take part in a two-week International Experience designed to help you learn about health and nursing in another culture and engage in service-learning. Our students have travelled to Quito, Bali, and Argentina. Students have the opportunity to study for a Specialty Nursing Certificate in oncology, acute and critical care, mental health, public health or Indigenous health nursing, along with others. Additionally, qualified students can enhance their research knowledge and skills by completing an advanced major in an area of interest.

Sample Courses

• NRSG2503 Pharmacotherapeutics, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies
• NRSG3501 Nursing Research
• NRSG4501 Nursing Theory and Practice Synthesis

Possible Career Paths

• Psychiatric Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• Flight Nurse
• Forensic Nurse

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Nursing practice (experiential learning placements on and off-campus).
• A two-week international experience designed to learn about health and nursing in another culture and to provide service.
• Those not taking part in the international learning experience have an opportunity to partake in a service-learning experience at home.