Gerontological Nursing - Postgraduate Diploma
*Please note, this program is not accepting applications for the September 2025 (fall) term as the program undergoes a review.
Overview
The geriatric population is the fastest growing health cohort around the world. Currently 70 per cent of all patients in Canada are elderly. Registered nurses must have specialized knowledge and training to effectively educate, assess and care for these older people.
This Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing will give you the tools and skills to meet the complex physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual needs of the elderly.
You will be given the chance to have intercultural exchange between graduate nurses from other countries and on-campus BSN students. This will promote rich dialogue about nursing approaches, philosophies and global health needs. Learn more about the international experience at Selkirk College.
Seminars and occasional class interaction will provide added opportunity for an exchange of ideas and nursing expertise.
Curriculum
Upon completion of this program, you will:
- Interpret basic geriatric trends and issues
- Analyze and test a wide variety of health assessment tools
- Demonstrate critical, innovative thinking when problem-solving complex geriatric issues
- Illustrate how to educate towards wellness in aging
- Develop advocacy skills at relational, unit and policy making levels
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify the roles, scope and required skillset of registered nurses in Canada
- Synthesize theories and principles of health, wellness, aging and geriatric care
- Apply critical thinking, decision-making and clinical reasoning skills
- Interpret research findings in order to provide evidence-based gerontological care
- Apply entry-to-practice level leadership techniques/strategies when working within the inter-professional gerontological care team
- Communicate effectively and efficiently in various formats to a variety of stakeholders, consistent with professional expectations
- Apply the basic principles of culturally sensitive and client-centred care
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in academic and work-related environments
- Formulate strategies to support lifelong learning in one’s personal nursing practice
- Apply strategies for registration with the BC Care Aid Registry and BC College of Nurses and Midwives
- Provide person-centred care and assistance that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual client
- Use an informed problem-solving approach to provide care and assistance that promotes the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual health and well-being of clients and families
- Provide person-centred care and assistance for clients experiencing complex health challenges.
- Provide person-centred care and assistance for clients experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges
- Interact with other members of the health care team in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals
- Communicate clearly, accurately, and sensitively with clients and families in a variety of community and facility contexts
- Provide personal care and assistance in a safe, competent, and organized manner
- Recognize and respond to own self-development, learning, and health enhancement needs
- Perform the care provider role in a reflective, responsible, accountable, and professional manner
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants from countries outside of Canada must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or a Graduate Nurse/Midwife Diploma from a recognized nursing school with English as a primary language of instruction.
- Registration with a national/provincial/state nursing association in their home country and be able to provide documentation
- English Language Proficiency of IELTS test in the last two years. 6.5 overall with no band score lower than 6.0
- One letter of reference from current or previous employer
- Resumé or CV with a minimum of 900 hours nursing experience within the last five years
- Completed immunization forms
a) Applicants must submit a completed application form and original documentation of certification and transcripts from previous institutions.
b) Post-graduate nursing practice experience is preferred.
International students must submit a clear police certificate from the country of origin before acceptance, given that students provide care to vulnerable clients within the program’s practicum courses. To avoid potential hardship for students arriving from another country, the police certificate is an admission requirement. For further information, see information provided at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/about.html#pc
APPLICATION PROCESS
See Selkirk International Application process http://selkirk.ca/international/how-apply-selkirk-college.
PRE-PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS
1. Evidence of completion of the following must be submitted to the Program Coordinator before the first practice education experience. All evidence must be current and valid.
a). First Aid Certification
b). CPR Level “C” Certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification with Oxygen Therapy
c). Food Safe Level 1 Certification (or a certificate course deemed equivalent)
d). Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) checklist
e). Completion of the Health Care Assistant Practice in BC E-Learning Modules (Learning Hub)
f). Completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Adult Abuse course (Learning Hub)
g). Completion of Dementia Training Certificate (GPA/Gentle Persuasive Approach)
h). Completion of Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum In-Person Workshop
i). All students must submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Ministry of Justice, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults.
Satisfactory completion of all courses in the semester with a minimum grade of 60% and cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher each semester is required for promotion.
A student who obtains a grade of less than 60% in EASL 066, may be able to re-enroll if the course is offered again during the two-year period when they attend the college, or if eligible complete supplemental work with permission of the Instructor and School Chair.
Courses
EASL066 - College Preparation - Research Writing
EASL 066 College Preparation - Research Writing is an advanced writing course that focuses on various forms of writing that can be found in the academic and the work world. In addition to formal academic research techniques, this course will also explore practical technical writing skills needed for clear, timely, concise and accurate communication. The writer must focus on the purpose and audience as well as the form, style and organization. In this class, students will produce a variety of practical and academic forms of writing, including correspondence, summaries, instructions, proposals, reports etc.
GNUR399 - College Orientation
GNUR 399 College Orientation. In this course, students will be introduced to the Selkirk College educational experience that will include orientation to academic principles and resources, expectations of the program, and public resources and services to assist with transitioning into life in Canada. This course will also offer an introduction to Canadian indigenous history and the concepts of colonialism, reconciliation, and healing as critical concepts of public health.
GNUR430 - Introduction to Gerontological Nursing
GNUR 430 Introduction to Gerontological Nursing. This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the unique roles, functions, skillset, and theoretical perspectives of the Canadian trained gerontological nurse. Students will explore current and future demographic shifts, social impacts and needs, and current issues facing older adults. Students will also explore the Canadian standards for gerontological care with a keen focus on promoting wellness. Standards will be critically applied to learning activities in preparation for moving into a variety of practice settings in future courses. Students will be introduced to evidence-based practice assessment tools and analyse their usefulness in planning and delivering care to clients in various stages of health and wellness.
GNUR431 - Introduction to Health Care Practice in Canada
GNUR 431 Introduction to Health Care Practice in Canada. In this course students will be introduced to the roles, functions, and practical skillset of the registered Health Care Assistant (HCA) in British Columbia (BC) and the nationally licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Students will explore the role similarities and differences, refine their interprofessional competencies, and develop their caregiving skills through various practical and lab experiences. Throughout this course students will develop the ability to self-reflect and identify self-development needs for competent practice and employment in the healthcare field.
GNUR443 - Delirium, Dementia and Depression in the Elderly
GNUR 443 Delirium, Dementia and Depression in the Elderly will provide learners with the opportunity to explore the neurocognitive conditions of delirium, dementia and depression with a focus on examining theories of etiology, pathophysiology, and presenting signs and symptoms. Clinical assessments and treatment options will be explored as well as interprofessional healthcare interventions and nursing approaches to support functional capacity and minimize negative functional outcomes. This course will also explore the impact of these conditions on the family and professional caregivers.
GNUR432 - Interpersonal Communications
GNUR 432 Interpersonal Communications. In this course, students will be introduced to strategies to assist in the development of self-awareness, understanding of others, and interpersonal communication skills required for effective interprofessional teamwork. Interpersonal strategies will focus on respect, cultural sensitivity, and client centeredness as critical components of therapeutic relationships with older adults and their families. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the impact of their personal communication patterns and choices and practice strengthening competencies such as active listening, respect, feedback, verbal and non-verbal methods of communication, and initiating critical conversations in the workplace. Students will also have an opportunity to examine and utilize problem-solving and critical-thinking using best practices related to establishing relationships and engaging in conflict resolution.
GNUR440 - Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part I
GNUR 440 Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part I is a course where learners will explore age-related changes and commonly occurring diseases. Using theories for promoting wellness in older adults, learners will identify cumulative risk factors for onset of disease and/or disability and potential negative functional consequences. Learners will also explore the pharmacological and interprofessional approach to disease management and health promotion.
GNUR441 - Basic Skills and Physical Assessment
GNUR 441 Basic Skills and Physical Assessment. In this course, learners will be provided with a structured environment in which to learn and demonstrate Health Care Assistant (HCA) (write out the full term the first time you use it, for RN as well.) and Registered Nurse (RN) level skills related to the provision of personal care and physical assessment. Classes will consist of theory and development of psychomotor skills using simulated clients in the lab setting. Students will receive formative feedback as they are exposed to facets of the Canadian Healthcare System and provincial regulatory standards and competencies for both HCA and RN level work. Skills will be appraised at the end of the course in preparation for clinical learning experiences.
GNUR442 - End of Life Care
GNUR 442 End of Life Care. In this course, learners will reflect on their personal and cultural understanding of death and dying and explore similarities and differences to how end-of-life is perceived and managed in the Canadian context. The guiding theories and principles, caregiver knowledge, and ways of thinking and responding to the unique needs of clients and their families are examined as central concepts of the palliative care approach. Learners will also gain knowledge related to palliative symptom and emergency situation management, family care, communication, loss and grief, and self-care as they develop an appreciation for the demands of working with people in the end stages of life.
GNUR444 - Clinical Practice in Complex Care
GNUR 444 Clinical Practice in Complex Care. This course provides learners with an opportunity to work with older adults with complex healthcare needs within a complex care setting. Under the supervised direction of a clinical instructor, learners apply their basic and post-basic gerontological Health Care Assistant (HCA) and nursing (RN) (does RN stand for nursing?) knowledge and further consolidate their gerontological care competencies. Students are guided through numerous learning activities within the clinical setting and with various clients experiencing common age and disease related issues. Upon completion of this course, students will have a broader understanding of the Canadian healthcare system and the scope and standards of practice of HCAs and RNs in Canada.
Current BLS-HC Certificate
GNUR530 - Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part II
GNUR 530 Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part II is a course where learners will continue to explore age-related changes and commonly occurring diseases. Using theories for promoting wellness in older adults, learners will identify cumulative risk factors for onset of disease and/or disability and potential negative functional consequences. Learners will also explore the pharmacological and interprofessional approach to disease management and health promotion.
GNUR532 - Professional Nursing in the Canadian Health Care System
GNUR 532 Professional Nursing in the Canadian Health Care System will introduce international nurses to the structure of the Canadian health care system, and the roles and scope of practice of nurses working within it. Theoretical foundations of professional nursing practice will provide a basis for understanding and examining standards of practice and ethical responsibilities within nursing. The significance of health promotion and holistic health care will underscore how nurses can provide care that strives to help clients gain or retain quality of life and reduce health disparities within diverse populations.
GNUR533 - Introduction to Nursing Leadership
GNUR 533 Introduction to Nursing Leadership provides an opportunity for learners to further develop and refine their leadership skills. Within this course, learners will compare and contrast their individual leadership skill-set against current leadership theories and models and identify application opportunities in their current practice. Learners will develop strong interpersonal and team building skills while exploring their own personal philosophy of leadership. Learners will focus on developing skills to manage conflict in the workplace, build team performance, collaborate effectively with others, problem-solve, and manage change while pursuing personal improvement and development as nurse leaders.
GNUR535 - Nursing Registration Readiness I
GNUR 535 Nursing Registration Readiness I
Please note that this is not an inclusive Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) preparation course and therefore, does not cover all age groups or health issues covered in the NCAS OSCEs.
Nursing Registration Readiness I provides an opportunity for learners to apply and consolidate nursing knowledge and skills into simulated scenarios. The virtual simulations and hands-on interactive lab setting will assist learners in putting theory into practice in partial preparation for the NCAS objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and/or completing the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) gerontological nursing certificate, if desired. Scenarios will be based on the NCAS blueprints related to older adults which are aligned with the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA), BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), and Canadian Association Schools of Nursing (CASN) competencies for nurse’s working with this population. Areas of focus include: knowledge-based practice (assessment, planning, provision of care, evaluation); accountability, responsibility and ethical behaviour; collaborative practice; and therapeutic relationships. GNUR 545 will provide further registration readiness support in semester 4.
MHAD502 - Mental Health and Addictions
MHAD 502 Mental Health and Addictions provides learners with an opportunity to critically evaluate their personal perspectives and assumptions related to mental health and addiction issues and introduces the impact of external and internal variables that put certain individuals at risk at different stages of life. Treatment and support strategies are explored through the Trauma Informed Care lens with a focus on psychosocial rehabilitation, resilience-building, maximizing functional capacity and minimizing negative outcomes. There is a special focus on understanding previous and current life experiences on coping in older age and MHAD treatment and management considerations for those over the age of 65.
GNUR540 - Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part III
GNUR 540 Physical Aging and Chronic Disease Management: Part III is a course where learners will continue to explore age-related changes and commonly occurring diseases. Using theories for promoting wellness in older adults, learners will identify cumulative risk factors for onset of disease and/or disability and potential negative functional consequences. Learners will also explore the pharmacological and interprofessional approach to disease management and health promotion.
GNUR542 - Clinical Skills and the Older Adult
GNUR 542 Clinical Skills and the Older Adult will facilitate the consolidation and application of nursing concepts, knowledge, and skills introduced throughout the program. Participants will have the opportunity to practice relevant psychomotor and interpersonal skills associated with the care of older adults with complex health challenges. Assessments will focus on skill proficiency, documentation, and relational practice competency.
GNUR545 - Nursing Registration Readiness II
*(Please note that this is not an inclusive Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) preparation course and therefore, does not cover all age groups or health issues covered in the NCAS OSCEs).
GNUR 545 Nursing Registration Readiness II provides an opportunity for learners to apply and consolidate nursing knowledge and skills into simulated scenarios. The virtual simulations and hands-on interactive lab setting will assist learners in putting theory into practice in partial preparation for the NCAS objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and/or completing the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) gerontological nursing certificate, if desired. Scenarios will be based on the NCAS blueprints related to older adults which are aligned with the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA), BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), and Canadian Association Schools of Nursing (CASN) competencies for nurse’s working with this population. Areas of focus include: knowledge-based practice (assessment, planning, provision of care, evaluation); accountability, responsibility and ethical behaviour; collaborative practice; and therapeutic relationships. This course builds on GNUR 535 and will provide further registration readiness support in a number of critical gerontological nursing skills and competencies.
GNUR548 - Nursing Practice in Multiple Clinical Settings
GNUR 548 Nursing Practice in Multiple Clinical Settings provides opportunities for learners to experience the various roles and responsibilities of nurses and other allied health professionals working with older adults in a variety of care delivery and community settings. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the mission, vision, values, and roles and responsibilities of community resources serving older adults, work as part of various interdisciplinary teams, collaborate with, and learn from, various service providers, and engage in health education, health promotion, injury prevention, and other evidence-based practice initiatives. Learners will also focus on consolidating basic and gerontological nursing competencies in a clinical setting.
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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