Nursing Unit Clerk - Certificate
Overview
The Nursing Unit Clerk Program prepares students with the knowledge, skills and experience to work in a health care setting as a nursing unit assistant, nursing unit clerk or health unit coordinator/hospital unit clerk.
The Selkirk Advantage
What does Selkirk College's program offer that you can't get elsewhere?
- Flexibility! Fully online, no set hours to be in class. Work at your own pace with pre-determined assessment due dates.
- Optional one-to-one instructional support
- Affordability! Less money spent in tuition.
Take this program if you:
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Enjoy working in a busy, challenging and exciting team environment
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Have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
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Are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask
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Are able to be flexible in the performance of your job duties
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Are able to work independently and collaboratively within a team
What Is a Nursing Unit Clerk?
This is a unique and often little understood position. Persons in this job provide non-clinical support to the interdisciplinary health care team, working at a nursing station of a patient care unit. Nursing unit clerks (NUCs) play a vital role in managing information flow in the hospital nursing unit. They have been described as the “go-to” person and the “hub” of the nursing unit. The NUC performs tasks such as answering phones, taking and relaying messages, greeting people who come to the desk, answering questions, completing paperwork and computer data entry.
Job roles and responsibilities can include:
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Interpreting medical terminology and abbreviations
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Coordinating communications
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Using excellent, professional communication skills
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Protecting confidentiality and patient rights
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Processing physicians’ orders for patient care
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Processing patient admissions, transfers and discharges
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Collaborating with health care professionals
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Applying problem-solving and critical thinking skills
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Using organization, time-management and stress-management skills
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Entering and retrieving information utilizing electronic health records
Program Information
The program is delivered in an online format. It is not available in a classroom on campus.
A computer is required to complete this online program—cell phones and tablets will not support all functionalities.
Students must have computer skills to complete this program (i.e., be familiar with internet, email, word processing and file management).
This is not a self-paced program; it is a scheduled program. Each course has a designated start and end date. Students are required to follow their program schedule and complete the courses within the allotted timeframe.
Students need at least 25 hours of study time per week and complete the program in two semesters (one school year).
Study time does not include time the student spends doing homework (completing assignments, studying for and writing exams, etc.).
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Contribute to a culture of safety in practice with accurate interpretation and processing of orders
- Apply basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics and pharmacology in an acute-care setting
- Engage in respectful and professional practices in accordance with codes of ethics, standards, and organizational policies to ensure confidentiality and privacy of information
- Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, work independently, adapt to changes and manage time under pressure
- Be motivated, self-reflective and engage in lifelong learning to maintain currency
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, the health care team and the public
- Apply critical thinking skills and transfer knowledge effectively
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Nursing Unit Clerk Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
- English Studies 12 with a minimum of 60% or higher, or equivalent
- Keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute
- Computer skills, including knowledge of internet, email, word processing and file management.
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults. as part of the application process. The CRC will be available, on request, to any hospital or health facility receiving students for the practicum.
- Selkirk College immunization form as required by practice partners and as ordered by the Medical Health Officer of British Columbia.
Before an application file is considered complete, a Selkirk College Application Form along with proof of the above requirements must be received by the Admissions Office.
Program seats will be offered on a first-qualified, first-served basis. Partially qualified applicants may be offered a conditional acceptance; an interim statement of grades will be used for the purposes of conditional acceptance. All program admission requirements must be met prior to starting program courses. Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created and maintained for 12 months, after which applicants who are not admitted or have deferred a seat must reapply to affirm their continued interest in the program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Before an application file is considered complete, the following must be received by the Admissions Office:
a) Selkirk College Application Form
b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is still attending school)
c) Official transcripts for any post-secondary education studies in which the applicant has enrolled
d) Evidence of keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute
e) Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults
f) Selkirk College immunization form as required by practice partners and as ordered by the Medical Health Officer of British Columbia.
2. The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt of application forms. Program seats will be offered on a first qualified, first served basis.
3. Partially qualified applicants may be offered conditional acceptance; an interim statement of grades will be used for the purposes of conditional acceptance. All program admission requirements must be met prior to starting program courses.
4. Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created and maintained for 12 months after which applicants who are not admitted or have deferred a seat must reapply to affirm their continued interest in the program.
To qualify for graduation, a student must meet the following requirements (see Policy 8617: Graduation):
To progress from term to term, students must obtain a minimum grade of 80% in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00.
PROMOTION
1. To progress from semester to semester, students must obtain a minimum grade of 80% in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Students who fail in any course must re-register and repeat the course in its entirety before proceeding on to the next course.
3. All courses must be completed in the time frame specified by the college timetable. Allowances may be made for the preceptorship due to the employer's ability to accommodate.
4. Probation will be initiated if a student fails two (2) courses.
5. Failure of a third course may be cause for dismissal from the program.
Courses
NUCL100 - NUCL Program Foundation
NUCL 100 Program Foundations introduces learners to the Nursing Unit Clerk Program structure and how to navigate the learning management system and other technology utilized in the program. An overview of the curriculum and teaching and learning strategies are introduced and discussed. Students are introduced to and supported by instructors in learning threshold concepts to prepare them for the course requirements.
MTED101 - Medical Terminology II
MTED 101 Medical Terminology II. Learners study anatomy and physiology of the main body systems. Learners will learn the word parts, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, disease process and treatments relating to terminology specific to each body system, including disease processes and treatments. Learners will correctly pronounce medical terms relating to terminology specific to each body system.
NUCL146 - Hospital Orientation
NUCL 146 Hospital Orientation introduces the learner to hospital departments, staff and communications, with emphasis on the role of the Nursing Unit Clerk (NUC) as the communications coordinator for the nursing unit. Information is given about processing physicians' orders for patient care, confidentiality and ethics, hospital codes, coping skills and technology in the workplace.
NUCL152 - Patient Chart Records
NUCL 152 Patient Chart Records introduces the learner to the forms used to create patient charts in the hospital. Information is given about how to create a patient admission chart, additional forms added to a chart to individualize it for a specific patient and the Nursing Unit Clerk's responsibilities for patient charts and chart forms. Actual forms are used for practice.
NUCL154 - Admissions, Discharges and Transfers
NUCL 154 Admissions, Discharges and Transfers introduces the learner to the Nursing Unit Clerk's (NUC) role in admission, discharge and transfer procedures within the hospital. Information is given about antibiotic resistant organisms and isolation procedures, the Admitting/Registration Department and their role in admitting patients, and how the NUC interacts with this department. Using case study examples and actual forms, the learner creates an admission chart, a transfer chart and a discharge chart.
NUCL156 - Drug Nomenclature
NUCL 156 Drug Nomenclature introduces the learner to the brand name, generic names and actions of some drugs commonly used in the hospital. Six general categories of drugs are covered, including drugs that affect the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, hormones and synthetic substitutes, and drugs for the treatment of infectious disease. Information is also given about pharmaceutical preparations, terminology and abbreviations. This course provides the learner with the pharmaceutical knowledge required to process physicians' medication orders.
NUCL162 - Medication Orders
NUCL 162 Medication Orders introduces the learner to physicians' medication orders and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing medication orders. Information is given about the use of abbreviations and acronyms, the components of a medication order, routes of administration and administration times. The course also introduces the learner to intravenous (IV) therapy, the components of an IV infusion order and the NUC's role in processing IV infusion orders. Actual forms with physician orders are included.
NUCL164 - Laboratory Orders I
NUCL 164 Laboratory Orders I introduces the learner to five subdivisions within the Laboratory (Lab), the role of the Nursing Unit Clerk (NUC) in processing Lab test orders, and how the NUC interacts with the Lab. Information is given about the various specimens obtained for testing, abbreviations and acronyms used in Lab test orders, and requisitions used for Hematology and Chemistry subdivisions.
NUCL166 - Laboratory Orders II
NUCL 166 Laboratory Orders II introduces the learner to the Microbiology, Transfusion Services and Pathology subdivisions of the Laboratory (Lab) and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing orders for these subdivisions. Information is given about the use of abbreviations and acronyms, specimens obtained and requisitions used for these subdivisions, and for specimens sent out to British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) provincial Labs. Actual requisitions and physicians' orders will be used for practice.
NUCL168 - Diagnostic Orders
NUCL 168 Diagnostic Orders introduces the learner to the diagnostic departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Electrodiagnostics and Pulmonary Laboratory within the hospital and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing diagnostic orders. Information is given about abbreviations and acronyms, requisitions and preparations for diagnostic procedures. Actual requisitions and physicians' orders from the hospital will be used for practice.
NUCL170 - Medical / Surgical Orders
NUCL 170 Medical / Surgical Orders introduces the learner to admitting, pre-operative (pre-op), discharge and post-operative (post-op) orders and is an accumulation of information learned in previous courses. Information is included about abbreviations and acronyms used for surgical procedures and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing all types of orders. A sampling of actual, typical orders from medical and surgical units is included. The course will assist the learner in reviewing all program information.
NUCL180 - Practicum
NUCL 180 Practicum provides the learner with a consolidated clinical experience where they can apply theory from the Nursing Unit Clerk program. Students work full shifts with an experienced Nursing Unit Clerk.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
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.
Policy
Effective Term:
FallEffective Year:
20240801Advanced Standing:
ADVANCE OR TRANSFER CREDIT AND PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
1. A student may obtain credit for a maximum of 75% of program requirements by Transfer Credit, Advanced Placement, Prior Learning Assessment or combination thereof.
2. Application for advance or transfer credit must be made prior to entry into the program as per Policy 8614: Advanced Standing – Course Challenge, PLA, Transfer Credit and approval obtained from the Registrar.
3. Individual consideration will be given to students who apply for advanced standing from another Nursing Unit Clerk Program.
4. A student who wishes to prove mastery of part or all of a course’s content must apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The School Chair in consultation with program instructors will determine whether PLA credit is assigned.
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Re-Entry Instructions:
1. Students in good standing who must interrupt their program may apply to re-enter the program within one year of departure.
2. Students who fail to successfully complete a course may apply to re-enter the course the next time it is offered.
3. Priority for re-entry will be given as follows:
a) Students who interrupted their program for illness or compassionate reasons.
b) Students who failed to meet program requirements for promotion.
4. Students must complete the entire program within two consecutive academic school years of initial entry. Exceptional cases will be considered individually at the discretion of the School Chair.
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Assessment:
Grading in theory courses will be as per the Standard Grading Table for Nursing Unit Clerk as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.
Grading in practicum courses will be as per the Competency Based Grades as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.
Grading Table:
Other
Types of Assessments:
a) Assignments: forum postings, peer review
b) Online quizzes and examinations for theory courses;
c) Preceptorship: self-assessment and preceptor feedback documented; instructor is responsible for assigning grade of CRG or NCG
Supplemental Assessment(s)
If a student scores less than 80% on any assessment and is at risk of failing the course, they may request a supplemental assessment based on the criteria below:
a) Requests for supplemental assessments must be received within 48 hours of the posting of marks and completed within 7 calendar days of approval.
b) Supplemental assessments will be limited to one per course with a maximum of 3 total.
c) The result of a supplemental assessment cannot exceed 80% and is used in calculation of the final grade.
d) Under extraordinary circumstances, one supplemental final exam per student may be granted following consultation between Instructor and School Chair. In this consultation, a timeline will be set for the final exam's completion. In no case will the exam be completed more than 30 days from the end of the course.
e) The result of the supplemental examination will replace that of the final examination in calculation of the final grade. The final grade for the course can be improved to 80%only.
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Attendance:
To be successful in this program, each course has a minimum required number of hours which the student uses to practice in preparation for testing. To be successful, some students may be required to spend additional hours on a course(s).
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Professional Requirements:
- A 120-hour practicum is required at the end of the program and must be completed within 6 weeks from the practicum (NUCL 180) course start date. The course start date for the practicum may be adjusted due to the employer's ability to accommodate the practicum time frame.
- Students are eligible for practicum after successful completion of all theory courses.
- Selkirk College, in consultation with the administrators of each placement facility, arranges practicum placements. Students are not to solicit potential placements; such activity could jeopardize possible placement opportunities. Final placements are at the College’s discretion. If the student declines the placement arranged, the College is not obligated to arrange an alternate placement.
- During the practicum, students are expected to dress in scrubs or office dress. Students are expected to meet or exceed management requirements for job performance and to maintain a good working relationship with their unit clerk supervisor and other staff.
- Students are subject to College and program policies as well as the policies of the facility.
- If the student gains employment as a unit clerk prior to completing the program, the student may apply for prior learning assessment (PLA) for the practicum.
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Other Regulations:
PROBATION (See College Policy 8619: Student Probation)
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