The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) program is based on three guiding principles and six core concepts, which form its philosophical foundation and are integrated throughout the curriculum. These principles emphasize health promotion, therapeutic relationships, and diversity.
The core concepts, which center on the client, include client-centeredness, being, situatedness, choice, professionalism, and teaching and learning. Each client is viewed within their cultural, religious, ethnic, and historical contexts. Diversity and equality are integral to the curriculum, reflecting an “ecological” theme that considers environmental impacts and social determinants of health.
Developed within psychiatric nursing theory, the BPN program focuses on best practices and the therapeutic use of self in relationships. It shifts from a disease model to one prioritizing health and healing experiences (Austin and Boyd, 2015). Teaching methodologies encourage analytical and critical thinking through praxis and personal empowerment.
The BPN philosophy recognizes praxis as essential in psychiatric nursing, integrating reflective practice experiences throughout the curriculum to enhance clinical judgment.
Including the Health Foundations year, students complete eight academic semesters to earn a Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) degree, qualifying them to apply for the national examination to register as Registered Psychiatric Nurses in British Columbia.
Enrolled students receive a resource manual detailing program policies and must familiarize themselves with University and BPN policies.
Applications are accepted only from Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or landed immigrants of Canada.
