Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses Frequently Asked Questions

As a student in the Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses program, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Canadian health care system, learn how to communicate within the context of nursing in Canada and gain knowledge and skills required for a nurse working in Canada.

This program also stands out because you can work at your own pace. It allows flexibility so that you can continue working.

The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) is responsible for the approval of the Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses program. The approval criterion ensures that graduates meet the standards and have achieved the minimum competencies for practice as set forth by the CRNS.

The program has three intakes a year in September, January and May.

The program is offered by online delivery.

There are six mandatory and three optional online courses, one lab and one clinical component. The labs are held in Regina at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus and instructor-supervised clinical practice education are either in Regina or in Moose Jaw. The preceptored clinical practice education takes place in hospitals throughout Saskatchewan and may be offered in the student's home province if a placement can be obtained.

There are wonderful study skills tools on the internet. One that former students recommend is Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review (SQ3R). Type this into a search engine to find resources using this strategy. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library also has a wealth of resources that they direct you to help you study, write exams and write papers.

Distance education takes added time and energy, therefore it is suggested that you evaluate your readiness for learning via distance. Self assessment tools to determine if online learning is right for you are available on the internet and on request to the program.

Personal attributes of the successful online learner are:

• Ability to assume responsibility for own learning
• Self-directed and motivated
• Persistent and confident
• Ability to problem-solve
• Active in their learning
• Effective time management skills
• Disciplined to study without external reminders

Basic technical skills that you need include:

• Basic computer literacy
• Word processing
• Searching on the internet
• Taking time to complete available online tutorials and use help screens

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has a wealth of tutorials and support tools to ensure your success. A successful online student searches out these tools and uses them. Students who complete the orientation tools before the course begins have reduced frustration when the course starts.

Student success is also enhanced through family and employer support. Families can provide child care and assist with household chores. When employers allow flexible hours for school obligations or use of a computer at work, success is also enhanced. Some students have found that having a personal laptop that can be taken with them wherever they go enhances their success. 

Program faculty are available to support you online, by telephone and email.

While distance learning can be a lonely experience, all students are given the opportunity to complete a Freedom of Information consent form. If you agree to allow our faculty to release your contact information to other students, then you can be linked up with your classmates. Your information is only given to other classmates and is only released with your consent.

Online students have an opportunity to chat, conduct discussions via the online course and are encouraged to exchange contact information with other students if they choose to do so. The program strives to create a community of e-learners who are interactive and share the learning experience(s) with one another.

Each of the theory courses is divided into learning outcomes that cover specific material. Each learning outcome is divided into learning steps that will guide you in your learning. There are review exercises included at the end of each learning outcome that allow you to assess your learning. Most theory courses have a midterm and final exam. Some courses have assignments to evaluate your knowledge. Guidelines for completing assignments and the grading criteria are included in the online materials.

There is one 75-hour lab that will help you adapt your nursing skills to the techniques used in Canada.

There is one faculty-supervised clinical practice education with an approximate ratio of 1:5. There is also a preceptored clinical practice education experience.

The labs are held in Regina at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus.

The clinical practice education and clinical skills lab are completed once the student has successfully completed all required courses.

An approved test site will be assigned to you when you are registered in program courses.

When you write your exams online, the testing proctor will orientate you to the test-writing software. You must schedule an extra 15 minutes before your first exam for your orientation. The exams are multiple choice and require the writer to know how to use a mouse and read onscreen instructions.

Information on purchasing textbooks and course manuals will be provided when you register. Material is available for purchase online, by phone, or in person.

Only candidates with current Permanent Resident status or Canadian citizenship are admitted in the program. This program is not open to international students or those with student or work visas.