School Facilities

The School of Nursing is housed at 82 and 92 Barrie Street where graduate students are provided with shared office space and unlimited wireless computer access. Three Nursing Laboratories include spaces dedicated to video work, clinical simulation and small meetings. Research facilities for various funded studies are available in the School, at other sites on the Queen's campus, and at affiliated health care agencies. The Glaxo-Wellcome Clinical Learning Centre is equipped with one-way windows, video systems and adjacent observation rooms.

The settings for the observations and interventions in most thesis research vary, including inpatient units, ambulatory clinics or community settings. Nursing Research is undertaken at a variety of affiliated Health Care facilities and organizations in Eastern Ontario. These include acute and long-term care hospitals, ambulatory care, primary care, and community health facilities.

Graduate programs offered are: 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Nursing Science (M.N. Sc.)
Master of Nursing (Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner) M.N. (PHCNP)
Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) Diploma   
Graduate Diploma in Pain Care (GDipPainCare) Program

Financial Assistance

Master of Nursing Science (M.N.Sc.) Program

Financial assistance is available to thesis graduate students from sources internal and external to Queen's University during their two years of full-time study. Most first year M.N.Sc. thesis students receive internal monies. Second year students are expected to apply for federal, provincial and foundation fellowships, grants and awards for which they are eligible. Those who have applied for external fellowships such as Ontario Graduate Scholarship, CIHR, or SSHRC are considered for Queen's Fellowships without further application. All M.N.Sc. students may work as research assistants for grants held by faculty members. They may also work as teaching assistants for the School of Nursing. Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships are limited to 10 hours per week. Information about financial assistance is available from the School of Nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

Financial assistance is available to Ph.D. students from sources internal and external to Queen's University. Those who have applied for external fellowships such as Ontario Graduate Scholarship, CIHR, or SSHRC are also considered for Queen's Fellowships. Graduate Students may work as research assistants for grants held by faculty members. They may also work as teaching assistants for the School of Nursing. Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships are limited to 10 hours per week. Information about financial assistance is available from the School of Nursing.

Admission requirements

Ph.D. program

Admission requirements are:

• a Master's degree in Nursing Science or equivalent master's degree from a recognized university, with a minimum overall average equivalent to B+ calculated over the core courses of the program;
• Undergraduate university degree in nursing; and
• Two academic letters of reference.

A statement of academic, research and professional plans is requested to match student with faculty interests. Applicants must also include a separate curriculum vitae with the application.

Applicants without an undergraduate university degree in nursing will be considered on an individual basis, and are strongly encouraged to contact the School of Nursing to discuss this opportunity prior to applying.

International Applicants

International applicants must be graduates of a baccalaureate program in nursing that is equivalent to a four year Canadian program and have a minimum of a second class standing (minimum overall average of B+). Applicants must provide proof of registration as a nurse in their own country, but will not be required to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Please note that international students who are not registered in Ontario will be unable to provide direct patient care or conduct thesis research that requires registration. The applicant and potential thesis supervisors should discuss this limitation on thesis research topics during the matching process. 

M.N.Sc. program

Admission requirements are:

• Graduation with a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent to B) from an baccalaureate program in nursing that has been approved by the provincial/territorial authority;
• Registration (or eligible to register) as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario;
• Undergraduate courses in research methodology and statistics;
• Two academic letters of reference; and
• Curriculum vitae (resume)

A statement of research interest is requested to match student interests with faculty research programs to assign thesis supervision.

International Applicants

International applicants must be graduates of a baccalaureate program in nursing that is equivalent to a four year Canadian program and have  a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent of B).  Applicants must provide proof of registration as a nurse in their own country, but will not be required to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario.  Please note that international students who are not registered in Ontario will be unable to provide direct patient care or conduct research that requires registration. The applicant and potential thesis supervisors should discuss this limitation on thesis research topics during the matching process.

M.N.(PHCNP) Program (non-thesis):

Admission requirements are:

• Graduation with a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent to B) from an baccalaureate program in nursing that has been approved by a provincial/territorial authority;
• Active registration as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario;
• Undergraduate courses in research methodology and statistics;
• Two academic letters of reference; and
• Curriculum vitae (resume).

In addition to the above admission requirements,

• Applicants to the program must have the equivalent of two years of relevant full-time practice as a Registered Nurse within the past five years (minimum of 3640 hours). As such, all applicants must have their employer(s) complete a "Verification of Employment Hours" form.
• In addition to 2 academic references, 1 clinical reference is required
• Applicants must complete and submit the Nurse Practitioner Personal Essay form.

Applicants with advanced academic credentials may be considered for advanced standing.

International applicants cannot apply to this program unless they have active registration as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario and are a resident in Ontario.

 PHCNP Diploma  

Admission requirements are:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a Master’s degree (nursing preferred) that have both been approved by a provincial/territorial authority;
• Graduation with a minimum overall average equivalent to B calculated over the core courses in both programs (Master's and undergraduate degree);
• Active registration as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario;
• Two academic letters of reference;  and
• Curriculum vitae (resume).

In addition to the above admission requirements:

• Applicants to the program must have the equivalent of two years of relevant full-time practice as a Registered Nurse within the past five years (minimum of 3640 hours). As such, all applicants must have their employers complete a “Verification of Employment Hours” form.
• In addition to 2 academic references, 1 clinical reference is required.
• Applicants must complete and submit the Nurse Practitioner Personal Essay form.

GDipPainCare Program:

Note: admission to this program suspended.

Admission requirements are:

• Graduation with a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent to B) from an accredited, baccalaureate-granting University;  
• A baccalaureate or Master’s degree in a healthcare profession;
• A statement of interest in the program is requested to match the applicant’s academic and work background with the objectives of the program;
• Curriculum vitae; and
• 2 references: 1 academic and 1 professional.

Faculty

Director
TBA

Associate Director (Graduate Nursing Programs)
TBA

Professor
Almost, J., Premji, S.S., Sears, K., Tranmer, J., Woo, K. 

Associate Professor
Camargo Plazas, M.d.P., Duhn, L., Egan, R., Galica, J., Godfrey, C., Goldie, C., Knutsen, W., Luctkar-Flude, M., Pilon, R., Rocklein Kemplin, K., Rotter, T., Sawhney, M., Snelgrove-Clarke, E., Wilson, R.

Assistant Professor
MacDonald, D., Mahar, A., Zuk, A.

Professor Emeritus
Baker, C., Baumgart, A.J., Burke, S., Harrison, M., Kisilevsky, B., Lamb, M., Medves, J., VanDenKerkhof, E.

Programs

Courses

Most courses listed are 3.0 credit units.  Other credit units are as shown in the course description.

Students whose research is closely linked to other disciplines, such as basic, behavioural, or social sciences, may be advised or may wish to complement core nursing courses with courses in the relevant discipline.

NURS 800  Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
This course introduces students to hands-on data analysis and computational methods that are commonly used in nursing inquiry and research. The course focuses on both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, with emphasis on selecting an appropriate statistical approach to hypothesis testing, data analysis techniques, interpretation and appraisal of statistical analyses results. Winter.

NURS 801 Topics in Nursing Research     
A course for all graduate students focussing on issues in the conduct of research. The course includes presentations by visiting scientists, faculty, and current students as well as lectures and discussions. Assessment will be based on satisfactory completion of course requirements (Pass/Fail). Not offered 2024-25.

NURS 802 Qualitative Methodology & Methods    
An overview of qualitative methodology and methods frequently used in nursing and health care research is provided. Topics include, but are not limited to, action research, ethnography, grounded theory, hermeneutics phenomenology, and narrative. Opportunities may exist for developing research questions, techniques for data collection, data analysis and dissemination. Fall. 

NURS 803  Intermediate Quantitative Research Design     
Course builds upon concepts gained in undergraduate research design courses. Focus is on the critical evaluation of research evidence through the exploration and application of quantitative research methods. Emphasis on the appropriate selection of research design elements for nursing inquiry and development of a research proposal. Winter.

NURS 805  Nursing, Health Services and Public Policy in Canada     
This course addresses concepts in the policy process, policy development, policy analysis and policy implementation as they relate to nursing in Canadian health care. Discussion will focus on contemporary issues in nursing and health care with an examination of the political process, research-policy linkages, the role of the organized professions, the bureaucracy, politicians, the media and health care organizations.  Offered jointly with NURS 905. Summer.

NURS 811     Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
This course focuses on the development of knowledge within the discipline of nursing with emphasis on historical and philosophical assumptions and paradigms influencing nursing science. Students will discuss and debate the assumptions and perspectives in nursing practice and research toward establishing a conceptual base for other graduate courses. Fall.

NURS 822  Nursing Research in Women's and Children's Health Issues     
Advanced seminar on conduct and application of nursing research with women and children. Students critique theoretical and empirical validity of nursing assessment and intervention methods for health promotion, recovery and rehabilitation applications. Not offered 2024-25.

NURS 832 Nursing Research for Complex Chronic Health Conditions     
The focus of this course is on individuals and families experiencing complex chronic health conditions. Students will examine the characteristics and effects of chronic disease prevention and management strategies on health outcomes in patients and families, with a specific focus on the contribution of Nursing within these strategies. Not offered 2024-25.

NURS 833 Nursing Research for Persons at Risk for Mental Health Conditions     
Topics related to persons at risk or experiencing chronic mental health conditions. Focus is on examining theoretical and research bases of selected mental health concepts relating to nursing assessments and outcome measurement. Specific topics will reflect students' interests. Not offered 2024-25. 

NURS 850 Pathophysiology for Nurse Practitioners     
To examine the concepts of pathophysiology which guide the practice of advanced nursing practice. To study pathophysiological changes in individuals in a primary health care setting by taking into account their age, acuity, chronicity, and evolution of the conditions. Term length delivered over two terms. Fall and Winter.

NURS 853 PHCNP Roles and Responsibilities     
Compare and contrast advanced practice nursing and related frameworks to develop, integrate, sustain, and evaluate the role of the nurse practitioner within primary health care. Critically analyze and develop strategies to implement advanced practice nursing competencies with a focus on the community. Term length delivered over two terms.  Fall/Winter (A/B); Summer.. 

NURS 854  Integrative Practicum     
Synthesize competencies essential to advanced nursing practice to provide primary health care for clients across the lifespan. Demonstrate autonomy and decision-making and critically analyze organizational and system issues that influence scope of practice, professional accountability and outcomes. Seminar - 6 hours every 2 weeks, Clinical - 35 hours per week for 13 weeks (12 credits). Summer. 
PRE-REQUISITES for students enrolled in the PHCNP Diploma program: NURS 850, NURS 853,NURS 856, NURS 857, NURS 858, NURS 859
PRE-REQUISITES for students enrolled in the MN(PHCNP) program: NURS 800, NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 811 NURS 850, NURS 853, NURS 856, NURS 857, NURS 858,NURS 859, NURS 898 

NURS 856  Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnosis I     
Analyze and critique concepts and frameworks essential to advanced health assessment and diagnosis using clinical reasoning skills. Apply clinical, theoretical and research knowledge in comprehensive and focused health assessments for the individual client’s diagnostic plan of care. Seminar - 3 hours per week, Clinical – 6 hours per week. (4.5 credits). Fall.  Additional course cost:  Name pin for clinical placement $17 (2024-25).
PRE- or COREQUISITE: NURS 850 

NURS 857 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnosis II     
Integrate knowledge and apply conceptual frameworks integral to advanced health assessment and diagnosis in advanced nursing practice. Demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and accountability in complex decision making for individuals, groups, and/or families within the nurse practitioner scope of practice based on current research findings. Seminar - 3 hours per week, Clinical – 6 hours per week. (4.5 credits). Winter. 
PREREQUISITE: NURS 856; PRE- or COREQUISITE: NURS 850 

NURS 858 Therapeutics in Primary Health Care I     
Critically appraise and interpret concepts and frameworks integral to pharmacotherapy, advanced counselling, and complementary therapies for common conditions across the lifespan. Develop ,initiate, manage, and evaluate therapeutic plans of care that incorporate client values and acceptability, goals of therapy, analysis of different approaches, pharmacotherapeutic principles. Seminar - 3 hours per week, Clinical - 6 hours per week.(4.5 credits). Fall.
PRE- or COREQUISITE: NURS 850, NURS 856 

NURS 859 Therapeutics in Primary Health Care II     
Integrate conceptual frameworks and evidence underlying the study of pharmacotherapy, advanced counselling, and complementary therapies for complex client situations. Demonstrate substantive initiative, responsibility, and accountability in complex decision making. Seminar - 3 hours per week, Clinical - 6 hours per week. (4.5 credits) Winter.
PREREQUISITE: NURS 858;
PRE- OR COREQUISITE: NURS 850, NURS 857 

NURS 862  Health Care Management Systems     
This purpose of this course is to critically examine some of the theoretical and methodological issues affecting research on health management innovations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the implications of research for health care outcomes. Not offered 2024-25.

NURS 892 Independent Study    
A study under the guidance of a graduate faculty member in a nursing subject not in existing courses. Normally it takes the form of a closely supervised reading and/or practicum in an area of the instructor's expertise with appropriate means of evaluation. Must not directly overlap thesis work. PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor and course outline approval of Graduate Program Committee. 

NURS 897 Advanced Nursing Practice Project
Students in this course will develop skills to search for evidence for a clearly defined question related to advancing nursing practice, conduct a project and present findings in oral and written formats. There will be an introductory theory component followed by an independent project supervised by faculty. (6.0 credit units). Summer and Fall.
PREREQUISITES: NURS 800, NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 811 

NURS 898 Project in Evidence Based Practice     
The focus of this course is on the scholarship of integration. Students will develop the knowledge and ability to: 1) to identify evidence on a specific question related to the practice of primary health care nurse practitioners; 2) to critically appraise and synthesize evidence; and, 3) to integrate evidence to inform practice. Includes seminars and independent study. (4.5 credits).
PREREQUISITES: NURS 800, NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 811 

NURS 899 Master's Thesis Research     
A research endeavour conducted under the guidance of a thesis supervisor. The thesis will be completed and the student examined in accordance with the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

NURS 900 Advanced Statistics and Analytic Techniques       
This course builds on intermediate statistical skills and understanding. Emphasis is placed on links between research design and statistical analysis. Hands on computational analysis and advanced statistical methods commonly used in nursing inquiry will be explored. Topics include application and interpretation of common bivariate and multivariable analytic and modeling techniques. Winter. 

NURS 901 Philosophy of Nursing Science     
The course examines the major philosophical traditions that have influenced the generation of nursing knowledge through empirical, interpretive and critical paradigms. It includes a critical analysis of world views, truth, theoretical perspectives, theories, and constructs within the discipline, with an emphasis on relationships between philosophy, theory, research and practice in the generation of nursing knowledge. Fall.  

NURS 902 Qualitative Research Methods in Health Sciences     
This course prepares students to evaluate and undertake health related research using qualitative approaches. Topics addressed include the historical and philosophical foundations of qualitative research, research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and ethical concerns. Fall.

NURS 903  Advanced Quantitative Measurement, Methods and Design     
This course prepares nurse scientists to advance nursing knowledge through independent research using quantitative methods. It focuses on conceptualizing research, measurement, design, sampling and reliability of measures. Emphasis is placed on the appropriateness of design for the level of theoretical knowledge available and the nature of the research problem to be investigated. Winter.

NURS 905 Nursing, Health Services and Public Policy in Canada      
This course addresses concepts in the policy process, policy development, policy analysis and policy implementation as they relate to nursing in Canadian health care. Discussion will focus on contemporary issues in nursing and health care with an examination of the political process, research-policy linkages, the role of the organized professions, the bureaucracy, politicians, the media and health care organizations. Offered jointly with NURS 805. Summer.  

NURS 906 Thesis Seminar Course     
A required doctoral course for all PhD students. Topics will be selected to support students in completion of the doctoral degree. Discussions will include students’ research studies; elements of data collection and analysis; contemporary nursing issues in health services and policy; and the role of nursing leaders in Canada. Students are required to be registered in the course in the second year of the program. The course will include seminars, presentations from visiting scholars with sessions held every other week throughout the year. Winter and Summer.

NURS 907     Independent Study     
A study under the guidance of a graduate faculty member on a nursing topic not offered in existing courses. Normally it takes the form of a closely supervised reading course in the area of the instructor's expertise with appropriate means of evaluation. Must not directly overlap thesis work.

NURS 999     Ph.D. Thesis Research     

Courses for the Graduate Diploma in Pain Care (all courses except PAIN 874 are online courses): 

PAIN 870 Pathophysiology of Pain
This course explores pain conditions with their underlying mechanisms and will review the basic neuroscience of pain. Anatomical, physiological, psychological and biochemical mechanisms involved in nociception are presented. Theoretical models underpinning our understanding of these mechanisms in the biopsychosocial context will be explored. Not offered 2024-25. 

PAIN 871 Assessment and Treatment of Pain I
This course builds upon the advanced knowledge provided in PAIN 870 and on the basic knowledge provided in most undergraduate health professional programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the definitions, characteristics and epidemiology of various pain conditions, followed by an in-depth examination of the assessment and treatment of acute pain. It will assist learners in understanding the prevalence of pain and in developing comprehensive approaches to the assessment of individuals with acute pain to guide diagnosis, care and treatment.  Not offered 2024-25. 
PRE- or CO REQUISITE: PAIN 870 

PAIN 872 Assessment and Treatment of Pain II
This course expands on the advanced knowledge provided in PAIN- 870 and PAIN- 871 as well as basic pain education provided in undergraduate level health professional programs. Comprehensive descriptions of chronic pain conditions, their incidence, prevalence, and risk factors will be discussed. Learners will develop comprehensive approaches to the assessment, diagnosis, care and treatment of individuals with chronic pain. Not offered 2024-25. 
PREREQUISITE: PAIN 870, PAIN 871 

PAIN 873 Evaluating Pain Related Programs and Service
This course  introduces learners to evaluation principles and practices that can be applied to the development and implementation of solutions for problems or issues arising in pain related intervention and programs.  Learners will acquire the skills necessary to assess the nature and scope of a problem, as well as to design, implement, and evaluate the effects of a solution or program intended to address a problem related to pain care.  Topics will include theoretical aspects of program evaluation, program development models, and the various components of program evaluation and implementation procedures.  Not offered 2024-25.  

PAIN 874 Integrated Approach to Pain Care
This course focuses on applying theoretical concepts of pain to clinical scenarios in a clinical simulation environment to further learners’ understanding of the application of best practices in pain care. Practice will be conducted using an interprofessional approach to pain care. Not offered 2024-25. 
PREREQUISITES: PAIN 870, PAIN 871, PAIN 872, PAIN 873