Distance Nursing Programs Handbook

Welcome to Distance Nursing Studies At St. Francis Xavier University!

We are delighted that you have chosen St. Francis Xavier University as the provider of your undergraduate nursing education! StFX not only offers exceptional educational opportunities but also a unique sense of family among students and the institution.

In May 2006 CASN (Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing) awarded the StFX Distance Nursing Post RN Program a 7-year accreditation.

You have made a significant decision which will have a tremendous impact on both your personal and professional lives. While the pursuit of a university education is challenging, it is also an incredibly rewarding experience.

Like all families, we are committed to helping each other as much as possible. You will learn, as you read through this manual, about the networks of resources that have been established to promote your development and success. You will also learn about the many forms of assistance available to you as you progress through your program of study.

As a program unit, we are committed to student-centred education in a social environment that respects the value and worth of each individual. Generating a challenging and fulfilling learning experience is our central role in your educational experience.

The StFX distance education model has been nationally recognized as meeting the highest standards. Our Distance Nursing Programs were presented with an Award of Excellence for Instructional Design and an Award of Excellence for Student Support Services in 1996-97 from the Canadian Association for Distance Education. While national awards are always gratifying, the success of our students provides the real reward. It is witnessing the growth and sharing celebrations along the way that illustrate the value of this program in the lives of students.

Welcome to our Xaverian family and Distance Nursing studies!

DISTANCE NURSING PROGRAM OFFICE

The Program Office is the centre of organizational activity for all distance nursing programs. It is here that all details of a student’s academic program are coordinated. Along with a multitude of other program activities, staff organize and distribute all course materials and exams, regulate ‘office hours’ to facilitate student contact with professors, and offer support and guidance to students. Staff at the Distance Nursing Program Office are all very knowledgeable and are readily available to assist students at any point in their program.

Mailing Address:	Distance Nursing Program Office Continuing & Distance Education Department St. Francis Xavier University Box 5000 Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5 Canada
Contact Information:	Tel: 1-800-565-4371 and 1-800-588-2246 Fax: (902) 867-5154 E-mail: distance.nursing@stfx.ca website: http://www.stfx.ca/academic/continuinged/nursing.html
Office Hours:	8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Location:	Coady-MacDonald Hall (2nd floor) StFX University 51 West Street, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Program Staff:	Patsy MacDonald (Director, Distance Nursing Programs) Donna MacLellan (Administrative Assistant) Eileen Grant (Administrative Assistant) Rachel Mattie (Part time Assistant)