It’s been a month since BCIT launched Focused Education Preparation Advancing Frontline Registered Nurses (FEPA), an open learning, fast-track education course for frontline healthcare workers to gain specialized skills to care for patients with COVID-19. More than 8,500 healthcare workers across Canada and the United States have registered, with 5,000 learners already completing the course. Nearly 80% of those registered are from British Columbia.
Sarah Fast graduated from the BCIT High Acuity Specialty Nursing program in 2014. She currently works as a registered nurse at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and is one of the many frontline healthcare workers who has completed FEPA. “I thought the course was excellent. The information was well organized and easy to follow. Overall, I feel confident that I came away from the course with the knowledge to assist in the care of ventilated patients,” shared Sarah.
“We’re thrilled to see our frontline healthcare workers respond so quickly and positively to this course. Thank you to everyone registered for this course and for those who are spreading the word about it to communities beyond BC. As healthcare workers continue to work tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19, we will continue to provide tools and resources to support our frontline healthcare workers,” said Lisa Chu, Dean, School of Health Sciences, BCIT.
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The FEPA course was designed by the BCIT Specialty Nursing program for registered nurses in specialty nursing and healthcare providers caring for patients requiring high acuity care, specialty monitoring, and critical care – including mechanical ventilation. The five modules are accessible anytime online and can be repeated as often as required. Within each module, there are recommended levels highlighting pathways for healthcare providers to complete depending on their patient population. Each module includes a self-assessment, educational content including interactive activities, printable resources and quick guides, as well as COVID-19 specific information in each content area.
Healthcare workers interested in this course should contact their Health Authority employer. Register or learn more about the Focused Education Preparation Advancing Frontline Registered Nurses course.
Note to media and interview opportunities: May 11 to 17 is National Nursing Week in Canada. Kathy Kennedy, Associate Dean of Specialty Nursing, is available to speak about the success of the FEPA course or how BCIT is upskilling and supporting nurses in anticipation of a rise in acutely ill patients.
Shelley Fraser, Associate Dean of Nursing, is available to speak about how BCIT is preparing current and soon-to-graduate nursing students enter the workforce during a time of pandemic. Please contact Amy Chen to schedule an interview.
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