The Centre for Nursing Studies (CNS) was established in 1996 and is operated by Eastern Health. It is located at Southcott Hall, 100 Forest Road, in the east end of St. John's. CNS offers a variety of high quality nursing education programs to prepare our graduates to provide excellent patient care across a broad range of health care and social settings. Programs are offered both on-site and by distance delivery. CNS is the largest nursing school in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have approximately 750 students across all programs, 50 full-time faculty members and, at peak periods, an almost equal number of sessional faculty. Currently, CNS annually admits approximately 120 students to the Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) Program and approximately 70 students to the Practical Nursing Program. In addition, CNS provides continuing studies programs (post-basic courses) to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), re-entry programs for RNs and LPNs, a tailored bridging and re-entry program for internationally educated nurses (IENs), and competency-based assessments of nurses in practice for the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) and regional health authorities as requested. Enrollment in continuing studies programs is variable depending on health care system demand.

Paton College consists of our ten traditional residence halls. Each of the ten 'Houses' is home to approximately 100 residents and provides a high level of support and guidance, which is best suited for students who are in their first year of studies, or away from home for the first time. Macpherson College consists of two wings of suite style – two single bedrooms and shared washroom accommodations - for 250 residents each. Life in the Macpherson College will provide a higher level of independence and privacy than the residence halls, while still providing substantial guidance and support. Our four apartment style residences surround one side of Burton's Pond. Each of the four 'Courts' is home to approximately 125 residents and provides a high level of independence, which is best suited for older, more independent students. Baltimore Court, located adjacent to Burton's Pond, provides family accommodations for students with young children.

Programs offered include the Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) Program and the Practical Nursing Program.

Guidance and Counselling Services are available to all students enrolled at the Centre for Nursing Studies. These services are provided by a qualified Guidance Counsellor. Individual and/or group Counselling is available in personal, academic, and career planning areas. Career exploration services are also available to any prospective students who feel they might benefit from counselling in terms of decision making regarding nursing as a career choice.

The Computer Lab is located on the first floor of the CNS. This computer lab is available to all students during LRC hours. Some software programs available to students include word processing, CINAHL, e-mail and Internet access. Two printers are available for student use. LRC and Information Services Staff provide support to students during LRC hours. Orientation sessions are held to familiarize all new students with the available programs. Lab policies are posted in the Lab and must be adhered to by all students.

The Centre is committed to facilitating learning experiences for students with special learning needs. It is the responsibility of the student to make all course faculty aware of any special learning needs. Whenever possible, faculty will accommodate special learning needs in all aspects of course delivery. Students will be made aware of any support resources available at the Centre or within the community.

The Centre for Nursing Studies is affiliated with a variety of professional organizations such as: •Association of Canadian Community Colleges •Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador •Atlantic Region Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing •Canadian Association of Practical Nurse Educators •Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing •Canadian Nurses Association •College for Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

At each site, students have access to computer and library facilities, recreational activities, health care, and guidance counselling services.