Harm Reduction: Principles and Practice

COURSE

Course description

This course offers a critical and in-depth exploration of harm reduction as both an underpinning philosophy of care and a practical framework within nursing and healthcare. Grounded in the principles of health equity and social justice, the course invites current and future nurses to engage with complex issues through a lens of compassion, ethics, and evidence.

Through interactive lectures and online discussions, students will examine diverse perspectives on substance use, public policy, and service delivery. Emphasis is placed on real-world application—encouraging participants to reflect on their values, clinical practice, and the broader role of nursing in shaping equitable health systems.

By the end of this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of harm reduction as a vital approach to nursing practice, public health, and policy development, as well as a powerful driver of social justice.

Why Harm Reduction Matters in Nursing

Discover how this course addresses urgent gaps in healthcare education. View the course call-to-action (PDF) to see how harm reduction saves lives—and why it should be a core nursing competency.

Learning objectives

By completing this course, students will be able to:

Define harm reduction as an underpinning philosophy of care, a set of practical interventions, and a response to harmful policy
Describe the connection between drug prohibition and the increasing volatility of the unregulated drug supply
Analyze the racist and colonial foundations of contemporary drug laws and their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities
Explore the history and guiding principles of the harm reduction movement, along with diverse perspectives on its practice
Identify and evaluate evidence-based strategies to support the health of people who use substances
Apply harm reduction principles to individual nursing practice, policy, and broader systems-level advocacy
Assess gaps in substance use services and identify opportunities to improve care and equity
Reflect on personal and institutional bias and develop actionable strategies to advocate for ethical, person-centered healthcare

Prerequisites

Participants must hold a current and valid nursing license in a Canadian province or territory. Documentation will be required following registration.

Registration details

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Info you should know:

Continuing Studies statement on use of educational technology

This course will require the use of Zoom and may use other education technology such as internet-based applications, cloud services, or social media. In order to complete this course you will be required to either consent to the disclosure of your personal information outside of Canada to enable use of these technologies, or work with the Division of Continuing Studies to explore other privacy protective options (such as using an alias or nickname).

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