Hey Nurses and nursing students,

I came across allnurses.com as I was researching about PN and BSN/BScN programs in Ontario. I understand, there are many threads online about the differences of a PN to a BSN program and many answers, opinions and advice from students in nursing and individuals who are currently nurses. But, I still have some questions which I would like to ask as some threads didn't seem to have answers to my inquiries.

Starting off, I am currently a secondary school student in grade 12 who is almost in the end of completing my OSSD in June 2013. I know that it may seem too early to start planning where to apply, but time does fly by fast. My intended goal is to become a RN as I have always wanted since the start of secondary school. In order to become a RN, I know I can apply directly into a BSN/BScN program or an alternative would be applying to PN then Bridge to BSN/BScN.

So today, I met with my councilor as I am trying to elect my Semester 2 courses, I told her my final designation where I want to be would be a RN. She gave me some suggestions as forms for OCAS and OUAC are coming along soon. First she told me a lot of students would choose the direct route into BScN instead of the PN then Bridge to BScN route, but looking at my marks (I'm taking all U courses), she doesn't see a problem with this situation for me. However, she then pointed out telling me that taking the PN program then bridge over after would lead to better results as previous students told her in the past. Better results meaning as in RPN gain more hands on experience and are much more better off than RN's who just went directly to BScN as some do struggle in clinicals as they are not floor ready to work as they graduate. I know this doesn't apply to all graduates but only SOME, and I am not trying to offend anyone in any way, so please don't take this harshly. She also noted that previous students also told her becoming a RPN really helps them in the future as a RN and during the bridging process.

My question to all nurses and nursing students out there, what is your opinion based on this? Is there a benefit of taking the PN program over the directly to the BScN? Do you gain more experience in either one or the other? If you had the choice, would you go directly to BScN or PN first? Also, any nursing school experience stories?

I understand that my councilor was giving me her opinion and I would like to hear your opinions too and understand that in the end it is my decision to head to whichever designation. Thank you :)

Hey Nurses and nursing students I came across allnurses.com as I was researching about PN and BSN/BScN programs in Ontario. I understand, there are many threads online about the differences of a PN to a BSN program and many answers, opinions and advice from students in nursing and individuals who are currently nurses. But, I still have some questions which I would like to ask as some threads didn't seem to have answers to my inquiries. Starting off, I am currently a secondary school student in grade 12 who is almost in the end of completing my OSSD in June 2013. I know that it may seem too early to start planning where to apply, but time does fly by fast. My intended goal is to become a RN as I have always wanted since the start of secondary school. In order to become a RN, I know I can apply directly into a BSN/BScN program or an alternative would be applying to PN then Bridge to BSN/BScN. So today, I met with my councilor as I am trying to elect my Semester 2 courses, I told her my final designation where I want to be would be a RN. She gave me some suggestions as forms for OCAS and OUAC are coming along soon. First she told me a lot of students would choose the direct route into BScN instead of the PN then Bridge to BScN route, but looking at my marks (I'm taking all U courses), she doesn't see a problem with this situation for me. However, she then pointed out telling me that taking the PN program then bridge over after would lead to better results as previous students told her in the past. Better results meaning as in RPN gain more hands on experience and are much more better off than RN's who just went directly to BScN as some do struggle in clinicals as they are not floor ready to work as they graduate. I know this doesn't apply to all graduates but only SOME, and I am not trying to offend anyone in any way, so please don't take this harshly. She also noted that previous students also told her becoming a RPN really helps them in the future as a RN and during the bridging process. My question to all nurses and nursing students out there, what is your opinion based on this? Is there a benefit of taking the PN program over the directly to the BScN? Do you gain more experience in either one or the other? If you had the choice, would you go directly to BScN or PN first? Also, any nursing school experience stories? I understand that my councilor was giving me her opinion and I would like to hear your opinions too and understand that in the end it is my decision to head to whichever designation. Thank you :)[/quote']

The big question is do you want to be in school for 4 years or 5.5years? Direct route will give you your degree in 4 years while bridging is 2.5 years of the PN then another 3 to bridge . The benefit is the schedules for the bridge are pretty lax and you can basically work full time while completing your degree. If you want to go to Georgian College in Barrie they offer a second year bscn bridge to rpn which I completed this summer so I can work as an rpn during my last two years of my degree- so far this is the only ontario school to offer this program . Both are good ways to go depending on your situation.

Hey siam0516!

Since you did say that your councilor said your marks should be not be a problem in getting straight to the BScN route, I would highly suggest you just apply straight to it since you do want to become a RN. You may apply to both programs and further on decide.

Going into the RPN program first then bridging afterwards is always an alternative as stated by your guidance Councillor, but why go through it when you're able to go directly into it? Also from my friends experience who is currently in the bridging process, she told me she that the bridging program is not easy as it very competitive to get into as it's not just trying to get over a 3.0 GPA in each course but beyond that.

Good luck and study hard! :)