Print And Share

by connieRNvsRPN

So this is my first time in participating in forums discussions. So I have not finished my grade 12 but I have been out of school now for about four to five years now. I have matured over theses years and have been working as a full time employee at my place of work. I always wanted to a nurse even since I was in high school, now I’m taking the incentive and would like to start getting on track. I have a few questions to ask about perusing my career in nursing...I would like to attend school here in Ottawa due to family being here and friends.

1. Is it worth taking my RPN get a job in that then eventually go back to school and get my RN?

2. Will U of Ottawa even take me in or Algonquin? Even though I don’t have a grade 12 diploma, I do know that I can pay a fee to writ a test at the collage but I don’t think I will pass. So if I do need to get the prerequisites for my course approximately how long will this take?

3. I’m really worried of getting into debt. I have been with my boyfriend now for five years and he has a good job. But now he wanting to buy a house with me but I want to go to school too. Is it smart to buy a house and go to school at the same time?


Well I can’t think of any more questions at this time. If any one could help me out I would greatly appreciate your in put.

Also I will be making an appointment to speak with the university and collage to discuss my situation also but would like your feedback form your experiences.

Thanks

[Fiona59]

Re: Help!

You really need that Grade 12 diploma. Education is much easier if you have the background knowledge.

PN will set you back around $12K in loans that's if you don't need to borrow to finance your living expenses. I've heard of new grad BScNs being up to $50K in loans.

Only you know what your academic abilities are. There has to be a reason you don't have your diploma from high school. So think about it long and hard.

The PN course is not an easy course despite what people will tell you. You have to be able to do first year university level course work.

Buying a house and going to school? Well that's for you and your significant other to figure out.

[loriangel14]

Re: Help!

You and I havea lot in common. I too did not finish Grade 12 and after many years in the workforce I grew more mature and decided to pursue my dream of being a nurse. After my marriage ended I needed full time work quickly and i was fortunate to be hired as an HCA for a homecare agency. I did get my PSW certificate and a year later my local college campus offered the RPN program part time. Being a single parent I had to attend part time so i could still work. I graduated last August.I do plan on going back possibly next year to get my RN degree.

As to whether the RPN -RN route is worth it is different for everyone depending on their personal situation

Because I didn't have my diploma I did have to write an evaluation test and I had to take grade 12 biology and chemistry because I didn't have them. It was fairly easy and I took it through the college. After that I was accepted and started the nursing program the next month. The RPN course didn't really have any other prerequistes.

[connieRNvsRPN]

Re: Help!

Wow thanks for the quick feedback guys. Just this little bit is helping me get a better idea of my situation and how i should be going about it. Thanks guys and keep the comments coming this is really good.