[euphoric_anima]

Hey, what do you guys think of two years RPN, 1 year bridging and 2 years BScN? Do you think the nurses come out with the same experience, better or worse? I did not take my Bio 12 and Chem 12, and I am kicking myself in the butt! I really want to go to school NOW as I feel like it is taking me forever just to get anywhere and my only option is RPN. Is anyone taking this route? George Brown/Centennial College have a collaboration with Ryerson University.

[Fiona59]

The bridge arrived a couple of years back in Alberta and many working PNs were disappointed with it. One year of academic arts courses, an 8 month bridge of understanding of the RN role, and THEN admission to second year of the old diploma programme! The bridge to BScN is just as bad.

Knew someone who did it via the diploma route and she said the only thing that kept her going was the paycheque at the end of it. Cost her over $30K and destroyed her home live for the better part of three years. Her programme was the first one to go through, so hopefully its got better....

[Toronto]

i'm studyin at georgebrown right now.

[Cleric]

I know this reply isnt much help, but i am also interested in this question i didnt take bio 12 or chem 12 so i am also kicking my self for that. But i dont think what fiona said related here in toronto, the program is said to be really good. I will be attending george brown this september after i finish high school what about you?

[madascanbeRNtobe]

If you have graduated from high school without bio or chem 12. You can take them both at night school from february-june semester, and apply for BScN for september 08 this month. You will if your other highschool grades are up to par get provisionally accepted pending successful completion of bio and chem.

If you are in highschool currently and already taking a full course load at day school....then its impossible to take 2 more on top of that

Also, almost all colleges have a 1 year prepatory health program, that you can do sept 08 to april 09. Those do not require highschool bio or chem. Then u can apply for BscN for sept 09. The univeristy will accept your college bio and chem courses then as having met prerequisites.

The second option is good for both students in hs right now without the sciences, and those that have graduated without the sciences

The second option will take an extra year for those with hs diploma, and cost more money as night school is free, but not the college.

If i was in your situation I would try one of the above two routes, instead of RPN bridges.

There arent many RPN bridge programs currently, and the ones that exist are new and not well established....my own opinion though.......someone who has gone through the program will probably inform you better.

Hope I was of some help. If you are in highschool, go see your guidance counselor

[linzz]

In Ontario, at least where I went to college, grade 12 math, chemistry and biology were required for the RPN program which is now 2.5 years long. If you go this route and then bridge to RN, then it will take 5.5 years. If you just do the four year RN program, you will be done in four years. I would also add that you should carefully consider the quality of the program and institution you decide to attend. You can do this by talking to other students, checking the OSAP website for stats like employment rates, graduation rates and loan default rates for their programs. I also would tour the school and ask some questions about the amount clinical time, time alloted in the nursing lab and where you can do your pregrad experience as each school has a differing territory and they will not step on the toes of other schools. You will get through the requirements with some hard work, the hardest work will be to research your options and come up with a plan that works for you. Best of luck.

[linzz]

I forgot to add that the RPN bridge programs in southwestern Ontario are done by having the RPN's start with the 4 year BScN students at the second year and they remain together and do the exact same academic and clinical work for the rest of the three years. However who knows what the future holds as the Ontario government is continually trying to find ways to deliver healthcare for less $$ and this in itself will bring many changes to nursing requirements for initial licence applicants.

[Fiona59]

So basically, it's the same outline as we have in Alberta. Go into year two of the degree. Do you have to provide proof of hours worked and a reference from your employer?

It's an insult really, if you think about it. Those going into the degree fresh from high school or off the street don't need the reference our hours of experience (1200 is what a coworker had to complete).

[linzz]

Hi Fiona59, no we don't have to have any work related references, the admission is based on marks only. I also think that having to do three years is an insult and a silly waste of time as many of the RPN's have been working for years in LTC's and in hospitals on med surg floors, starting IV's, doing assessments and caring for the same unstable patient as the RN does. It especially annoys me that I can't get credit for any electives when I already have a degree and have done more than my share of essays and critiquing research reports.

[Fiona59]

If you have a degree can't you apply to a post grad accelerated programme? Or do they hold the PN diploma against you??