[linus00]

Hi I am from Canada and new to this site! In Canada we have Healthcare Aids/PSW's who attend school for 1yr at a community college. Our LPN/Registered Practical Nurse program is 21/2 years at a community college and the RNs must have a BScN (4yrs). I am a first year Practical Nursing student and I am just wondering how much of a difference there is between the two countries. Can anyone tell me??

[TheCommuter]

American-educated LPNs (known as LVNs in California and Texas) must graduate from an accredited school of practical or vocational nursing. Usually it is 1 year for full-time LPN programs, or 1.5 to 2 years for part-time programs. I attended LVN school full time for approximately 1 year.

American-educated RNs have 3 points of entry in order to be eligible to obtain RN licensure. The majority of American-educated RNs possess a 2-year ADN degree (associate degree in nursing). Other options are the BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) and the 3-year hospital-based nursing diploma.

American-educated aides (certified nursing assistants) attend training for 2 to 6 months.

[linus00]

Thanks alot for the info! I was just wondering because RNs in Ontario, Canada MUST possess a BScN from university ( 4 or more year) For me to become a LPN I must complete a 21/2 fulltime program. I suppose that would be equivalent to an ADN. As of right now if I wanted to become a RN after my LPN program, I would have to complete another 4yrs to get my BScN; that would be 6yrs all together because there is currently no bridging here! Just out of curriousity, what does the LPN program in the states consist of-what do you learn??

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by linus00

Just out of curriousity, what does the LPN program in the states consist of-what do you learn??

My LVN program taught medical-surgical nursing, growth and development throughout the life span, and nursing fundamentals. Medical-surgical nursing covered the pathologies of GI, renal, cardio, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, integumentary, respiratory, and the other body systems. Growth and development covered obstetrics, postpartum, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Nursing fundamentals covered procedures such as bed-making, catheterizing, suctioning, wound dressing, suture removal, etc.

Clinical rotations took place at several hospitals, a nursing home for the elderly, several sub-acute facilities where the patients were comatose and ventilator-dependent, several outpatient clinics, and a facility for clients with cerebral palsy.

[linus00]

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

My LVN program taught medical-surgical nursing, growth and development throughout the life span, and nursing fundamentals. Medical-surgical nursing covered the pathologies of GI, renal, cardio, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, integumentary, respiratory, and the other body systems. Growth and development covered obstetrics, postpartum, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Nursing fundamentals covered procedures such as bed-making, catheterizing, suctioning, wound dressing, suture removal, etc.

Clinical rotations took place at several hospitals, a nursing home for the elderly, several sub-acute facilities where the patients were comatose and ventilator-dependent, several outpatient clinics, and a facility for clients with cerebral palsy.

That is what we cover as well. Except we also take anatomy and physioloy I & II, pathophysiology I & II, nursing theory I II & III, nursing communications, psychology, and sociology. Our clinicals take place in elementary schools, pediatrics, obstetrics, long-term care, emergency, surgical and mental health. Thanks again for the info, I find this really interesting

[linus00]

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

My LVN program taught medical-surgical nursing, growth and development throughout the life span, and nursing fundamentals. Medical-surgical nursing covered the pathologies of GI, renal, cardio, urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, integumentary, respiratory, and the other body systems. Growth and development covered obstetrics, postpartum, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Nursing fundamentals covered procedures such as bed-making, catheterizing, suctioning, wound dressing, suture removal, etc.

Clinical rotations took place at several hospitals, a nursing home for the elderly, several sub-acute facilities where the patients were comatose and ventilator-dependent, several outpatient clinics, and a facility for clients with cerebral palsy.

oh yeah we also must take two pharmacology courses.

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by linus00

oh yeah we also must take two pharmacology courses.

We also take anatomy & physiology and pharmacology.