calling all l.p.n's \rpn's

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I was reading the paper today and there was an article on the shortage of nurses. ( big suprise....) The paper said that the shortage was to be discussed at the Banff summit, I will get to the point. They went on to say that the college enrollment would have to be increased , and fees waived for a period of time.

What I wish to propose is uniting all lpn,s who are eager to up-grade to r.n status to come together and write a petition to the minister of health suggesting why we would be excellent candidates for a bridging program. I do not feel we should have to complete the program from the beginning, I feel that it is a slap in the face for many r.p.n's who have worked active hospital for any lenght of time. This is not to say that I dont realize the r.n scope and study is more in depth, of course it is, but I feel we should be given some recognition for experience gained. Does any one out there share my opinion or the desire to make this happen? I would love to hear your response. I am hoping this reaches the ears of nurses practicing in canada. I feel a little more flexability in our colleges would go a long way.:cool:

The original post is dated 2002. It is now 2007 and the issue is the same. I have been an LVN for seven months. Many of us proposed the LVN to RN Bridge Program during SVN school. One of our instructors told us that she and others have tried to implement such a program for thirty years. :uhoh3:

I recently wrote a letter to the Board of Trustees with a copy to the Mayor of our City and I have not received a response. However, I will continue to perservere this issue.

I have received a lot of support from my instructors, LVNs, and RNs.

I support all of us in an LVN to RN Bridge Program.

Best of Luck and Health to all,

Nurse Smiley

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Ok, I have read so much and still can't seem to get anywhere. I have been an LPN in Nova Scotia for 8 years. I have worked various facilities, mostly as a Charge Nurse. I have BScN students asking me procedure questions and advise, yet I have been refused for the BScN program at the University in Halifax. They would like me to up-grade grade 12 eng. and math. UNBELIEVEABLE!!!! I have been out of high school for about 12 years. Not to mention I have been in the medical proffession for 8 YEARS!! It seems as though prior education and experience means nothing. I love my job and I do enjoy being an LPN, but I would like to expand my education and oppertunities. The don't have a bridging program in Nova Scotia so I would have to take all four years. It is impossible for me to re-locate due to custody arrangments with my ex. So what now? Do I just give up on my dream? It would cost me an additional $2000 to up-grade, not to mention an additional year of school. I just don't have the money or time. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE HELP!!!

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Have a look at the Athabasca University bridge. It is distance ed and you would have to move to Alberta to do the clinicals, but it wouldn't be a permanent move.

I feel your pain. When I decided to become a nurse even with an Arts diploma that was transferrable to a BA programme I was refused entry into the RN programme. I needed to up grade my grade 12...

Good Luck.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.
Ok, I have read so much and still can't seem to get anywhere. I have been an LPN in Nova Scotia for 8 years. I have worked various facilities, mostly as a Charge Nurse. I have BScN students asking me procedure questions and advise, yet I have been refused for the BScN program at the University in Halifax. They would like me to up-grade grade 12 eng. and math. UNBELIEVEABLE!!!! I have been out of high school for about 12 years. Not to mention I have been in the medical proffession for 8 YEARS!! It seems as though prior education and experience means nothing. I love my job and I do enjoy being an LPN, but I would like to expand my education and oppertunities. The don't have a bridging program in Nova Scotia so I would have to take all four years. It is impossible for me to re-locate due to custody arrangments with my ex. So what now? Do I just give up on my dream? It would cost me an additional $2000 to up-grade, not to mention an additional year of school. I just don't have the money or time. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE HELP!!!

I 2nd what Fiona said about Abathasca (sp?). I've heard great things about their distace education. Also, coud you do your upgrades through distace ed? Then you could keep working.

Also, look into funding help with upgrading courses. My college's adult education upgrading is free, except for books and there's even financial help for that for those who need it.

It wouldnt' hurt to go see an advisor at a local community college about upgrades and see what they have!!

Good luck!

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Hi, I am 2nd-year RPN student in George Brown college in Toronto. I am looking for on line bridging to BN program. My college has new collaborative with Ryerson U. bridging program, but it is 3 full time semesters + 2 years. The program in Athabasca U. looks very convenient and I hope it is possible to do it in less than 3.5 years.

I sent them e-mail, but they did not answered. I red their website and still have some questions. Please, somebody, help with answers.

Can I work in Ontario after AU bridging program?

Is it recognized in US?

Do I have to have Alberta license and how I can get it if I studied in Ontario?

One of the admission requirements is 1 year of experience. I will not have it after college, so I have to work. At this time can I take some courses and transfer them later?

How long it usually takes to finish this program?

Can I get OSAP or loan?

I will be happy to get any other information about this program.

Thanks in advance. I will appreciate your help.

GBCstudent.

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You have to apply to CLPNA for an Alberta PN license.

It is a requirement of all the bridge programmes to have at least 1000 hours of employment as a PN.

You could do the Arts courses while working on getting the required employment hours

It's not a quick degree like the American ones. It will take at least two years and require travelling to Alberta for the clinicals.

Student loans are a government thing, so you'd have to contact your colleges financial office.

Hope it helps some.

I find the thing that sucks about the bridge is the requirement of employed hours. BScN students can apply fresh from high school with no work experience and they are off and running. We have to proove our worth.

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I too was shocked that Ontario would not credit me for the courses and time I had as an RPN, when I wanted to get my RN. I ended up doing a bridging program in Michigan in one year and I am proud to say that I am a licensed RN in the USA. It's sad to know that Ontario lost a good nurse due to their regulations.

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Thanks a lot for your reply, Fiona59. You clarified it for me. It will not be easy for me to go to Alberta, but anyway it looks better than bridge in Toronto. Now I have to finish RPN first...

GBCstudent.

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Specializes in LTC (LPN-RN).
I too was shocked that Ontario would not credit me for the courses and time I had as an RPN, when I wanted to get my RN. I ended up doing a bridging program in Michigan in one year and I am proud to say that I am a licensed RN in the USA. It's sad to know that Ontario lost a good nurse due to their regulations.

Way to go. I know its pricy but at least you found a way that works for you. So which program did you take?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I think that once this recession settles down, Ontario is going to have a real shortage of RN's and we may see much shorter bridging programs for diploma RPN's as they will need to replace those that are retiring or burnt out from working short.

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Specializes in Hospital, Foot Nurse, NRSNG Educator.

WOW, THESE ARE STILL GOING ??? lOl

I think that once this recession settles down, Ontario is going to have a real shortage of RN's and we may see much shorter bridging programs for diploma RPN's as they will need to replace those that are retiring or burnt out from working short.

AND yes, it is an old post, and now I am back on a mission..... working very hard to find a way.... get my RN.. either here or Buffalo, and would consider AD if it gets me started, and although couldn't work here, be very happy to have real work again...... brain and hands on..... so many of our hospitals are being closed, or made into long term care, there wouldn't be a hospital very close unless I went through U.S. anyway..... goodness our health care is a mess ! :nurse: but I am going to do it, kids are grown, moneys tight, but it will be worth it.

Anyone know of an articulation program in the Buffalo area, like the one in MI/Sarnia ?

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