Employed Nursing Student does not equal LPN

linzz · May 12, 2008

I found this thread interesting so I read a back issue of The Standard which is the CNO's (Ontario lic. board) magazine. It had an article about employed nursing students and according to the CNO, they may not practice as anything other than a UCP (unregulated care providers). The article further stated that the title "nurse" can only be used by those members who are registered and that students may use the title "nursing student" only during the school year where they must be supervised by a member of the profession.

As far as I know in Ontario, to write the RPN exam, you must complete a 2 to 2.5 year program or complete two years of a BSN program and an additional four months during the summer to sit for the exam, although I have only heard of one college offering this. Trying to challenge the RPN exam seems somewhat pointless to me because you will only get to work maybe one summer as an RPN as it takes a long time for exam results to be returned and not all employers will hire a student with a temp permit. Also, depending on your third and fourth year course and clinical load, maybe not at all. I do think that is is very worthwhile to work as a UCP in a hospital or nursing home as you will gain confidence, organizational and assessment skills and a general idea of where you may or may not want to work when you graduate.

tanthalas · May 12, 2008

What you are writing is a facility or health authority specific exam. Not the equivalent of the CPRNE. Look at the cost involved have you paid the fees to write and the yearly license fee? If so, then you have written CPRNE. If not, you are an employed student working as such, not an LPN via a "challenged exam".

I'm unsure of other universities, but BC universities in the Collaborative for Academic Education in Nursing (CAEN) have the ability to challenge the CPRNE after their second year - providing they have completed a surgical, medical and obstetrical/gynecology rotation. It is the CPRNE, not an exam for a health authority. Myself and another ~100 RN students challenged it this past January and have obtained our LPN license. We are not ESNs.

Fiona59 · May 13, 2008

Several things need to be addressed here.

Your education has been judged by CLPNBC to equivalent to an PN's therefore you are eligible to write the CPNRE. So you did NOT challenge the exam. You were deemed to have the education to do so.

If you have paid your fees and carry a valid practice permit, you are a LPN who is working towards a BScN degree.

Challenging and being permitted to write an exam are two very different things. I know many experienced PNs with degrees in other areas and extensive nursing experience who could "challenge" the CRNE and pass it. BUT they are not allowed to because their education as a PN and a degree in another discipline does not meet the educational requirements of a BScN.

Melody SN · May 25, 2008

Actually you can challenge the exam if you meet the requirements at least here in BC. I know quite a few BC RN students that have challenged the exam and are working as LPNs. You have to have your transcripts, proof you've had enough hours doing both clinical and theory courses in specific areas (maternity, geriatrics, med/surg, etc.). The wording "Challenge" actually comes from CLPN. When I emailed and phoned to find out about it they said they'd send me a "challenge" package so that I could be evaluated.

You have to pay over $200 to be evaluated and have a criminal record check and then if they approve you - you can write the exam. I am working as an employed student nurse this summer (as I did last summer) but am planning on writing the LPN exam in September. I feel that I, and others who have posted, know the difference. When my colleagues work as LPNs they are not allowed to start IVs; administer IV meds, treat wounds where the wound bed cannot be visualized, etc but when they work as ESNs they are able to do all of these things.

When I write it - if I pass - the licensing fees will be paid by the health authority that I'm working in -- they're so short of LPNs that they're encouraging us to do this even if its only for a year or so.

Thats the way it works in BC anyway. The process takes months and can be frustrating but it is possible. Maybe its different where you live. :wink2:

Fiona59 · May 25, 2008

LPNs in Alberta do their own IV starts, meds, all wound care (wound vacs, etc).

BC is one of the more restrictive provinces for LPNs to work in. Cross the Rockies into Alberta and it's an entirely different nursing experience.

tanthalas · May 28, 2008

Actually you can challenge the exam if you meet the requirements at least here in BC. I know quite a few BC RN students that have challenged the exam and are working as LPNs. You have to have your transcripts, proof you've had enough hours doing both clinical and theory courses in specific areas (maternity, geriatrics, med/surg, etc.). The wording "Challenge" actually comes from CLPN. When I emailed and phoned to find out about it they said they'd send me a "challenge" package so that I could be evaluated.
You have to pay over $200 to be evaluated and have a criminal record check and then if they approve you - you can write the exam. I am working as an employed student nurse this summer (as I did last summer) but am planning on writing the LPN exam in September. I feel that I, and others who have posted, know the difference. When my colleagues work as LPNs they are not allowed to start IVs; administer IV meds, treat wounds where the wound bed cannot be visualized, etc but when they work as ESNs they are able to do all of these things.
When I write it - if I pass - the licensing fees will be paid by the health authority that I'm working in -- they're so short of LPNs that they're encouraging us to do this even if its only for a year or so.
Thats the way it works in BC anyway. The process takes months and can be frustrating but it is possible. Maybe its different where you live.

Exactly what I was trying to say - and more eloquently worded. :)