Hi EveryoneI am from Ontario, Canada and I want to make nursing my 2nd career. Here is a bit of my history. (the below is kind of long....I apologize in advance).I am in my 30's, no kids or husband. In the mid 2000's, my grandmother fell sick and after her hospital stay, CCAS arranged for VON to start visits 2 times a day. At first, this was very strange as no-one knew anything about this service but we were grateful. During the time, I used to help the PSW's turn her and help with the washings. I did this because I felt strange that they were helping her and we could help. In any case, a few of them asked if I was a PSW because apparently I was naturaly at care. As I had no kids and could do what I want, I went to Sheridan college part time and started the PSW's certificate. (I should add that I have a degree from UofO and work FT in a totally unrelated industry). While taking my cerificate, I realized that I loved health care. When we were in our 2nd or 3rd last day of clinical, my instructor (a Masters RN who was currently working on her Ph.D.) pulled me and 3 other girls aside and recommended we pursue RN degrees. I guess she saw something in us (and I can say for myself I worked my butt off and did not slack in classes and graduated with honors & an A average..I guess some people would think that is fine as it is at the college level but I was proud).I was so excited about her advise that I looked into the RN programs in my city (it felt right...if that makes any sense). I immediately got discouraged as this takes 4 years to complete (and for me an additional year to get my prereq's as I have been out of school for so long). Disappointed, I left it alone and was lucky to get a PT position at VON where I have been working ever since (about 6 yrs since). I still have my FT job and do VON on a PT basis. It works for me as I cannot stand being bored and enjoy working.My FT job transferred me to our Kitchener location for a year in 2012 and I also worked at Paramed there for that time (PT). I had a very good time working for Paramed and came to Love my clients. I had an Aha moment if you will, 1 week before I leaft PM (I was moving back to the GTA office) while working at a retirement home. I won't go into it but at that moment life felt perfect and I knew I had to get more into health care. So, when I got home I made a list of pro's and con's and then researched shcools. (I did not want to work as a PSW FT as it is not enough $ for me to live on and I find the work rewarding but not satisfying) I even asked my parents to let me back into their home so I can study with little bills and they gladly agreed (my mom has been encouraging me to enter nursing for years but like a real rebellion, I resisted). My question (finally) is, if you were me, would you go for the RN or RPN program? I am so nervous because of the time it would take to accomplish the RN (BScN) degree. As I stated, I am not young and going back to school for another 4 years seems so daunting and very annoying. Also, I must admit that while in university, I did not do too well as it was just plain hard for me. I did much better at the college level and wished I did not attend uni at all because it was a mini disaster.The RPN program is so much less time (also George Brown has a PSW to RNP bridge program which I applied for and got in as my PSW average was pretty high) so I know I can at least get in...if I do well in the bridging.I have been agonizing about this for a while and cannot come to a decision. I really want to help people and specificially would like to work in ICU (and RN's are the only ones allowed there overall from what I read so far...at least in the GTA area). I do think I can get thru the RN program but am really nervous about the university portion. I feel that I am not smart enough but want to be a nurse so badly. I actually feel it is my calling in life. The 2nd I made the decision to actually return to school for nursing, I felt an inner piece and am ready to devote the $, blood, sweat and tears to accomplish it. I am just stuck on my age, my brain and RN or RPN.I would appreciate if anyone can give me some advise on what you would do personally. I want to actually apply for all programs/schools by Feb '14 and just concentrate on saving like crazy, working extra hrs at VON and planning my caring future. Sincerely, scared to death
