admission decision from Mohawk/McMaster - RPN to BScN, for Sept 2015?

tara.lynn · Mar 30, 2015

The program also doesn't provide a lot of hands on practice. You will learn zero new skills, and are expected to be current on all of your skills by either using them in real-life, or practicing on your own time.
In regards to the actual site, I really like it. The reason I chose Conestoga was because I live really close so it wouldn't make sense for me to travel to the Mac campus, and it is also where I did my PN program. The health science wing is only a few years old so it is really nice. Many of the faculty travels between sites as well, so you'll have a lot of the same profs regardless of where you go.

Oh my! I could've quoted that entire post! THANK YOU xokw! You have been the MOST honest and helpful out of anyone I have talked to!!!

I have heard quite negative things about the PBL model of learning, and if I'm being honest...I'm a little terrified/overwhelmed/worried. Writing the Undergraduate Nursing Education Admission Questionnaire really opened my eyes to it - because I had to do some research on what PBL actually was (because i had never heard about it before), and how it would be beneficial to my learning (since that was one of the questions we had to answer).

I do think it's positively enlightening that you feel as though it has helped you see the bigger picture and approach Nursing differently; that will be something to look forward to.

I have to admit I became a little enraged and disappointed about your comment about how McMaster addresses RPN's to their their BScN counterparts IN THE CLASSROOM. BUT I'm not overly surprised. I deal with that in my every day life (maybe not daily *thankfully*) - being disrespected by RN's and their poor ideals and attitudes towards being a "real nurse" - aka: an RN vs an RPN. The "nurses eat their young" is sadly prevalent, and more so when there is an RN who feels superior to an RPN, and disregards the teamwork aspect of the job. Where I work, I actually overheard an RN discussing with another RN her personal feelings about how RPN's are just (and I quote) "glorified a$$ wiping PSWs". So if McMaster is teaching these ideas to their BScN students, I'm not surprised that the unfortunate divide of our profession continues. My stars, I hope this changes soon.

I am sad as well, that you stated there isn't a lot of hands on practice. That was one of the aspects of my PN program that I LOVED. And unfortunately, there were some who didn't even put their hands on an opportunity to put in a catheter (as an example), so when they got into the "real world" job experience they were without that necessary skill. I was hoping to be able to delve deeper into these skills and even revisit those that I haven't had experience with since clinicals/comprehensive placements.

I am thankful to know that the science wing at Conestoga isn't that old. I have yet to visit the campus (and I will if/when I accept the offer). My sister did her post grad for HR at Conestoga (and went to Laurier prior to that), so she's pro Conestoga. I want to make sure I'm making the best decision, from the best school, that will provide me with the most opportunities. I went to a school in SW Ontario, that was a bit old - and all of the equipment was older or not functioning, so I feel like I missed out in some cases. They've now built a brand new facility, with newer (functioning) equipment since getting a donation from a respected/wealthy member of our community....but clearly, I missed out because it happened after I graduated. So with that said too, I have to move from SW Ontario up to either Kitchener or Hamilton (or Toronto, depending upon where I accept). At 33 years old, I am a little exhausted with the idea but at the same time, I just want to get this education completed!!

xokw, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

Definitely. It has been eye-opening to see the perception of RPNs from this side, and we are certainly working as a group to change things. It has kind of become our mission. I must say, however, that as an RPN I have felt nothing but respect from the faculty in regards to my title and experience (the disrespect we have felt comes more from the wording of the assignments that come from Mac itself).

About PBL, we were all terrified as well. There were tears, anger, every emotion possible during PBL sessions in the first semester. A few weeks ago, we all just sat there as a group talking about it, and were amazed at how far we had come. The transition really happened so quickly, it feels seamless now looking back. Many people hate PBL, but I find those people are often the ones who are not very open to change. You will only get out of it what you put in.

Like your sister, I'm pretty pro Conestoga as well. It's just what I know and am comfortable with. However, the pass rates on the national exam are much higher at Conestoga. I really don't know a reason why, though. According to the CNO, the average of the 2012/2013/2014 pass rate of MoMac students was 78% versus 91% at CoMac, and I will include the link below. I really don't know the reason, I asked one of my profs if she knew and she was at a loss as well. If you do have to attend Conestoga, at least you know your education will not suffer as a result.

Nursing Registration Exams Report - CNO

tara.lynn · Mar 30, 2015

That's good to know that you've felt respect from the faculty re: being an RPN transitioning into the RN title.

One thing I have vowed since starting my Nursing journey (I went to school for Science Laboratory Technology and Dental Assisting, prior to settling on a new career in Nursing (in my 30s lol)), and wanting to continue from an RPN to become an RN, was that I will NEVER forget being an RPN and have respect for those that are considered "above" and "below" me. I use those words sparingly and lightly, because despite the fact that there are differences in the time spent obtaining education and the depth in which we learn the skills/information....we're an interdisciplinary healthcare team that rightfully NEEDS to and should always work together as a TEAM. I work with the same PSW every shift (because we have the same position rotation) and I call her "my partner in crime", and we work unbelievably well together. I don't look down on her or disrespect her in any way just because she's a HCA/PSW, because of the fact that we work unbelievably well together. She knows the differences in our roles, and respects the scope of practice guidelines...and that's how we make it work. The RN's; however, don't always feel the same. AND by no means am I trying to sound like i am "anti-RN" or depict all RN's as bullies and those disrespectful to the RPN/RN struggle...because I have a lot of amazing RN friends, and work with some fabulous RN's...and clearly I've been accepted to a few schools with the intention of continuing with my education to become an RN myself.

I am so happy to have been able to talk to you, to sort though some unknowns about the PBL learning model (it still sounds scary haha).

I went to St.Clair in Chatham...and that link you sent me to the CNO Exam report was interesting to read.

I appreciate your pro-Conestoga approach. It means a lot to know your feelings about the school/campus/faculty, especially from an outsiders perspective of never having been to the campus.

Is it expensive to live in Kitchener? Or hard to find places to live in the KW area, considering there is WLU, UW, and Conestoga all within the same area/city? My sister moved around a lot - from residence at WLU to a few different houses (when she found new friends/roommates), and I vaguely remember her talking about how difficult/expensive it can be. So that does worry me a bit...plus I really don't want to or foresee myself living with a bunch of 17/18/19 year old kids, whom may or may not want to party all the time (I'm 33 lol).

xokw, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

That's good to know that you've felt respect from the faculty re: being an RPN transitioning into the RN title.
One thing I have vowed since starting my Nursing journey (I went to school for Science Laboratory Technology and Dental Assisting, prior to settling on a new career in Nursing (in my 30s lol)), and wanting to continue from an RPN to become an RN, was that I will NEVER forget being an RPN and have respect for those that are considered "above" and "below" me. I use those words sparingly and lightly, because despite the fact that there are differences in the time spent obtaining education and the depth in which we learn the skills/information....we're an interdisciplinary healthcare team that rightfully NEEDS to and should always work together as a TEAM. I work with the same PSW every shift (because we have the same position rotation) and I call her "my partner in crime", and we work unbelievably well together. I don't look down on her or disrespect her in any way just because she's a HCA/PSW, because of the fact that we work unbelievably well together. She knows the differences in our roles, and respects the scope of practice guidelines...and that's how we make it work. The RN's; however, don't always feel the same. AND by no means am I trying to sound like i am "anti-RN" or depict all RN's as bullies and those disrespectful to the RPN/RN struggle...because I have a lot of amazing RN friends, and work with some fabulous RN's...and clearly I've been accepted to a few schools with the intention of continuing with my education to become an RN myself.
I am so happy to have been able to talk to you, to sort though some unknowns about the PBL learning model (it still sounds scary haha).
I went to St.Clair in Chatham...and that link you sent me to the CNO Exam report was interesting to read.
I appreciate your pro-Conestoga approach. It means a lot to know your feelings about the school/campus/faculty, especially from an outsiders perspective of never having been to the campus.
Is it expensive to live in Kitchener? Or hard to find places to live in the KW area, considering there is WLU, UW, and Conestoga all within the same area/city? My sister moved around a lot - from residence at WLU to a few different houses (when she found new friends/roommates), and I vaguely remember her talking about how difficult/expensive it can be. So that does worry me a bit...plus I really don't want to or foresee myself living with a bunch of 17/18/19 year old kids, whom may or may not want to party all the time (I'm 33 lol).

I'm not sure about Kitchener, but I live in Cambridge and it is very reasonable. The campus is literally right on the border between cambridge and Kitchener, so there are a lot of options!

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2015

I'm doing the Momac rpn to BSCN program at the Mcmaster campus and echo what xokw has already said.

You either love the mcmaster PBL model or you hate it. I will tell you that 95% of my classmates gripe and complain and say that they haven't learned anything and that none of what they are doing is relevant. I felt like that myself until a few weeks ago when i realized the transition that happened without me noticing. The program is 100% what you put into it. I've found getting really involved in extra curricular stuff at Mac has really helped me enjoy my experience more....I became a executive member of the nursing student society and they are sponsoring me to attend the rnao General meeting...I try to go to all the events they hold. I find that makes a big difference for me.

I will agree that mcmaster isn't that RPN friendly and doesn't seem to give us a lot of credit for what we already know, so be prepared for that. Good luck!

tara.lynn · Mar 31, 2015

I'm doing the Momac rpn to BSCN program at the Mcmaster campus and echo what xokw has already said.
You either love the mcmaster PBL model or you hate it. I will tell you that 95% of my classmates gripe and complain and say that they haven't learned anything and that none of what they are doing is relevant. I felt like that myself until a few weeks ago when i realized the transition that happened without me noticing. The program is 100% what you put into it. I've found getting really involved in extra curricular stuff at Mac has really helped me enjoy my experience more....I became a executive member of the nursing student society and they are sponsoring me to attend the rnao General meeting...I try to go to all the events they hold. I find that makes a big difference for me.
I will agree that mcmaster isn't that RPN friendly and doesn't seem to give us a lot of credit for what we already know, so be prepared for that. Good luck!

thanks for your comment vintagePN. sounds like you're really enjoying your experience at McMaster.

did you apply/were you accepted to any of the other schools that offer the RPN to BScN? i only ask because if you did, i'm curious as to your reason(s) for ultimately deciding to choose Mohawk/McMaster over the other schools?

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2015

I only applied to momac because I live in Hamilton and didn't want to commute anywhere else.

sevillje · Apr 4, 2015

Sorry to butt in to this post, I was looking through posts that could tell me the cut off average to get in for the Mohawk/McMaster RPN to BScN program. If any of you can tell me, I would greatly appreciate it!

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2015

I don't know what it is for sure, but know you need at least an 80% average in your RPN program...it could even be 85% but I know it's a combination of your average plus your admission questionaire.

bwhit23 · Apr 6, 2015

I found out a few days ago about my acceptance into the mohawk/mcmaster rpn to bscn program and have accepted my offer via OCAS.

alusiq · Apr 15, 2015

there were over 700 applicants for 60 spots!!! crazy!!

rawsharktext · Jun 9, 2015

Question for you. I got my Mohawk acceptance about a month ago, but I have not heard anything from McMaster. Could you tell me how the enrolling process was for you? Was it mainly through Conestoga that you enrolled for all your classes. Or did you need to enroll in classes on the McMaster site (Mosaic) and received your ID for them while simultaneously enrolling for Conestoga classes on the Conestoga site. I am sorry if this sounds confusing, I am not sure if I am wording this correctly. Any help would be appreciated, I am new to the school and not sure what the next steps are at the moment.