ADVICE for Students in Ontario RPN vs RN

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I have seen many threads, students asking advice/opinion on weather they should take the RPN or RN program.

I just wanted to share my experience and opinion on this subject as a RPN. I completed the 2 year full-time Diploma in Southwest Ontario, but if I could go back I would have definitely opted for the BScN program instead. I would like to share why.

When I decided on this route I never expected that my nursing ambitions and skills would supersede the opportunities that are available for RPN's in this part of Ontario. They are AGES behind when it comes to utilization of the RPN to their full scope of practice.

At the time I couldn't attend a 4-year full-time program because of the demands of my home life. Plus I thought, especially as I went through the program, that I would have a variety of choices as to what areas of nursing I would work in once I gained more experience. I have since learned that this is not the case, at least not in my area.

There are still many RN's (and general public) who do not understand the skills and education that RPN have received in nursing school and many facilities who are still not allowing RPNs to work to their full scope. RPN's are an autonomous profession who work under the EXACT same standards of nursing as RN's. There is no hierarchal system; it is simply based on experience and skill set. Which, most NEW GRAD RN's, can never have the skills set, experience and knowledge I do after this many years of actually working on busy acute floors as a nurse. And of course management opportunities are usually only available to RN's.

Because of this I have since decided to enroll in a part-time bridging program through Ryerson University to obtain my RN. I have also found that the pay difference is very unfair, and should also be based on experience and skill set. For example why should I get paid $25/hr verses $35/hr to start the exact same IV and push the exact same meds! I also have the same patient load as the RN for less money, I find this very unfair.

So if I had to advice anyone who is debating what route to take, I would say if you plan to work in this area (Ontario), just go for your BScN. Had I done this out of the gate, I would have been done by now and would not have to suffer through so much frustration and dissatisfaction with nursing.

I do not want to take any credit away from the RN (especially since I'm going to become one ;)) I give credit where credit is due, and if I received the respect I deserve as an RPN than I would have been happy keeping my designation.

So if you can and have the opportunity to do a full-time 4 year program, than MY ADVICE ... DO IT!! And what ever you choose remember we are ALL still NURSES!!!:nurse:

Btw, RPN is the same as LPN in the rest of Canada ... And the RPN/LPN scope of practice in the USA, is not anything like the training in Canada.

Best place to purchase the CPNRE guide is at the school that does the programme. I remember that the college bookstore ordered in only enough for the graduating class. It's not something they keep lying around.

Every college and school has boards full of used books for sale.

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looking for someone to study crne exam with

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Thank you so much Nursebetty1975.... I am going into PN at Centennial in Sept and plan on doing the bridging courses. You just solidified that decision for me!!! Much appreciated! :)

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Vintage Andrea,

Congratulations on getting in!! I know it's an older post but I share a lot of similarities with you. It has also taken me years of preparing with hopes of getting in.

I went to University did 3 years of my BA in law, working at a vet hospital. I have great highschool marks but I found with all the number of applicants increasing each year it becomes more and more competitive and the requirements have been changing etc.

So I went to nightschool and upgraded all my pre-requisits. I just recently applied to the RPN course at Niagara college, Sheridan and George brown. I am waiting to hear about the acceptances for the Jan start.

I was wondering how you are finding the program at Mohawk and after your first year do you still see yourself bridging and eventually completing the RN course?

I would have also liked to do the RN course, but due to life.. finances and my debt from my previous degree I find it very challenging and was also looking into doing the briding course.

But I am hearing mixed reviews. I have Friends who are both RPNs and RNs and the RPNs love what they do and dont recommend doing the RN and are happy with the hands on care...while my RN friends love what they do but recommend the RPN program only due to the amount of pressure put on you to do the same work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.
Vintage Andrea,

Congratulations on getting in!! I know it's an older post but I share a lot of similarities with you. It has also taken me years of preparing with hopes of getting in.

I went to University did 3 years of my BA in law, working at a vet hospital. I have great highschool marks but I found with all the number of applicants increasing each year it becomes more and more competitive and the requirements have been changing etc.

So I went to nightschool and upgraded all my pre-requisits. I just recently applied to the RPN course at Niagara college, Sheridan and George brown. I am waiting to hear about the acceptances for the Jan start.

I was wondering how you are finding the program at Mohawk and after your first year do you still see yourself bridging and eventually completing the RN course?

I would have also liked to do the RN course, but due to life.. finances and my debt from my previous degree I find it very challenging and was also looking into doing the briding course.

But I am hearing mixed reviews. I have Friends who are both RPNs and RNs and the RPNs love what they do and dont recommend doing the RN and are happy with the hands on care...while my RN friends love what they do but recommend the RPN program only due to the amount of pressure put on you to do the same work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch!

I am a RPN in Ontario and I plan on bridging, just not quite yet! I love my job and I'm happy with what I do. I just want to learn more, and possibly teach clinicals later on in my career, which requires a BScN. I think that I did the right thing by doing the diploma program first. I will have a lot of experience to bring to the table later on when I do decide to bridge :)

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Specializes in NICU.
Vintage Andrea,

Congratulations on getting in!! I know it's an older post but I share a lot of similarities with you. It has also taken me years of preparing with hopes of getting in.

I went to University did 3 years of my BA in law, working at a vet hospital. I have great highschool marks but I found with all the number of applicants increasing each year it becomes more and more competitive and the requirements have been changing etc.

So I went to nightschool and upgraded all my pre-requisits. I just recently applied to the RPN course at Niagara college, Sheridan and George brown. I am waiting to hear about the acceptances for the Jan start.

I was wondering how you are finding the program at Mohawk and after your first year do you still see yourself bridging and eventually completing the RN course?

I would have also liked to do the RN course, but due to life.. finances and my debt from my previous degree I find it very challenging and was also looking into doing the briding course.

But I am hearing mixed reviews. I have Friends who are both RPNs and RNs and the RPNs love what they do and dont recommend doing the RN and are happy with the hands on care...while my RN friends love what they do but recommend the RPN program only due to the amount of pressure put on you to do the same work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch!

I'm going into my final semester now of the RPN program, and I've loved it! I think I will really enjoy being an RPN, regardless of where I work. Mohawk uses the PBL model, same as McMaster...which means you essentially teach yourself. Lots of group work, and you do the work on your own prior to class. Teachers are obviously there for clarification, but it is very independent. I can't say I'm really a huge fan of it, but I've done really well regardless.

I do plan on bridging to the BSCN program, just not sure when. I personally love critical care and would like to work in those areas so I need to bridge to be able to work in critical care. I also just love education and want to learn more and deepen my knowledge. So yes, one day I hope to bridge. Might not be right away, but one day.

Good luck!

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I have just applied to George Brown in Toronto for an RPN. I have found out there is a Bridge program to become a RN. Could someone please explain how this bridging program works?

Also, What is the demand like for RPN's vs RN's? What are some of the major differences that an RN would do or not do compared to a RPN?

Thanks:)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There are several bridge programs available for RPN -RN.They are 3 years long if you go full time. There is very little difference between the scope of an RPN and an RN. Where I work I cannot give IV push meds, cytotoxic IV meds or go into management.Demand will dpend on what area you are looking in.

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The problem is, this being said, here is my concern (and I mean absolutely no offence!)

Why would people hire an RN if an RPN could do the same thing for $10/h less?

(also: in all serious: are scrubs that bad?)

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The problem is, this being said, here is my concern (and I mean absolutely no offence!)

Why would people hire an RN if an RPN could do the same thing for $10/h less?

Well in Ontario, the government finally realized that, thats why they been cutting RNs and replacing them with RPNs because the government is running out of money.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thats what I too Fiona59, i worked as an RPN for awhile, and of course it does help when you have experience and Are already a nurse ... Its not at all like when you go to school the first time around, and you can apply what you are learning daily because your working ... Do it only & if its right for you

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Thank you for such a detailed post! I'm currently doing co-op within Southern Ontario and see both RPN's and RN's doing pretty much to same work! I was wondering why they are getting paid differently but now, that has been answered! Thanks!

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