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I am currently in the BC area and I'm planning to apply as an agency in Ontario and is wondering how the work environments are, the pay, experience, skills that are available especially in the community. Any feedback/experience would be great. Thanks!

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RN or RPN?

What type of community (general, palliative, mental health, peds)?

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RN or RPN?

What type of community (general, palliative, mental health, peds)?

Looking into RPN and mostly in general and mental health. Thanks!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

If you are looking at working in Ontario you will find the scope of practice quite different. I worked briefly with an RN from BC and according to her ( and I have heard from others) PNs are more like nursing assistants out there. Here we work to full scope. I can hang blood, start IVs,give all IV meds (except chemo,) access and flush PICC lines. We aren't supervised by the RNs . We are responsible for our own practice.We are, in theory, supposed to get only stable patients but it doesn't always happen.I have juggled a difficult patient for an entire shift and then they decide to send them to the ICU.

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If you are looking at working in Ontario you will find the scope of practice quite different. I worked briefly with an RN from BC and according to her ( and I have heard from others) PNs are more like nursing assistants out there. Here we work to full scope. I can hang blood start IVs,give all IV meds (except chemo,) access and flush PICC lines. We aren't supervised by the RNs . We are responsible for our own practice.We are, in theory, supposed to get only stable patients but it doesn't always happen.I have juggled a difficult patient for an entire shift and then they decide to send them to the ICU.[/quote']

How about home care nurses? Pay wise for RPN?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Begin by researching companies that you might like to work for on the internet. Also try Indeed and Monster to get a feel for the market. Every agency has different pay scales and regulations.

The job market in ON is not good, so be prepared to either have an offer before you relocate and at least 5 months of living expenses. If you're willing to work rural areas, you'll have an easier time finding work.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
How about home care nurses? Pay wise for RPN?

Generally working in the community pays pretty poor. I make $28+ and most home care pays around $22, sometimes less.

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Specializes in Public Health.

I work to my full scope as an RPN here in Ontario. One of my jobs is in the community and while the hourly wage may seem lower, we typically get paid that rate per visit rather than per hour (I am quite familiar with most of the agencies and their going rate of pay, I did an extensive amount of research before committing to one company). I can leave my home at a reasonable hour in the morning, see 12 people (essentially getting paid for 12 hours) and still be home for 5. It is a great choice for those who have families or someone like myself while I complete my BscN, and I believe community is where I will stay once I have transitioned from RPN to RN.

It is also important to remember that in Ontario as nurses both RNs and RPNs are governed by the same College of Nurses, and the CNO states that if you have the knowledge, skill and judgement to perform a skill, you are allowed to do so. As an RPN in Ontario with the proper training I can work with IVs and PICC lines, chemotherapy, hang blood, etc. I also know of an RPN who is a Director of Care at a long-term care facility.

I do not at all feel like a nurses assistant and don't think any of my nurse friends scattered throughout a wide array of areas would say that feel that way either!

There are great options for RPNs in Ontario :)

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