Big Decisions

Renee' Y-Y · Apr 20, 2004

I am an RN...have always been an RN...I would take the RN route...more money right off the bat than an LVN with few differences in the reality of practice in most cases.

Krissy NY · Apr 20, 2004

I am faced with the same question. My career counselor feels I should go right for my RN. I scored very well on my entrance exam and have really no difficulty with math. I could go to a Vocational school for my LPN for 0ne year or attend our local community college for two years for my RN.

The big thing, I am told, is if I go for the LPN and later on feel I want to be an RN I cannot transfer any credits or courses and will have to begin all over again. I did some research and I believe there are some schools in NYC who will accept LPN's into RN school.

I would reach for the stars. Go for your RN. It's the top. If you have the ambition and a good heart the world needs you. Go for it and good luck.

Krissy

trent · Apr 20, 2004

I am a BScN student in Ontario, so I'm obviously biased about this topic.

I would recommend the university education for a few reasons:

1. If you ever decide that nursing is not for you anymore and you head back to school, you can use your previous university credits towards some of your program requirements (as electives).

2. There is a lot to learn in nursing, and I think (my opinion) that you learn more in a longer time span - even if it is not more information presented, you learn more because you have longer to assimilate that information.

3. If you look at a job board for your area (Try workopolis) you will see that there are more jobs posted for RNs than RPNs.

4. RNs work in more areas, so an RN education gives you more options to find your special niche.

5. Once you are working as an RN, you can train for a specialty area

6. More education can never be a bad thing.

7. If you decide you want to go further with your nursing education (e.g. Master's degree/nurse practitioner) a BScN is the entry level for that.

If you have questions, you can read this publication by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

http://www.cno.org/docs/prac/41062_UtilizeRnRpn.pdf

It's the best I could find to show the differences in RN and RPN roles in Ontario. The chart is especially helpful. If you still have questions, I suggest getting in touch with the CNO.

Good luck with your decision.

PS - In Ontario there are no LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses), so that's one less thing for you to worry about!

Juswonderin · Apr 20, 2004

GREAT! thank you so much for your opinions. and im sure that myB.ScN is what i going to pursue. Your comments (trent) about having more time to learn is what I need I cant wait to begin.

Juswonderin · Apr 20, 2004

Ok I feel dumb for asking but I dont really know much about University or the requirments needed to enroll, below is a copy of one of the requirments needed in ored to enroll in this program at my school of choice. Applicants with Other Qualifications

To be considered in this category, you are an applicant who is not applying directly from

secondary school or you do not have the necessary Grade 12 U or M or OAC equivalents.

You are required to complete a minimum of 12 units (2 full courses or 4 half courses) of

university degree credit courses with a minimum average of B -. (These courses may be

taken as a full or part time student. University correspondence/distance degree courses

are acceptable)

trent · Apr 20, 2004

Do you have other university or college experience? If not, I don't think this applies to you. If you have any questions, just call/email the school's nursing dept and they should be able to help you.

trent

Juswonderin · Apr 20, 2004

I have been out of highschool for 4 years, and been to college twice

the first time I took ECE (I do not recomend this course to anyone) where i completed one semester. And then I took Massage Thereapy at a school where it was the first year they offered the program (very Unorganized, scattered very hard to lean cost me 10,000 a year plus supplies ) where they waited until the end of the first year to tell me i would not make it as a Massage Therapist that i should switch to there Physio therapy assistant program so that i would spend another two years forking over my money too them (sorry still angry with private or vocational schools). any ways I was under the impression i needed to apply as a matuer student because i am over 21 and have been enrolled in a collge within the last 5 years.

trent · Apr 21, 2004

I think you need to call the nursing department to find out what info they want. In my case, my school looked at my previous university marks and my highschool marks for my admission requirements, but I think this is different depending on where you go. For the best, most accurate info, go straight to the source.