Career Advice from Nurses needed....please

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Today was the day I have been waiting for since I don't know when....I am going to be a nurse!!!!! I've been accepted for an RPN program in the fall and I am really excited but I have also applied to the BScN program as well and I still have another month or so until I receive that decision. The fact of the matter is that I was perfectly content to become a practical nurse. I had planned on bridging to RN a little bit later on as I thought that this would be an excellent way to begin nursing asap and to earn money for my BScN while raising my little boys (with my hubby's help of course). Then I started to do research online and I started to ask actual nurses about their careers. Most of the job postings in Ontario are for RNs and most of the advice I get from actual nurses is that I should try to become an RN if at all possible. I even made some calls to local employers to discuss future job prospects....their tone was lukewarm. This leaves me with mixed feelings. Are practical nurses not respected and valued in the workplace? Is there a shortage of work for them? I am hoping to be accepted to the BScN program but in the event that I don't get in I am looking for some information from RPN's and RN's about how the working environment is for a practical nurse. I am really grateful to have been accepted into the RPN program but I just want to make sure that I won't be disappointed after investing my time and my families savings. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and /or reply.

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Hi TJC35, I read your post with interest because we are leading very similar lives. I am 37, have three little ones at home, and like you, was torn between completing my RPN and working while I do the RN bridging program, or wait until the little ones are a bit older and go for my RN.

After weighing the pros and cons I have decided to do the part-time RPN program (will find out if I am in for Sept next month), and then go for my RN via a bridging program, in about six years time. At the information session I went to for my school, the question was raised about RPNs being phased out and the teacher said in a couple of years time things will change again due to the increasing shortage of nurses.

I think that if you have the time and resources to complete your RN then that would be the route to go - I do not think you have to worry about your math mark if you apply as a mature student. But if you want to take a calculated risk for working in a couple of years, then you could most certainly do the RPN program first and then bridge.

Hope that helps,

kidsndog

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hi tj..my advice to you is to go for your rn.

i am sure it will be difficult with your family but i feel you may waste your time and money in the rpn course.

my hospital doesn't even look at rpns and the only place i know that hires them is nursing homes...now if that is where your interest lies the rpn may be for you.

it is a difficult decision, but the longer time and more money entering into a bscn program will be best spent on something that will carry you longer and further and with better monetary compensation as well!

good luck with your decision.

debby:balloons:

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I think that no one can make the decision that is right for you except you.

At school recently we had a guest speaker( I am in an RPN course) and they gave us a list of hospitals in the GTA and told us which ones do not hire RPNs.The only ones they mentioned were Sick Kids,Mount Sinai and St.Michaels.This left 33 facilities on the list incliuding rehab centres and mental health facilities.Also remenber that doctors offices and clinics,and community nursing agencies hire RPNs too.

Do what you think is the best for you and your family.Good luck.:nurse:

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If it were my decision, I would stick with your original plan.

I would definately do the RPN first and work a regular job

while looking after kids at home.

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I think you have to consider where you would like to work.

If you like the acute care hospital evironment then you should probably go directly to the BScN as many hospitals are hiring less and less RPN's. If you would like to work in Long Term Care, Rehab, doc's office etc then the RPN route may be the best option. I understand wanting to get out in the work force early to start making money but do some math, research the starting salaries of both jobs and see what makes more sense to you. Whatever you choose you sound committed, so welcome and good luck!

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I too agree with NOWORRIES.

Yesterday I just finished the first year of the RPN program (Yay! ) and I have heard that alot of people in our class had the same kind of trouble deciding what to do first.

It really depends if you have the funds and if you are really prepared to go 4 years through school without having much income, keeping in mind your children.

I know quite a few of single and married woman with children our class who decided to do the RPN course first and work a couple years then take the RN course. Their decision to pick the RPN course was because they wanted to work and get some experience (and $) and to just see if it is really what they wanted to do. My clinical teacher (who was a Nurse Practioner) mentioned that you can always go back to school, and if you really enjoy it, and can do it, then go for it!!

As for phazing the RPN's out, that's not going to happen. Yes, there are some hospitals that don't hire PN's but I know a lot of hospitals that do and they are utilizing their full scope. Nursing homes arn't the only ones who hire PN's. I know that Labour and Delivery, and ER don't hire PN's for their floor just because the patients are not stable, but keep in mind that there are a lot of courses that you can add on the side to boost your knowledge and point you towards that dream job you want.

PM me if you want to talk more.

Good Luck in your decision. Whether you pick one or the other, you won't regret becoming a nurse!! :nurse:

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I would just like to thank everyone who took the time to read and reply to my post. The advice and words of encouragement have really warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.:nuke: To date, I have not heard back from the University so I'm not even sure whether I will have the option to take the BScN but I have decided not to stress out anymore about the whole process. Either way, come September I will be in a nursing program and that is a gift and an adventure in and of itself. I have really come to see that there is no right or wrong decision because there are pros and cons for both sides. So I'd like to thank you all again for your wonderful thoughts and I will keep you posted about what happens!!.

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