Careers as an RPN

[Filibus]

Hi!

I have applied to a RN and RPN program in southwestern Ontario, but so far have only been accepted into the RPN (Registered Practical Nurse). I do still have hope that I will be accepted into the RN program, but just in case I am not I would love to hear from anyone who has had a fulfilling career as an RPN.

A lot of people told me to do RN because there are not as many jobs for RPNs so i'm a little nervous.

Thanks in advance!

I also don't mean to offend anyone, I am just asking based on what I have researched :)

[Anonymous1257]

Starting as an RPN is an option, but you'll likely want to move to the RN eventually. You'll be qualified to do more, there are more jobs for RNs, and you'll make more money.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

Starting as an RPN is an option, but you'll likely want to move to the RN eventually. You'll be qualified to do more, there are more jobs for RNs, and you'll make more money.

Starting as an RPN is not just an "option". It is actually a respectable career and, believe it or not, many people have NO desire to be RNs.

In some areas RNs are being laid off and replaced by RPNs (I have witnessed it first hand in two different facilities and heard about it happening at many others), so job prospects will likely depend on your area. It also depends where you want to take your career. While many new positions are opening up to RPNs, there are still limitations in most areas away from the bedside (management, policy development, research, etc.).

It depends what you want.

[Filibus]

I would love to be in a LTC facility, but if the opportunity presented itself to work in a hospital I would love that as well. I just hate hearing "you'll have to upgrade eventually." (comments from friends/family, not this forum) It's discouraging when i'm trying to build a career.

Thank you for your response! I hope to hear from more RPNs

[xokw, BSN, RN]

I would love to be in a LTC facility, but if the opportunity presented itself to work in a hospital I would love that as well. I just hate hearing "you'll have to upgrade eventually." (comments from friends/family, not this forum) It's discouraging when i'm trying to build a career.

Thank you for your response! I hope to hear from more RPNs

Are you aware that RPNs work in many places other than LTC? Your response sounds as if you think that is the only spot?

There is also the option the bridge after becoming an RPN, if you can't get into a BScN program right away. You do have to maintain a high average, and it does add an extra year, but it is an option as well.

[Filibus]

I have heard of RPNs working in other settings, just not as much in my area. I wouldn't be able to move right out of school, even for a job. So i'm trying to think about where my first position may be :)

[Fiona59]

Starting as an RPN is an option, but you'll likely want to move to the RN eventually. You'll be qualified to do more, there are more jobs for RNs, and you'll make more money.

As your previous posts discuss your schooling in Texas, could you let us know about your nursing experience in Canada?

We we just like know how you reached your point of view?

To the OP, there are many roles available to PNs, placement exposure in college will open your eyes to them.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

RPNs work in almost every area of my hospital. Their role is expanding more and more. I know many people who are happy with the RPN role and have no desire to move into the RN role.

[xokw, BSN, RN]

RPNs work in almost every area of my hospital. Their role is expanding more and more. I know many people who are happy with the RPN role and have no desire to move into the RN role.

Exactly. I think a lot of RNs have the idea that people who chose to become RPNs want to be RNs eventually, or aren't smart enough to be an RN.

My sister-in-law is the perfect example. She is an RPN, and an excellent one at that. She loves her job and has no desire to bridge. She is extremely shy, always has been, and just wouldn't cut it in a leadership position, which is an expectation of RNs in basically any role (her words, not mine).

[Anonymous1257]

It is just an option until you make a career out of it, just like an ADN-RN and BSN-RN are optional entry points into nursing. I have no negative attitudes towards RPNs, but the simple fact is RN compared to RPN = more upward mobility, larger scope of practice, more job opportunities (yes I understand that everyone has some anecdote about the opposite being true, myself included, there are exceptions to every rule), and more money. However Obtaining an RN also requires more time, money, responsibility and effort and isn't for everyone. RPN is a fine career.

Point is, someone who applied to both an RPN and RN program should be able to receive viewpoints from both.

also @fiona59: forum stalking, creepy

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

It is just an option until you make a career out of it, just like an ADN-RN and BSN-RN are optional entry points into nursing. I have no negative attitudes towards RPNs, but the simple fact is RN compared to RPN = more upward mobility, larger scope of practice, more job opportunities (yes I understand that everyone has some anecdote about the opposite being true, myself included, there are exceptions to every rule), and more money. However Obtaining an RN also requires more time, money, responsibility and effort and isn't for everyone. RPN is a fine career.

Point is, someone who applied to both an RPN and RN program should be able to receive viewpoints from both.

also @fiona59: forum stalking, creepy

Canadian Nursing and American Nursing are very different. In Ontario, RPNs are replacing RNs in many positions. The scope of practise for the RPNs is expanding every year.

[loriangel14, RN]

I am an RPN and I am very happy to be one. I have NO desire to be an RN. RPNs work in every area of my hospital except ICU and sometimes we even get floated there as an extra if they are busy.There are also many options for specializing as abn RPN through continuing education.

Discusiing the role of PNs in the US is pointless as it is very different up here.