Conestoga Waterloo Campus RPN

TachyPurpleScrubs · Jan 23, 2018

I graduated from this program at the Waterloo LTC site and I HIGHLY recommend it. I also completed it through the accelerated option and although it was tough at times without a summer break, it was 100% worth it. The curriculum is the same as Doon, however, since it is in the LTC home, you have interactions with the residents there and lots of opportunities to participate in activities with them, volunteer, and gain a lot of experience before you're thrown into placement. The program will consist of about 48 students at the start, which is a major advantage because you get to know everyone personally, including all of the instructors. The program is wonderful, and every staff member genuinely wants you to succeed and does everything they can to make sure you do!

Good luck!!! :)

ohmoore · Mar 12, 2018

I got into the program at the Waterloo campus for Fall 2018.

I am wondering how the simulation labs were? I already toured the Doon campus and was very impressed with theirs, and am wondering if it's the same at the Waterloo campus. Specifically if they have an Open Access Lab that can used at anytime for practice.

TachyPurpleScrubs · Jun 25, 2018

The simulation labs are great! They were always a really great learning experience and all of the instructors for the sim labs were wonderful and supportive because it's a pretty nerve-wracking experience. And yes, there is open access! There is a hospital room simulation lab, another apartment suite simulation lab, as well as 2 other main labs for classes and practice. You have to book a time slot as you do at Doon for open access, but you are almost always guaranteed an open time because if they need to open up another lab to accomodate you, they will. There's 2 main labs available, and with only 40 something students, that's plenty!! And there's always an instructor there to help you with anything and to get you any supplies you might need. Tons of mannequins, supplies, and labs to go around.

ohmoore · Jun 25, 2018

Awesome! Thank you! I did end up going to the open house and will be attending the Waterloo campus.

I would love any advice you have, as I am anxious and excited to start! My main question is what did you find was the best way to study? Print the notes out or write them out?

Also, so far I've seen that the CNO only does the exams in June, October, and December. What do you have to do in order to work right out of school, or do you have to wait the 6 months to even take the exam since we finish in December

TachyPurpleScrubs · Jun 25, 2018

That's awesome, congrats!!! I personally found it best to type my notes out on my computer during classes, mostly because it's just faster. Most, if not all, the class notes are in powerpoint, so there's tons of space to type your notes out in the little "notes" section in powerpoint. It was probably a 50/50 split between writing and typing in my class. And when it came to studying, I would just study straight off the powerpoint with my notes. You'll find out soon what's best for you!

As for the CNO exam, there is also a time in January/February where you can write the exam. The CNO just doesn't have that on the website now because it's already passed for this year. I finished the program in December 2017, and wrote my exam at the very beginning of February 2018, and once I passed, I started working right away. You can even begin to apply to jobs in January if you would like because a lot of places will hire you under the condition that you pass your exam. So you don't need to worry about that, you can write as soon as the end of January and then start working!!

Don't be anxious to start, everyone else will be feeling the same. The program is so small that you get to know everyone really well really quickly, especially all of the instructors and I think for me, that made all of the difference. If you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to help! :)