Confused anout nsg Roles

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Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone can give me info on the major differences between RN's and RPN or LPN where you live, As far as I know here in Canada there is minimal differences. RPN can give meds, injections and do most bedside care, while RN's do more assessments, Charting,Administration, ect. Is this info accurate that I have, I am really stuck on making the decision to stay an RPN student or to become an RN, the system is changing in Canada where all RN's will need to recieve a BA in nursing and the RPN program will be 2 1/2 years instead of 1 1/2 years? Any info will be a great help.

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Well, that all depends on where you are. I am in BC and the LPNs job is very different from the RNs. They take a year long course (10months) and are not allowed to pass meds or do any injections or anything like that. The LPNs get the patients washed and dressed in the morning while RNs pass the am meds. Then they help out wherever they are needed. Usually they are busy ambulating patients or helping someone eat, they soordinate a lot of their time with physio. The RNs do all the rest. If you want to travel across the country I would say become an RN because the LPN job here would probably be a let down for you. Also some floors are using LPNs less nowadays (like Labor and Delivery and Postpatum and OR have no LPNs at my hospital). If you want to work in Ontario or the States get the LPN and go.

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I'm in Austin, Texas and LPN's do everything an RN does except give IV push meds and blood. They are just as responsible and have the same workload as RN's but they make about $6.00/hour less than RN's.

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I'm just wondering if anyone can give me info on the major differences between RN's and RPN or LPN where you live, As far as I know here in Canada there is minimal differences.

Hi I am in London and I am an RPN I give meds IV assesments charting etc. In ont RPNs can work any where operating room L&D. and You can always take a course to get a skill you were not taught. Here they is very little difference between RN/ RPN and you can even get your BSCN. My RPN course was 1.5 years. My Aunt is an RN BscN and she has said they is almost no difference. The health care systems needs us. RN/RPN it doesn't matter skill experience and caring makes a good nurse not a title!!!!

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OntRN,

I am curious, what is the hourly wage like for you in Ontario? And is your contract up soon? I definitely think the program is different in Ont than in BC. I had no idea that RPNs took so much school and had so much responsibility anywhere in Canada. Are the rest of the eastern provinces like that? (I've only worked here out west).

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At the hospital I work at now, they don't even advertise for or hire LPN's. SO whatever their scope of practice is here in NC, it's a moot point at our hospital.

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Originally posted by fergus51:

OntRN,

I am curious, what is the hourly wage like for you in Ontario? And is your contract up soon? I definitely think the program is different in Ont than in BC. I had no idea that RPNs took so much school and had so much responsibility anywhere in Canada. Are the rest of the eastern provinces like that? (I've only worked here out west).

Hospital and nursing Homes $20up

Community Nursing $14up

In Ontario in the Nursing and Retirement homes RPN's are managers/charge nurse I only know Ontario we have a strong Association www.RPNAO.org that lobby for us well. I am in community nursing right now and RN's RPN's do exactly the same if one can not go the other can I have taken some extra courses for certificartion to do things above my RPN role. hope this helps

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