First year nursing student

ObtundedRN, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2010

Hmm, I'm not sure what the differences are from the US to Ontario. In the US, a lot of the differences for an LPN and RN comes down to "professional judgement." This "judgement" is something that the RN is supposed to have, but the LPN isn't (but I'm not saying that LPNs as an individual don't know how to have this judgement). Most of the time, and LPN and RN can do the same stuff. But the "judgement" issue changes their scope of practice just a little. Such as when it comes to an admission assessment. The RN has to either do the assessment or validate the LPNs assessement. Also, the RN is to develop the plan of care and a teaching plan. The LPN can "participate" in the development of the care plan and make suggestions for changes, but it is ultimately the RNs job to develop and the LPN is to carry it out. This is also the same with the teaching plan. Also, the RN has to give the inital teaching, and the LPN can reinforce education and re-educate when needed. I know a lot of this just sounds like word play. There has been lots of confusion over the difference in scope of practice, and the area I am in has recently released several position statements to clarify.

As for the job hunt, I hope things are better where you are. I know that here, many new grad RNs are having a hard time finding jobs. I would imagine that LPNs are having even more of a hard time since a facility could easily hire an RN instead of an LPN, just because new grad RNs can't get jobs. Although, in my area, it seems like some of the facilities are slowly starting to hire new grads again.

Good luck with school!

loriangel14, RN · Aug 19, 2010

You would probably get a better response if you posted this in the Canadian Forum since US nurses will not be familiar with the PN role/education in Canada.

I will try to answer some of your questions. In my experience the most challenging part of the job is dealing with the politics and management that does not have a nursing background. Dealing with patients families can be a very difficult part as well.

There is not a great deal of difference between RPN role, but that can vary from province to province and job to job.Basically I can't give IV push meds, hang blood,flush PICC lines or go into management. Sometimes at shift change I am taking over the assignment of an RN so there isn't really a big difference in who we care for.

How many hours you work will depend on if you get full time or part time.Generally full time is difficult to get right away since internal employees with more seniority scoop up the full time jobs. I started at $23+ and I make $26.05 now. I know a LTC facility in my area that pays $28.

Most students register to write the exam as soon as possible after finishing.I am not sure how long you have to write after you finish.Check with the CNO. The exam is written 3 times a year( January, May and September). The exam takes a full day and is all multiple choice, written with paper and pencil. The exams are written all on the same day and there is more than one place in Ontario you can write.

I have been an RPN for 3 years and I have a job I love so I am pretty happy with the path I have chosen.Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

heartnursing · Aug 19, 2010

Hello

I can try and help you since im in the BScN RN program here in Ontario.

The main difference in Ontario is the level of care required.

RPNs care for more stable pts while the RN cares for more actue and complex.

Thats the biggest differenc.

They both are emloyed in hospitals but in areas such as ICU CCU ER etc there are mostly if not all RNs.

Hope that helps!

Also go to the College of Nurses website they have a ton of info on the scope of practice between the two and it basically says that same stuff..

www.cno.org