First Year Nursing Student

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Hello all,

I will be starting the the Practical Nursing program in few weeks and I am very excited.

Though I have received many 'That a girl' from people, I've also received 'Oh my God, are you sure, why nursing?'

I just wanted to know form anyone who is already employed as an rpn, what they would say is the most challenging part of the job and how does it differ in terms of job desription from an rn.

I would also like to know what type of hours and pay does an rpn get coming straight out of school and how long would you say it takes to find employment after school?

I believe that being a nurse is my way of giving back and I am very happy and proud of my decision to pursue this career.

P.S...Can some also tell me a bit more about the exam with the Ontario Nurses Assoc. When will I have to take that exam (how long after completing the program).

Many thanks

MC

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

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.

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hi loriangel14,

thank you so much for your very thorough response.

greatly appreciated.

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