general information on LPN (RPN in Ontario) Canadian nurses who travel and more

[mitchie123]

HI there, I been reading all nurses religiously for many years, ( you guys have wonderful information). I have applied to the RPN program in Ontario Canada winter 2015, I am just wondering if any Canadian RPNs (LPN in other provinces,) would share any insight on where RPN mostly work ( I am looking for Ontario, but nationwide is also helpful), are there any traveling LPNs out there and (I know West Coast has a lot of mental health help) is there much opportunity for a RPN in Mental Health in Ontario Canada or East coast of Canada and any Canadian LPNS travel to the States. thank you for any info.

I am a PSW in Ontario, I have graduated from Centenniel College Laboratory Assistant -industrial and General arts and science -science option ( 2005) plus I taken the all the biology and chemistry courses for the 2 years of the biotechnology program.

[loriangel14, RN]

The scope for RPNs in Ontario is expanding all the time. RPNs can work in most areas, depending on the facilty. ICU would be one area you wouldn't see them. In my workplace they are in the ER, L&D,cardiac/telemetry, day surgery, endoscopy and med surg areas. There are extra certifications you can take such as foot care, wound care and there is one to work in the OR. Of course you can always work in LTC. Community nursing , doctor's offices and clinics as well. I have a friend that works in a large factory in employee health.

Canada doesn't really have travel nursing. You could become licensed in another province and move there to work although the job market is pretty dismal, especially in BC and Alberta so moving isn't really going to help.LPN/RPN wouldn't qualify for the TN visa that you need to work in the US.

[CanadianGirl79]

Yes, as an RPN you can work in mental health. Some places may want you to have the post-diploma RPN Mental Health Nursing certificate, though.

[NextGenRPN]

I am a RPN in ontario and i work in forensic mental health, and consolidated on an Acute inpaitent psych unit, so yes we can work in mental health, my employer did not need me to complete any extra courses or anything like that, but it does help to do them.

[MHA_RN]

Hi there, I just want to clarify what RPN means. In British Columbia, it stands for Registered Psychiatric Nurse.

Does your facility hire RNs too in that case?

Thanks in advance!

[loriangel14, RN]

RPN in Ontario would be a Registered Practical Nurse, called LPNs in the rest of Canada