Horror stories about RPN program...Yikes!!!

Published

I am hearing all these horror stories about the RPN program (extremely difficult {I don't mind hard work, it always pays off in the end}, high drop out rate, etc).

If anyone on here took the Registered Practical Nursing at any college in Toronto, Ontario.

Please share some insight. I am very excited and can't wait to begin this Fall, but I am very nervous as well and don't want to take those feelings along with me into my First Year.

Any, tips or advices? Pleas share your experiences.

Many thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

really? Horror stories? Well it's not really easy but it is doable.Lots of reading, essays and presentations.They made us get up in front of the whole class so often that it did easier for most people, but some still had a hard time with it. We did have a few drop out in the first few months, once they decided they couldn't do this after all. Sometimes you will feel overwhelmed by all the stuff you have to learn but just keep going, you will survive.

Best of luck and if you have any specific questions just ask.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

again loriangel14,

many many thanks for your response.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

With any sort of schooling... best advice I've ever received: MANAGE your TIME wisely. I seriously think it's an art lol. One thing that always surprises me is how weeks pass by so quickly. I try to be at least 3 weeks ahead of assignments, some people even do it way before I do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks m_aidez , that is great advice. i am usually very organized and have really good time management skills. let's hope it helps. i am also concerned b/c i plan on getting a part time job and i am wondering if i will be able to juggle the two.i know that the practical nursing program demands a lot of your time (so i've heard). i just want to make sure i have time for both. thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just graduated from an RPN program, and it really does take a lot of time management to get through it.

Do your reading in advance, study a bit each day instead of cramming, and don't be afraid to ask questions during classes.

I worked every weekend and still did very well.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much Ginger80. I do plan on working the weekends, so it's great to know someone else did and was able to come out on top. Good luck! How is the job hunting going by the way? I am not hearing to many great things about the market right now. All the best to you. Many thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Ginger08,

You mentioned that you worked on the weekends while in the practical nursing program. I just wanted to know how you were able to manage the part-time job when you were sent on your placement? How was the placement set up and where was your placement. Thank you so much?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC, Rehab, Complex Care.

Hey Ginger08,

I just graduated the PN program this past April, I agree with the other posters that time management is a HUGE part of getting through nursing school. Get enough sleep before clinicals and tests! Also, keep very organized notes in class and KEEP THEM! Alot of my peers in school tossed notes that they didn't think that they would ever use, but come exam time they were scrambling! So in a nutshell, be very organized, on time and get enough sleep :) I also worked part-time in school while doing a full-time clinical rotation working 12 hour shifts. It is do able if you set your mind to it and make sure that your employer understands the demands of the program!

Best Wishes for the school year!!!

sabrina_RPN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sabrina-RPN, You're a doll. Thank you so much!

Did you only work on weekends? Also thanks for

metioning what's in store for clinical rotations, as

it would've been my next question. What were clinical

placement like? Hours, # of days, etc.

All the best hun!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Usually the clinicals are done Monday-Friday, usually on day shift with a few evenings tossed in for variety. It's only in the last six months that I've seen student groups on the weekends.

The final placement/consolidation (whatever your province calls them) is the difficult one. The student works whatever rotation the preceptor has. If she does 12 hour D/N lines, so do you. If they do 8 hour D/E, there you go.

Honestly, I think students benefit from the 8 hour shifts. It might take a bit longer for the placement to end but there is more opportunity to hone your skills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, sounds like it will be quite the ride. Thank you so much. I am really looking forward it the road ahead.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion