I Must be Crazy!

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I graduated Practical Nursing in Windsor Ontario in 2006. Since that time I have worked in home health and a Med-surg unit at the local hospital.

I have decided, with the support of my unit manager, to go back for my B.Sc.N in fall 2009. We DO NOT have a bridge program in Windsor. I have three children and moving closer to a bridge program is not an option. So...four more years of schooling, here I come!

On the bright side, the first year or two should be relatively easy and mostly review .

I'll be forty when I graduate and have factored that I will have at least 25 years of career left, therby making this a finacially sound choice. I just can't stand all the educational and occupational advancements I am missing out on as an RPN.

Am I crazy?

Thanks for listening.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

How are you going to manage if you are not close to a program and aren't moving? I have been an RPN for a year(I'm 42) and recently pondered the bridge as well but the closest program for me is in Barrie(1 hour in GOOD weather) and will cost $15,000. I don't know if I want to take the plunge or not. Plus I love my job and I don't know if I want to lose it. I think you are very brave to take this step. Good luck.

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Let me clarify. There is a four year Bachelor's of Nursing available here in Windsor, there is no bridge program. Therefore, no recognition for previous nursing courses or experience. I am going back to square one lol.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

My hat (nursing cap?) is off to you.

:balloons:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I don't think that you are crazy at all. If it is what you want and you can afford the time off work, then why not. Maybe the school may give you some credit for your RPN even if it is just a few electives in the first year. Best of luck.

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I will continue to work part time as an rpn as my manager is willing to accomodate my schedule. The university has told me I will not be given any credit for previous nursing courses or experience. My hospital and the RPNAO both offer tuition reimbursement.

It chomps my behind a little to not get any credit for the education I have, but I really want this so I am going to do it.

Thanks for the well wishes.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I also think that it is ok to remain an RPN. If one has a job that they love, as an RPN. I think it really boils down to what one wants. I firmly believe that we can find a balance and need for both RN's and RPN's. JMO.

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