Health Care Aide or Practical Nurse

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I'm a mother of two girls under 4, and trying to obtain a decent education. I was suppose to start my Practical Nursing on August 31st, but they canceled the program, and are unsure if there going to start a winter semester. The problem I completely relocated my family 3 months ago just so we could be closer for me to do this(8hours closer) at this school, where they promised me it was for sure. Now the school is saying I can take it at one of there other campuses but it is almost two hours from where I am now! Or they can let me do the health care aide course online. I really want to do the Practical nursing, but I don't want to relocate again and honestly can't afford too.The health care aide interests me, but is it even a good career? One of my friends basically told me I would be the RN's and LPN's *****. I guess I can handle that, and there is a bridging course. Can anyone tell me what the pay scale difference is?

I live in Alberta, outside of Calgary. any advice or support would truly help me in this time of stress. I just feel like I'm already on my way to falling my children and myself.

Thanks in advance

Specializes in med-surg, OR.

Hi,

I would try and go the RPN route, if anyway possible. When I was in nursing school, with one year experience under our belts, we could work as HCA (they called us Nurses Aides) while going to school. The money you would be investing in your education, go the RPN route, do it right the first time so you will not have regrets in the future. Also, make a formal complaint with the school.

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I know this is old and I may not get a reply. However I just read the last post there and seen that after a year of the PN course you could work as a HCA.

Do you think this is still done? It would be great to work as a HCA over the summer between the 2 years of the program!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It would depend on the employer. The hospital I work at hires aids(personal support workers) but will only consider those who have completed the PSW program. I do know of many LTC facilities that will hire nursing students though.Best of luck.

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Thanks.

I was just looking at some job postings online and some places ask for a HCA certificate or to complete it with in 18 months....considering the course is 16weeks...

I dont see why they would not hire a nursing student.

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Hi, Im a HCA. I am also a PN student.

Many of those whom I attend school though with are not HCA's, however they will be allowed to work after this semester as an HCA :)

The same is with those in the BN program, although with that it depends on the hosp as some hosp will let one work as a PN after their 2nd year and others their 3rd year. However after their first year in the BN program they are allowed to work as HCA's as well.

My personal thoughts though is to go for your HCA as it is way cheaper. $900-$3000 through Norquest or BowValley depending on whether one takes it directly at the college or through inservice. Most places will hire one without your certificate as long as you have it within a certain amount of time. Some will even do an inservice program though Norquest or BowValley. After working for a year or so (AHS abt $17 -$20 with another increase in April not including differencial wage) then go for your PN. 8-9 colleges in Alberta to choose from http://www.clpna.com/BecomeanLPN/PracticalNursingColleges/tabid/69/Default.aspx

Good luck!!

Regardless of what you decide, HCA, LPN, Waitress....as long as its honest work and your satisfied with where you are in life then that is whats important :) (Enjoy life, Life Life and Love life :D )

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Thanks.

I was just looking at some job postings online and some places ask for a HCA certificate or to complete it with in 18 months....considering the course is 16weeks...

I dont see why they would not hire a nursing student.

I guess it depends on what province you are in too. I am in Ontario and the PSW course is now around 7-8 months long.

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Sorry, responded to original post without checking dates :p

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