Is there anybody who became from RPN to RN

[Stray dog]

I'm planing to take RPN-RN bridge program after I finish my RPN program. As for my questions that people who became from RPN to RN,do you work full time and went to school?? If so, is there any tips to manage your time?? Your working place accept you can't work flexible since you are in school easily?? How does working and going to school things work?? My questions seem to be silly,but I'm worrying about it. I chose to be a RPN because at the time when I was applying to school, I didn't have enough money and requirements are higher, but also I wanted to have basic skills working as a nurse thrugh working as RPN,so I don't have to struggle with the real situation at the hospital.I heard that people usually struggle with the real situation when they start working at hospital even though they had clinical classes at school and I have a experience as a patient. I sometimes regret what I chose and think I should have chosen to go to university directly,but I know I'm kinda step by step person,so I think this is the right way for me to be a nurse in the future. Do you think I'm going to the right way?? I'm sure it is hard to do both working and going to school and I would love to know how people manage it. I really wanna be RN in the future,so I need some advice or comments. I would appreciate if you give me some. Thank you.

P.S.:Hospital still hire new RPN grads right?? I heard about that ,but I'm not sure,so please give me an answer if anybody knows about it. Thank you.:)

[Fiona59]

I don't know about Ontario but most other provinces have a minimum number of hours worked as a PN before accepting students into a bridge programme. I work with several people who are attempting to complete the bridge. Most work part time and are doing it via Athabasca.

I met one nurse who did it via a bridge full time programme. She hated every minute of it, the being back at school full time, the debt she incurred in school fees, child care, etc. Factoring in lost income, seniority and debt repayment she figures she has to work full time for 10 years to break even.

[Stray dog]

Thank you for your reply,Fiona59. I'm not sure,but I don't think RPNs here in Ontario don't require minimum number of hours worked...I need to check it to make sure...If I start working somewhere full time first and talk to them I want to go back to school o be RN,do you think they accept me and put me part time without any problems?? People who asked to put them part time from full time can usually go back to full time after they finish school?? Does anybody know in Canada, hosptals or clinics still hire RNs full time especially Ontario?? How about RPNs?? Do you think it's hard to get B or B+ average in the program while both going to school and working?? When people evaluate nursing experience, do they usually think experiences as RPN and RN separately?? or doesn't matter,they count whole experience include working as RPN?? Sorry about my silly questions,but I'm thinking about those things a lot lately...Any information would be appreciate it.

[loriangel14, RN]

You would have to negotiate with your employer for the flexibility to go back to school. Switching back and forth between part time and full time isn't usually that simple.If you were a new RPN you would probably still be working part time but even then it may take some major consessions on the part of your employer to accommodate full time schooling.When evaluating experience they would look at RPN experience separate from RN experience. Remember they only count working experience, any clinical experience in school doesn't count.

[linzz]

straydog: You might as well finish your RPN program if you have started it. When you are done your program you will be able to apply for the new grad initiative which gives you full time employment for about 7 months (I think) and you may be able to do it in a hospital or nursing home. After that you will have a better idea as to whether you wish to go on to an RN program. I would also advise you to think things over carefully as there is more responsibility when you are an RN, you will be required to be charge nurse at least sometimes and this can be very stressful. Yet on the other hand, RPN's are charging in nursing homes and that too is stressful. Anyways, time will tell you what is right for you.

I know that it is easier to get into the four year nursing program as there are far more seats than there are in the bridging program. I would also think that you would need at least a B average to continue on to RN but I am not sure about that.

As for employers giving you time off for school, I would guess that each employer is different but I will go out on a limb and say that you will likely need to be a casual employee to get the time off for school.

At any rate, my best advice right now, would be to be sure you don't miss the new grad initiative as it is only good for so long in order for you to get some work experience. You will find once you work, that the workplace is far different than school.

[loriangel14, RN]

linzz is right. A casual position would be your best bet, but they are hard to find in some areas. I belong to the SEIU and that union has no language for casual work.

The new grad initiative is good but not many employers have signed up for it in my area and also you will out of work after 6 months so be aware.

[linzz]

Thanks Lori for your information. I stand corrected. I had no idea that casual positions were so hard to get. I also thought that people were actually at least getting part time work after the new grad initiative ended. I am glad that you posted as I think that it is important that we have correct and accurate information.

Honestly I often wonder if we really have a nursing shortage at all. I wish this province would get it figured out.

Cheers.

[loriangel14, RN]

I was under the impression that after the six months under the initiative that you would get a least part time work but two girls that i went to school with found themselves out of work at the end of six months.I am not sure about what RPNs are part of SEIU, is it all of Ontario or only certain facilities with some being under a different union? I know we have no casual language but it may be different elsewhere.

[linzz]

Hey Loriangel: I don't know a lot about what unions other hospitals and LTC's use. I think though that it is worth researching carefully where you decide to do your new grad time at. I think it can make a big difference. Anyways, sounds like you picked a great work environment.

[Stray dog]

Thank you for your replies and advice,loriangel14 and linzz.Are you in Toronto?? or Ontario?? Usually,it's mostlikely impossible to work and go to school both full time right?? To get B or B+ in nursing program is hard,especially if people working and going to school??RPNs here usually work full time?? Do people still offer RNs full time jobs?? or most of RNs work part time?? I know RNs have more responsibilities and a little more availabilities than RPNs,but is there any other big difference in what they do between RNs and RPNs except these things?? I don't see any differences yet...,but people evaluate experiences of RPN and RN separately?? not as a whole nusing experience?? Is there anyone who experienced bridging program?? If so, can you tell me how it was and hard to get certain level of grades in each courses?? Does anybody know what people gonna do if they can't get good enough grades to apply for or get into bridge program?? They just go to 4years program and start it over?? I'm just wondering how does the things work in that situation. P.S; Do hospitals still offer jobs for RPNs?? or most RPNs work at nursing home?? Any information,comments or advice would be appreciate it. Thank you.

[loriangel14, RN]

We are both in Ontario. I am about an hour and a half north of Toronto. Job situations are different in different parts of the province. Where i am there are still plenty of hospitals hiring RPNs. Typically you would start out as part time and wait until a full time position in your facility openes up, and , if you have enough seniority, you could apply with hopes of getting it.

Working and taking your RN would be very difficult.My advice would be to get your RPN out of the way before worrying about your RN.If your ultimate goal is RN maybe you should take it right off the bat.

[Stray dog]

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. I believe some hospitals in toronto still hire RPN. Is there any RN who work full time?? I know a few RNs,but all work part-time,so I was wondering...Usually, is it hard to get B or B+ avarage??