A few days ago I posted about being conflicted as to whether or not I should go into nursing, and one of the people who replied suggested that I become a LPN first to see how I like it. I thought this was a great idea, but I do have a problem.
The thing is, when I was still in high school I decided that I wanted to study the humanities in university, so I stopped taking math and science after grade 11. Now that I've changed my mind, I'm missing those pre reqs for nursing school or a LPN program. So in order to do any of those, first I'd have to take a pre health course (which is one year) to get all my credits in order. Then we can add on another year to become an LPN. Then if I decide to go to nursing school, that's another four years. So we're up to 6 years of schooling to get my bachelors. It's not so much the amount of time that bothers me, I'm a pretty patient person. But that is a LOT of money and a LOT of debt.
I'm not really sure I want to go through all of that :/ Should I go for it anyway? Are there any of you who went straight to nursing school without being an LPN? How did you decide that nursing was for you?
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
Another thing to add to your confusion, OP... RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario only. In the rest of the country practical nurses are Licensed Practical Nurses. In the western provinces, RPN stands for Registered Psychiatric Nurse, which is still available as a 3-year diploma in Saskatchewan but I believe it's moving to a four-year degree as it already is in Manitoba, Alberta and BC.
I noticed that when I went to look into the differences between RPN and LPN! I was like "oh my God you've got to be kidding me." Someday I'll get the acronyms right haha
I went straight into nursing school at a young age. I really got lucky in that I ended up liking it, because I was just going with it and like most nursing students in their last year, you realize you knew nothing of nursing when you first began. It will change your whole life. But if this what you think you want to do then I say go for it, in your case the LPN route is a way to delay making the jump, make it or don't. You could try shadowing a nurse at a facility or volunteering at a hospital to get a better idea. Best of luck to you!
Sorry I should have been more specific, when I said nursing school, I was talking about going to school to become an RN. Where I live, the program to become an LPN is usually one year. I suppose my question really should address whether or not it's wise to become an RN without first working as an RN
You cannot work as an RN before becoming an RN. LPN programs are typically 2 years in Canada.LPN and RPN ( the Ontario ones) are the same thing.
Again, sorry I totally mistyped that lol I meant to write RPN. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should work as an RPN before going to school for a BScN or if it would be in my better interest to take the plunge. I really am frazzled with the acronyms right now aren't I. I'll make a point to study up on those before I post next time.
Again, sorry I totally mistyped that lol I meant to write RPN. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should work as an RPN before going to school for a BScN or if it would be in my better interest to take the plunge. I really am frazzled with the acronyms right now aren't I. I'll make a point to study up on those before I post next time.
Doing the RPN route first, while it will take you longer, would not be a bad option, IMO. I did it that way, and believe that I gained great experience in doing so.
Being an RPN is great, and very fulfilling. I am proud to be one! My reasons for going back to do my RN were:
1) the fact that currently, I cannot work in NICU as an RPN in Ontario (though some provinces allow LPNs in NICU, so far I haven't found any in Ontario that do).
2) Money. I topped out as an RPN, and was still making less than the lowest paid RN in my facility.
3) Teaching. Some day I think I'd like to teach. I'll have to do my masters for that most likely as well.
You make a lot of great points, thanks for the information! Ideally I think I'd like to take this route as well, although I still worry about money. I really realllllly want to get out of school with as little debt as possible. I'm thinking perhaps I'll skip pre health and get my credits through ILC, which will save me a good $4000. But I've still got a lot to think about. Thank you for your input!
That's true. I suppose the only concern I have is that people say "well you won't know that's what you want until you have some experience," and being an LPN is a good way to get your feet wet.
Becoming an LPN is a waste of time if you know you want to become an RN.
And have you decided what you want yet? I've been confused over the years by you. When you first started posting you were just graduating from high school in 2010. In 2012, you had a degree, were 24 and doing a change into nursing.
I really don't know what to believe in your posts anymore. They have been entertaining. Ranging from can nurses wear street clothes to intelligent questions on working conditions.
So who are you a young man four years out of high school or someone nearing 30 and getting a second degree?
I remember when you to were considering going the LPN route
And have you decided what you want yet? I've been confused over the years by you. When you first started posting you were just graduating from high school in 2010. In 2012, you had a degree, were 24 and doing a change into nursing.
I really don't know what to believe in your posts anymore. They have been entertaining. Ranging from can nurses wear street clothes to intelligent questions on working conditions.
So who are you a young man four years out of high school or someone nearing 30 and getting a second degree?
I remember when you to were considering going the LPN route
Ah, classic ad hominem attack.
This thread isn't about me, nor is it a place judge my character or career choices (which I'm pretty content with). It's pretty irrelevant actually. Perhaps you should offer OP some sound advice WITH reasoning.
I'm sorry that you felt offended by that comment but despite what you may think, the RN path provides much more career choices and contrary to what you preach LPNs are not, nor will ever be on the same footing as an RN. I was suggesting OP bypass the redundant bridging process and go straight for the degree.
Not a troll but this site is pretty notorious for branding those who disagree as such. I now completely see where the horizontal violence in this profession comes from.
NotReady4PrimeTime, RN
5 Articles; 7,358 Posts
Another thing to add to your confusion, OP... RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario only. In the rest of the country practical nurses are Licensed Practical Nurses. In the western provinces, RPN stands for Registered Psychiatric Nurse, which is still available as a 3-year diploma in Saskatchewan but I believe it's moving to a four-year degree as it already is in Manitoba, Alberta and BC.