Looking into nursing but am very confused [BC]

[Sniggles]

Hello everyone!

I have been reading over the Nursing programs of BCIT, Douglas and Kwantlen about their BSN degrees. Where I get confused is where to go after finishing the 4 year program. If you have a BSN, does that qualify you to be an LPN or an RN? Are there APNs in BC? If so how do you become one? I am unsure of all of these abbreviations. I have not been able to find a website that gives a definitive list of all of the abbreviations.

What would the best career path be? School for 4 years and work in the field then go back for additional 2 years of school?

I thank you all for your help, I have been out of school a long time now. I have not been able to get to the Kwantlen campus, which is the school I am most interested in due to it being the closest in proximity.

Thank you all for your help!

-Kevin

[Fiona59]

Here's the basics.

BScN/BSN = RN

There are Nurse Practioners in Canada. Usually in family practice, LTC, and a few other areas. There is usually a requirement for NP candidates to have a required amount of experience before they apply. NPs have to be able to work alone and with minimal backup. The best NPs I've ever worked with had years of outpost nursing experience up North or at least 10 at the bedside. It's not really a position for a fresh RN.

I think you need to do a bit more research into nursing and make a considered decision on why you want to nurse. You are not guaranteed a job upon graduation. BC is pretty saturated, especially in the lowermainland.

[tincan]

Agreed with the above poster. The OP need to do more research into the difference in scope of practice between RN (registered nurse), LPN (licensed practical nurse), RPN (registered psychiatric nurse) - these are what these abbreviations stand for in BC. I have no idea what an APN is.

Also, BCIT's degree is a 3-year accelerated program, not 4-year. BCIT (and UBC) goes by competition, while Douglas/Kwantlen goes by waitlist. These institutes offer RN degree programs.

There is no "best" career path - it's different for each individual, and you have to determine what's best for yourself.

[kp1987]

The Douglas program recently changed you do a year on your own doing courses like English, math, A&P, patho, micro etc.

Then 2nd-4th year you do all your nursing stuff!!!