LPN or RN

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Hello everyone! I'm an IEN here in Manitoba and I'm having a hard time deciding whether to pursue LPN or RN first because many people here were telling me that RN processing takes 2 years. Is it true? I want to be an RN as soon as possible. Hope you guys can help me out with this. Thank you very much!

Specializes in Cardiology.

LPN's are in the ICU? Interesting. I know for a fact we have none at the PLC and far as I know none work at the Foot either.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am interested in critical care, and as a practical nursing student messaged our provincial RPN association asking them if RPNs can work in the ICU and other critical care areas. They replied to me and said that these areas are not within the scope of practice of an RPN due to the unpredictability of the patients. So I don't know if RPNs are in these areas in Ontario.

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I am interested in critical care, and as a practical nursing student messaged our provincial RPN association asking them if RPNs can work in the ICU and other critical care areas. They replied to me and said that these areas are not within the scope of practice of an RPN due to the unpredictability of the patients. So I don't know if RPNs are in these areas in Ontario.

I work at a 600 or so bed hosp in SW ON. The only times RPNs are in the ICU is if they are short. They are working quite a bit in Emerg, and some in L&D, not the NICU. The ICU is very difficult for RNs to get into. You must have quite a bit of experiences and many additional courses to be considered. Some small hospitals have less requirements, but also ship out many pts to us or other more equip hospitals.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You will see LPNs/RPNs utilized in every area of nursing across the country, which is a positive for everyone. For one thing, although there are funding cuts, in the very near future, LPNs and RNs will be needed in large numbers as the mass exodus and the aging demographics take hold. RNs will continue to be encouraged to obtain Masters degrees (although realistically, this is another over rated piece of paper). And aside from the fact that my RN salary is not cost effective, many RNs and LPNs don't want to work full time. So in order to fill some of these lines, the mix of RN and LPN is required.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I've applied and hope to start my MN at the U of C in Sept. It all depends on what you want to do with that "over rated piece of paper". :)

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Specializes in geriatrics.

That's great Pete! I'm all for higher education, and I enjoyed nursing school. At some point, I will also pursue a Masters. However, a Masters degree is still over rated, IMO. Many of the current nursing positions aside from the NP role did not require a Masters before. You needed x years bedside experience and a few certifications. But it is what it is.

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Well, I finally sent off my application to CLPNA! Now all I have to do is wait to hear back from them about my application!

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Good Luck to you! I am waiting to hear from CLPNM too :)

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Specializes in MedSurg.
Good Luck to you! I am waiting to hear from CLPNM too :)

How long have you been waiting from them since you completed the requirements?

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5 weeks. I also sent an application with CRNM however it's not complete yet. How's your application?

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Specializes in MedSurg.

The only documents I lack for CRNM are from the school and the employer. I've heard that you can contact CRNM and forward your documents to CLPNM if you want to apply for them.

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Yes. But the thing is, I applied first in CLPNM before I did CRNM credentials assessment. Let's hope everything turns out well for us ;-)

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