LPN upgrading to RN

[JDMeight08]

Hi! Just would like to ask if anyone here in Calgary, AB have the same situation as I do. I am an RN in our country. Got myself assessed by CARNA in 2012-SEC was the only option then. Unfortunately, despite giving my best, the result was either to take a full 4 year course for RN or upgarding to LPN. I opted to be assessed by CLPNA. After my papers (TOR, Hx of employment, RN registration etc) got assessed by CLPNA, I was asked to challenged the CPNRE and jurisprudence exam- which I successfully did. In other words,,I didn't do any more schooling to be a LPN. So since 2014, I have been working as a LPN. I want to upgrade to RN. Around 2015, words spread out that CARNA changed their options to IENs-either to take a SEC or take the bridging program then take NCLEX (if not a passer yet). I asked CARNA if I can be reassessed but unfortunately, they informed me that whatever's the result of my SEC assessment initially, shall be final. So I searched again for other ways to upgrade. I heard about Athabasca Univ. I was exchanging lots of emails with one of their staff and I already applied to be a student, aranged IQAS to send my documents to them, almost requested my TOR from my previous school & paid fees. Then all of a sudden, they just informed me that without taking a refresher course to be a LPN, I cannot upgrade through their online education. Damn.... Wasn't that a waste of time and money?! I mean, isn't it the governing body of LPNs the one which JUDGED me to have had equal eduction as my previous BSN as to the LPN diploma here and yet this Univ is asking for a refresher course? I mean, if I am not qualified enough, why would CLPNA let to me work as a LPN on my own? It's just too much. Sorry for the novel. Anyway, is there any way that I can upgrade to RN on a faster way rather having to start a full 4 year course again? I heard about the Univ of Calgary BN transfsr route. Anyone's on it? How is it? How about Mt. Royal? Will they do an independent assessment? Will they credit previous same subjects? Thanks everyone!

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

One thing a lot of people aren't aware of is that educational credits have a shelf-life. Educational institutions require prior learning to fit within their acceptable time frame for them to be considered current. There is usually a disclaimer on the documentation they provide that outlines what kind of interval is permissible. Many places use 7 years as their cut-off. When I applied to nursing school 25 years ago, I applied as a mature student and was told my high school credits were not acceptable as they were definitely more than 7 years in the past. So I understand your frustration. This is just another chasm between education and registration and unfortunately there probably isn't a shortcut around it.