Next steps...help please?

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Hi all,

I'm originally from the UK, Diploma trained Registered Nurse qualified in 2000. I moved to Ontario in 2014 and after a long process (the processing of application by CNO) have successfully registered as an RPN. I feel sure I made the wrong choice in applying for RPN than RN here but felt after numerous reading at the time that RPN would be easier and since I can't undo it here I am.

Anyway going forward from here, is there any way a IEN member has successfully transitioned from RPN to RN and how did they do it? I had originally thought that I could bridge once I became an RPN but have heard anecdotally that Nippising University in Ontario wouldn't recognise her original training in the UK as equivalent to RPN here so wouldn't let her carry on to bridge. I will follow this up myself but just wondering if anyone else had any ideas? Or any other nursing courses that would accept international education... I had also thought about asking for credits for what I had done and seeing if I could fill in the extras to get to an Ontario RPN education?

I live two hours north of Toronto (nearest uni is an hour away) I have three children- the youngest is 14 months and my husband has a busy job and we have no relatives around to help out so going back to school for 4 yrs to do the RN training straight really isn't an option. I'm looking for a more long winded part time approach to becoming an RN?

Any help or advice would be appreciated..

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Have you looked into Athabaska?

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Have you looked into Athabaska?

So I had never heard of it before... Does Ontario recognize the qualification?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

It's an RPN - BSN bridge program. You would have to ask if they would accept you.

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Are you currently employed as a RPN? Canadian work experience can make it easier to write papers that reflect an understanding of the Canadian healthcare system. The drawback to the Athabasca program is that the clinical placements are in Alberta, might be difficult given your childcare situation.

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If there is a Care4nurses centre near you consider attending an information session and maybe joining, as you will find many IENs who have been in the same situation as you. If you contact them, they may be able to advise you which schools have accepted IENs in their RPN to BScN bridge programs in the past.

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Thanks for advice. Oh wow clinical placement in Alberta would not work!!

I didn't join Care initially as it wasn't worth it as I couldn't get down to info sessions etc from 'up north. Will give them a ring though!

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