NP program at University of Windsor (Canada)

busybee0613 · Jun 24, 2009

I am starting the BScNursing program at St. Clair college/U of Windsor this fall. I am also a mature student (29). I am sooo excited to begin! I wish you the best of luck in your program. How many yrs is the NP program? I would love to continue on after I am finished with my program and take the NP also. We shall see. I am sure after 4yrs of school I will be itching to take a break and get some experience under my belt before I go for my NP! Any advice for a newbie nursing student??

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2009

I have heard good things from nurses who have graduated from your program. I went for my BSN at age 38, so returning to school was a rush and a challenge. I am someone who loves school (in general), but I must say, there were times when I was sooo tempted to quit...it was not easy! But, I had one really good girlfriend who always buoyed me up when I felt that way...she would always tell me, "Just finish the term...you can rethink it later." Which was great advice because by the time I got through that term, I felt better! So, in a nutshell, never give up. It is SOOOOO worth it in the end. There is so much demand in Detroit (I worked for the DMC for 7 years and loved it). The good thing about Detroit, is you can get a fulltime job in any specialty you want. It is very difficult to find fulltime work in Windsor. They will help you get all your papers in order too. I believe you can work for up to a year on your Canadian registration before you have to take the NCLEX. But it is wise to take it as soon as you can after the CRNE, since you will be all studied up. Best of luck to you!! You can always PM me with any specific questions.

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2009

PS: The NP program at Windsor is a 12 month post Bachelors certificate. After finishing that, you can write the extended class exam and practice as an RN (EC) Nurse Practitioner. Then it is 3 more classes to finish my Masters in Nursing (which I intend to do, so that I can work in the states if I want.) I would have to write the US exam (either of ANCC or AANP).

Sprocket36 · Jun 25, 2009

Hello SandBetweenMyToes,

I'll be starting the PHCNP program at McMaster University this September. From the sounds of it, the program is delivered through the consortium to all 9 participating universities throughout the province so I guess we'll be classmates! I'm planning on doing the NP certificate part-time over 2 years (while still working as an RN) and then doing the Masters part of it during the 3rd year.

I'm super excited about starting this adventure but also partly terrifed too!! I have far less experience than you (have only been an RN for 2 years), so a little part of me feels "too young" to be doing this.... I think we'll all have challenges regardless, but hopefully it will be a supportive learning environment.

What are you doing to prepare for the program this summer? I'm having a hard time getting motivated to do any review, imagining this will be the last of my free time for a while! I am doing the physical assesment workshop offered by McMaster in July...

All the best!

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2009

Hello! Wow it's great to hear from someone who will be doing the same program albeit at a different location. I understand the same as you that the program is identical across the consortium universities. I go to an all day orientation this Monday. I will let you know how it goes... I have to retake my statistics this summer (start on July 6, summer intersession) because the stats has to be within 5 years old. After the orientation, I understand there are several online modules to take independently to review before fall. I am terrified and excited too! I will be going fulltime, and then plan to finish the Masters after the certificate/diploma.

All the best to you also...let's keep in touch!

NorthernStudent · Jun 28, 2009

PS: The NP program at Windsor is a 12 month post Bachelors certificate. After finishing that, you can write the extended class exam and practice as an RN (EC) Nurse Practitioner. Then it is 3 more classes to finish my Masters in Nursing (which I intend to do, so that I can work in the states if I want.) I would have to write the US exam (either of ANCC or AANP).

Hi Sand

I'm going to be entering my 4th year at U of W. I have a question? Do you have to take the masters in order to get you RN(EC) status? I have emailed multiple faculties and can never get a straight answer. Last year they told me that the NPs starting in 2008 were to be the last class "allowed" to take the 12 month certification before a Masters was required. I'm sure there's some thick political syrup running as the "grow your own NP program" does not fund a Masters program, only the 12 month certification.

I have already begun saving for the NP program and figure by the time I have enough hours to apply I'll be able to pay for the thing. I'm a mature student as well (left a prov. gov job at 28 to enter the rewarding career of nursing...sheesh what was I thinking). I guess I have this pie in the sky dream of being an NP in a small rural Northern Ontario town. Sorry got a bit off topic there.

Anyway, best of luck in the program.

C

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2009

Thank you. It's great to hear from. you. Yes, they are still offering a 12 month (fulltime) certificate after which you can write your RN(EC) boards. Windsor offers that alone, and/or you can go on to complete your Masters of Nursing in 3 more courses after that (which I plan to do). You cannot work in Michigan as an NP without the Masters. I too, was originally interested in the Grow Your Own NP program. But it looks like I will be paying my own way. Wish me luck. If you have any questions or want to keep in touch by email, feel free to PM me. :)