Phasing out the RPN

[itsmytime]

Hi, I'm a 3rd semester RPN student. I recently ran into an Aunt that I haven't seen in years. Once I notified my aunt (RN for 30 years) of my anticipating graduation from the RPN program, she was mortified. "Why are you wasting your time with the RPN program, the hospitals are phasing them out!"

I've seen postings for jobs for RPN's all over the GTA. However, I just read a thread from the US side of this forum about how a hospital fired all their LPN's. Has anyone heard differently about the status of RPN's in ontario?

thanks,

concerned.:typing

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

There are several threads on this subject already on the go. Here are a couple...

https://allnurses.com/canadian-nurses/rpns-in-ontario-406406.html

https://allnurses.com/canadian-nurses/ontario-hospitals-who-408811.html

Meanwhile the CEO of Alberta Health Services has professed an intention to replace RNs with LPNs at the bedside and expand their scope of practice.

[itsmytime]

Hi,

Thanks for the threads, I had previously read them about the availability of jobs for RPN's which seem to be in abundance. However there seems to be an under tone in reference to "PHASING OUT" of the RPN's. I've heard it a few times from seasoned RN's.

thanks

concerned:typing

[dishes, BSN, RN]

itsmytime

I don't see phasing out RPNs to be in the best financial interest of the healthcare system, afterall RPNs are the better bang for the buck. There are 26,000 RPNs and 90,000 RNs in Ontario and I cannot see either group being phased out by the other. You will hear rumours from both sides, the RPN side will say that is financially better to hire more RPNs and the RN side will say that it is better for patient outcomes to hire more RNs. I believe most hospital and long term care administrators will continue to have mixed staffing and that there will be jobs for both RPNs and RNs in the future. BTW, I dont' think anyone could phase you out, you're too persistant.

regards

dishes

[linzz]

The post above pretty much sums it up in my opionion.

There are many threads of this nature on this board that you will find if you do a search, do we need to start yet another one?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I had already closed a thread posted by the OP on this subject. The two threads have now been merged and both will be closed since they do not add to anything not already posted.