Pre-Nursing student: RPN(LPN) Or RN?

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Hi!

I am currently in the process of completing my pre-nursing certificate at an Ontario college, and I will soon be applying to both RPN and RN programs for the following school year. My concern is, if I am accepted into both programs, which one should I choose? I have researched and learned that RNs have a greater scope of practice, earn more money, and can hold management positions. But, I have also been reading speculation that RPNs (LPN equivalent) may be in more demand because they earn less and are less expensive to hire.

I would also be willing to relocate, so my question is for Ontario and all of Canada.

Thank you!

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RNs are actually replacing a lot of LPNs at least in the US because it puts the company/hospital at a higher level. You are able to get a RN in 2 years. Why not?

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Hm, I am not sure how it is in the U.S but I have not heard of any 2 year RN programs in my province. If that were the case I would for sure pursue the RN degree.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Therer are no 2 year RN programs in Canada. In Ontario the trend in towards replacing RNs with RPN since we can do pretty mucht eh same job for less money, especially with the recent expansion inscope of practice.

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That's what I have been reading, which is slightly reassuring.....I am just in a bit of a panic because I don't want to waste time and money in school and be unable to find a job.

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Specializes in NICU.

Not very reassuring for me...I'm in the thick of bridging from RPN to RN...I did it because I wanted to get into critical care...but probably by the time I'm finished RPNs will be in those areas too. :arghh:

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RNs are actually replacing a lot of LPNs at least in the US because it puts the company/hospital at a higher level. You are able to get a RN in 2 years. Why not?

Ever been to or worked in Canada?

As others have said there is no way to get an RN in two years.

Health care here is publicly funded. I have no idea of what you mean by "it puts the company/hospital at a higher level". Do you mean they can charge their patients insurance companies more for treatment?

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Sorry here is a quote from a website about magnet status: "Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC), an affiliate of the American Nurses Association, to hospitals that satisfy a set of criteria designed to measure the strength and quality of their nursing. A Magnet hospital is stated to be one where nursing delivers excellent patient outcomes, where nurses have a high level of job satisfaction, and where there is a low staff nurse turnover rate and appropriate grievance resolution. Magnet status is also said to indicate nursing involvement in data collection and decision-making in patient care delivery. The idea is that Magnet nursing leaders value staff nurses, involve them in shaping research-based nursing practice, and encourage and reward them for advancing in nursing practice. Magnet hospitals are supposed to have open communication between nurses and other members of the health care team, and an appropriate personnel mix to attain the best patient outcomes and staff work environment. We encourage all nurses to learn more about the principles of Magnet certification, and to consider appropriate nursing certification programs for their hospitals. Learn more about Magnet status: eligibility for it, the benefits of it, hospitals that have achieved it, and hospitals that are seeking it on which the ANCC is seeking public comment."

Read more: Magnet status: What it is, what it is not, and what it could be

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Sorry here is a quote from a website about magnet status: "Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC), an affiliate of the American Nurses Association, to hospitals that satisfy a set of criteria designed to measure the strength and quality of their nursing. A Magnet hospital is stated to be one where nursing delivers excellent patient outcomes, where nurses have a high level of job satisfaction, and where there is a low staff nurse turnover rate and appropriate grievance resolution. Magnet status is also said to indicate nursing involvement in data collection and decision-making in patient care delivery. The idea is that Magnet nursing leaders value staff nurses, involve them in shaping research-based nursing practice, and encourage and reward them for advancing in nursing practice. Magnet hospitals are supposed to have open communication between nurses and other members of the health care team, and an appropriate personnel mix to attain the best patient outcomes and staff work environment. We encourage all nurses to learn more about the principles of Magnet certification, and to consider appropriate nursing certification programs for their hospitals. Learn more about Magnet status: eligibility for it, the benefits of it, hospitals that have achieved it, and hospitals that are seeking it on which the ANCC is seeking public comment."

Read more: Magnet status: What it is, what it is not, and what it could be

What does this have to do with being an RPN in Canada?

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What does this have to do with being an RPN in Canada?

Was answering question about higher level hospitals in the US. That is all.

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I took the same path as you, did pre nursing at algonquin college in ottawa, had mixed feelings towards RN or RPN, the factor in my decesion was the RPN program was only 2 years compared to 4, i thought taking the RPN program would be a good introduction to the profession, if i dident like it then hey i only wasted 2 years compared to 4. now that im registerd as an RPN and working at a hospital up north, im glad i did what i did here a starting rpn vs a starting the pay difference is only 5$ but obviously over time the RN's make way more. i am going to be bridging to my RN eventually but this way it allows me to work and gain nursing exp as well as finish my degree and for me i think this was the best way to go, yes it takes a little longer to acheive that degree but i was working right out of school making money(very good money for 2 yrs of school 28/hr but i did relocate up north mind you) and chipping away at my loans. . feel free to PM me if you have any questions as it seems our situations are somewhat similar.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

This is the Canadian nurses forum. Our health care system is very different from the US.

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