Successfulalways

Hi there, I am an RPN looking into possibly taking the NCLEX in order to work in the United States. I have been doing my research, and have found out that not all states would recognize my education. I am wondering if any nurses out there know off hand which ones do, or would recognize my RPN status (over there we are called LPN's). Also, I have just received my Perioperative certificate. I am wondering if this training for the OR gives me any upper edge. I will continue to do my research. However, I am wondering if there is any other advice out there for me. Thanks, :)

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Thank you very much for these threads. Reading them has made me feel a lot better and secure with the route I am taking.

Hi there, I am a fairly new grad (June 2011) and I am working on a neurosurgery unit. Currently, I am taking a an operating room course (certificate course) so I can become a scrub nurse. I am struggling with the idea that I am going to lose my bedside skills. I know the operating room is an exciting environment to be in with it's own skills and practices. However, I would like to get some opinions from experienced OR nurses as to what their experiences are in the operating room and how it compares to unit or floor nursing.

Hi there, I am a former Humber student, however, not from the UNB Nursing program. My closest friend graduated from the UNB program and let me tell you that it can be very intense and overwhelming at times. However, it is a good program and Humber is one of the better schools to receive your nursing training from.

Hi there, The positions are open to all who qualify. Personally, if it was me, I would create a whole new resume for any non nursing positions. Replace your nursing education information with your high school information. If you get hired on and have been there for a while, then start sending out your nursing resume. You gotta do what you gotta do!

I'm from Mississauga, ON. Graduated from Humber College

Sorry I am not able to send private messages yet... It's strange you do not see RPN positions. I always see them. St. Joseph always seem to be hiring. What I suggest you do is go to Workopolis and register for "career alerts". It's very simple to do. I also recommend you post your resume and a general RPN cover letter. Here are some names of GTA hospitals: Credit Valley Hospital (Mississauga) Brampton Civic (part of the William Osler Health Network) Trillium Health Center (Mississauga) Humber River Regional Hospital Have you tried the Oakville hospital? Or Joseph Brandt in Burlington?

Hi there, What city are you located in? I live in Mississauga, Ontario. I was fortunate to find employment shortly after graduation close to my home so it is possible. However, one thing I do remember when I was applying is that I was mentally preparing myself to relocate if need be. So, as others have mentioned, this is something you may want to consider (if you can). Otherwise try nursing agencies. "Nurse Next Door" has recently started hiring nurses so you may want to try them. There are other agencies such as VON, Helping Hands, and Saint Elizabeth. This is all community nursing. Not sure what area you want to work in, but homecare would certainly get your foot in the door. Most of all, please do not get discouraged. Try and be as positive as you can and continue to be patient. Your hard work in school will pay off. Again, I am not sure where you are located but Brampton Civic Hospital always seems to be hiring as well as Humber Regional hospital. Here are the website addresses for the agencies I had mentioned earlier: Nurse Next Door Home Care Services | It's About Caring, Not Just Health Care or 905-582-3742 or 1-888-988-5880 Saint Elizabeth Health Care | Health Care and Home Care for Canadians http://www.von.ca http://www.helpinghandscanada.com or 905-840-4018 Also, I know you said you have changed your resume, but I found an awesome website that helped me put together a very good resume. It not only gave me great options for formatting, it also can give you tips on how to list your skills. The suggestions are given based on your profession. Here is the website: http://www.livecareer.com/resume+builder I really hope this information helps. Good luck!

Hi there, I am a recent RPN new grad and when looking for work, I noticed the positions hiring for an OR nurse required a special certificate to practice in this area. So it looks like you will need to enroll at a school. I have just started the OR program at Mohawk college. Humber College, and Centennial have OR programs as well. Cheers

Thank you so much for your input. I have decided to stick with it. If I like it great if not..that's life..it's a learning experience and I will move on. Currently, I am also a homecare nurse so, I can go back to neuro or my home care. Or as another respondent had mentioned, I can simply split my shifts up and work OR a couple of shifts and a medicine floor another couple of shifts.

I am a new grad RPN working on a neurosurgery floor. I have recently enrolled in an OR program in order to be trained as a scrub nurse (as RPN's are not able to be circulating nurses---at least not in Ontario). I thought I did adequate research and initially believed that my wages more than likely would increase as a scrub nurse. However, I am hearing otherwise from various sources. I obviously do not want to waste my money if it will not benefit me. I also do not want to lose my skills as other nurses are telling me. I am interested in the OR environment, however, not at the risk of losing my skills. Are there any nurses out there that can clarify my issues for me?