Alli711

I guess I would say I'm inclinded towards administrative work for a couple reasons. I'm a very organized person and I like completing paperwork, as well as looking at new ways to do something. I'm a logical thinker and I like both the art and science of the healthcare field. I just completed a healthcare economics course and was able to finish it much faster than most of my nursing courses. I'd also add that I'm very task-oriented. I've worked in long-term care before and the case manager position really seemed like it would be something I would enjoy. I also might be interested in a 'desk job', maybe with a government agency? The fact that there wouldn't be a 'healthcare administrator' position for me when I graduate (unlike finishing a BScN program and looking specifically for an RN job) makes me wonder what the best choice is for me. I think there would be lots of options with the BHA, but would I be able to find those options after graduating? Especially with minimal experience in health care? (I finished the LPN program in 2009)

Hi everyone, I'm looking for any opinions/ information on the Bachelor of Health Administration offered by the Athabasca University. I'm currently a full-time LPN in the mental health field, working slowly through the LPN to BN bridging program at AU. I recently have been considering an alternate option, the Bachelor of Health Admin. This option is looking attractive to me because it is only a 3 year degree vs 4 years and they have a post-diploma program, meaning I would only have to attain 24 credits to complete the degree. I already have one class and the options completed from the course list, leaving me with only 7 courses to complete the program. I know RNs have much more opportunities and versatility but.. I know I'm not really excited to do bedside care (I know this is going to attract some critisicm) and this is where most RNs must start. My ideal job would deal with people as well as computers. I do a fair amount of paperwork at my position now and I have to say I enjoy that part. I think I'm more inclined than most for administrative-type work. Attaining a Bachelor of Health Administration would also give me the option of attending the after-degree program at the U of A and attaining a BScN in 2 years. My worries are if there are actual positions out there for someone with only a Bachelor of Health Administration. Would I be able to find a job using these credentials as a new grad with only LPN experience? Would the pay still be somwhat the same as an LPN to start? I am waiting for a response to some of my questions from AU, as well as ensuring I am eligible for the 66 transfer credits towards the degree but would appreciete any input at all anyone has. I'm very unsure and while I would like the RN title, I'm not sure if the job I have in mind (vaguely) would better suit a nursing degree or a health admin degree... In a perfect world I would complete the BN and then go on to a master's in Health Admin but I am looking for a solution that might be easier on my pocketbook, as well as time constraints. Thanks for any help!

Thanks so much for all your help!! It is a lot clearer to me now. I understand I am not a member of AUPE but am a member of HSAA as I do pay union dues of about $50 a month to HSAA. Is sounds like LPNs might benefit from having a single, inclusive association, such as UNA. One more question, is every RPN and RN a member of UNA or does that matter where they are employed as well?

I'm currently an LPN in Alberta and have some questions about the differences between unions and associations. I'm a registered member of the CLPNA and work for a private, non-profit company. I know UNA deals with RNs and RPNs, but not with LPNs. I am wondering if LPNs have a union specific to them similar to UNA or does it depend where one works? Would this be AUPE? What is the difference between CUPE AB and AUPE? Does AUPE bargain for salaries of LPNs? The facility where I work has a collective agreement with the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, HSAA, would this be the only agreement to apply to me? Am I automatically a member of AUPE? For me, what is the difference between the AUPE and HSAA? Is it mandatory for a private organization to come up with an agreement about salaries through some sort of association? It seems the more I try to research this issue, the more questions I come up with and the more unions and associations I discover... Thans for any help!

Thanks for the info! I think I will look into doing some pre-reqs at MacEwan

I was more interested in something with some class time, as opposed to something strictly correspondence. Does a program like this exist? I was also wondering if there are any programs available that don't require the 1000hrs first, something I could start working on now?

I am a fairly new graduate, but thinking about the future. I would eventually like to complete a BScN and become an RN. Any suggestions on education routes that don't require me to start at the beginning again? Are there any bridging programs available in the Edmonton area? Thanks for your help!:)

I have my first nursing interview later this week. I'm a little nervous, does anyone have any tips on what I should wear, how I should prepare, etc.?