Hatt

Great Advice! Thanks :)

Hey all, So I have just finished my first year as a PN student, thanks to those who answered my questions last year regarding the profession. In my first year we had two placements, one in LTC and one in Maternity. I enjoyed both, but found that we consistently had nothing to do and were looking for some sort of busy work. So with year two starting, and two more placements (Community Nursing and Mental health) I thought I would just ask two quick questions for the seasoned nursing staff we have on here: 1) Any tips on how to avoid bothering the nursing staff? - I'm sure some of you have had students in before, anything I should stay clear of? During down times I would try and find some busy work (Cleaning and restocking carts mostly) and ask questions. 2) Any tips on things you would like to have student ask or do? I know it's going to vary from place to place, but honestly any feedback from others who've had to deal with nursing students (Males in particular if applicable) in their workplace, and how you felt it could've gone better would be very helpful! Thanks in advance

I laugh everytime I read my title, I had "... As an RPN" written first but remembered I think it was Fiona who corrected me in saying you're not an rpn until after the test, so I forgot to change the "an" to "a" Anyways, thanks so far for the advice, very thorough and insightful, I really appreciate the time it took to respond. Anyone else with any info I'm sure a lot of readers would love to hear your advice as well.

Evening all With the new school year approaching, and the excitement building from many newly accepted students I was hoping we could discuss any advice that some of our experienced nurses may have to share. We all have certain expectations on what we want out of this career, and all have done research on how to prepare ourselves for it, but there are many unexpected obstacles that may be put in our way. So from the vast field of seasoned nurses on these forums, could you please share any advice you feel would better prepare the new and future students for what is to come. Something I would be personally interested in would be ways to improve myself while attending school to better my resume for Rpn positions, but any advice is welcome and encouraged. Thanks in advance

Received a Durham College RPN program acceptance today very excited to start this September.

Thanks all for your concern on my decision, which is a big reason why I posted here in the first place. Again I'm not really looking for anything that is similar to policing just something I find rewarding. Since posting here I have spoken to a career councilor a few times and have been able to shadow a friend while he worked in a hospital as an rpn. I have attended a few college tours on programs that interested me and o I have decided on the rpn course. Thanks again for all your comments they were very helpful.

Thanks Everyone for the feedback so far it's been extremely useful. I'm just trying to ensure that this is something I could be happy with as a career as going back to school for a second time is not an easy task to complete. So far the rpn program has the most appeal. Thanks again If you have any other tips or advice for me please feel free to pm me or leave a message in the thread I'll still be browsing these forums.

Hey everyone, Thanks so much for your feedback, so far it's been very beneficial. When I was looking to go back to school I wasn't necessarily looking for anything similar to policing, but more what I felt would be a rewarding career, the RPN program is one of a few that stood out to me. So at the moment I'm just doing my research, this forum itself turned out to be a tremendous help. I just have one follow up question, I would really appreciate if anyone, who feels comfortable enough, could just walk me through a typical day at work as an rpn in any environment (Hospital, retirement, LTC, ect) and maybe share some of your less enjoyable days. I have researched the responsibilities and duties for rpn's in different settings but I realize what I read and what people actually experience are two totally different things. Thanks again

Hey all, I have been browsing these forums for awhile now, and I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers too. First off a little background information I'm 23, married, I live in the GTA and I am looking to go back to school for the Registered Practical Nurse program at Durham College. I have gone through 3 years of college so far, geared towards becoming a Police Officer. I have been out of school for over a year now and have recently attempted the process to become a police officer but have failed. The main issue I am facing and why I am looking to go back to school is, when applying for policing you can apply to multiple units (OPP, RCMP, Toronto Police Service ect) but at a certain point you have to chose one that you would like to proceed with, I chose one to continue with, and had to pull my application from the other agencies I had applied to (which they document so they know in the future that they were not your first choice). I was not accepted about halfway through the process, and now must wait another year before re applying and starting at the very bottom again. So after a long discussion with my wife, we both agree I need a second career choice as right now I am working a dead end job that will not be able to provide the lifestyle we are hoping for, such as starting a family. So after browsing the college websites and doing my research I have decided on the RPN program. So my questions are: 1) After looking through different Job posting sites (workopolis, wowjobs, and different hospital sites) I'm noticing that most RPN positions require many different certifications besides your RPN diploma (BCLS, Operating Room Course, ect) are these certificates something that are given during your two year course or is it an extra expense that you must complete on your own time, and if so generally how much would they be and where would you take them? 2) How is the job market at the moment, are there jobs out there for RPN's? 3) This is more for people who have taken any RPN course and completed a placement, are there positions in hospitals for placements? And is it a possibility to be hired out of your placement or is that a very rare instance? 4) This is only for the people comfortable answering but is the pay decent? I saw the sticky at the top and I must be reading it incorrectly because I cannot find the Ontario listing for average salary for an RPN. The main reason I ask is because my cousin has just become a full time RN working at a hospital and she tells me that I would be looking at making about 50% of what she makes but doing 80% of the same duties. Any and all feedback is appreciated, and don;t worry about the area in general when replying. We do live in the gta but are not opposed to moving so whatever your experience in your area is please share if you're comfortable doing so. Thanks again