tintegrate

I am not an RN but I am in my second degree to become an RN. I think the most important component in deciding if you want to go back to school is having an element of curiosity, particularly in health care. From my perspective, there is more possibilities than meet the eye when it comes to Nursing and different professions you can have from it. Sure hospitals may be the most common, but there are many other possibilities. I think in general if one is too caught up with the end result, it can stop you from taking the journey. My thoughts are: If you are interested in health care, this is a great avenue to explore and Canada has several Accelerated/2nd entry programs to choose from. You may just want to apply and start writing the Administration at the school some of your specific questions. So far every teacher I have had says Nursing always has and always will go in waves in terms of employment. And, they have all also said- dont expect to be working 9-5 shifts, for the most part...Expect a lot of 12 hour shifts, night shifts, etc..Of course, there are always exceptions. And from my understanding the CRNE is nothing like getting into Med School. I know a lot of people who have had trouble getting into med school and chose nursing instead, and so I dont think the CRNE should be a concern in your decision making. Good luck, whatever you decide.

Hmm Prinie -- those are good questions, I dont know yet, but now I know what to ask the clinical co-ordinator :) I guess I just need to be patient and find out.... Thanks everyone for your input, its been helpful.

Thanks ashleyisawesome. I am just beginning. It is a fast track BN Program(for people with a previous degree). So, based on information I have been told, it seems that there is a lack of access to hospital clinicals, and it sounds like a lot of time will be spent in community settings....May be due to the small size of this town. I think there is some hospital experience, yet it seems the bulk of the time will be spent in community settings. From what it sounds - it seems like especially in bigger cities, that there is more opportunity and access to hospital clinicals.... I guess I worry I wont have the foundation I need to get out there in the end, And it makes me wonder if I should be looking into changing schools.....Anyways, its great to hear about all of your experiences, and thank You kaydensmom01 - your experience makes me feel like I will learn what I need to in a community or nursing home setting, thanks...

Wow, Prinie - sounds like you do get to spend a lot of time in hospitals and actually practice doing things....I guess my concern is when clinicals are focused in home-settings or community settings - and you clinical experience is more educational-- do you really get a chance to read over charts, etc..? Are most of your clinicals in hospital settings or does your school also place you in a lot of Community-type settings? Thanks,

Hello I am trying to figure out if what I will be experiencing is the "typical experience" in terms of Nursing Education. My Nursing School is in a small city which I think is the reason for lack of clinical resources. It seems that most of our clinicals will be in Community Settings, going into schools, nursing homes, home-care, and perhaps the odd "Observation Day" here and there in the ER or such. I can't help but wonder - will this hands-on-practice really equip me to know what to do once I am a Registered Nurse in a Hospital!? I would love to hear about your experiences, if you find that mostly your clinicals are in community settings, or if you have really had the chance to be in hospitals, and what has that experience been like? I thank You for all your input

Thanks LoriAngel14 :)

So I am accepted and starting an Advanced Standing/Second Entry Nursing Program, but I am having second thoughts about this Nursing Program.... So of course I start to wonder if the Univ. is any good and will a BN be looked at the same as a BSN or B.Sc.N ? ( I did not think to consider this difference when I applied) With this degree, once I pass the CRNE, does that in and of itself allow me to practice/work anywhere in Canada? And What about being recognized if I apply to the USA? ...I guess I would love to hear about : How important is the University that you go to? Is it more important to just get as much out of your clinical's as you can and recognize that no matter what University you go to, being a good nurse has more to do with how much work you put into it than the actual clinical's you are given by the University?? Guess I am looking for a little reassurance as I second guess my Program.. Thanks for any words of counsel :)

Just wanted to send a Thank You to all the replies :)

I was wondering if anyone knows Canada's laws regarding safety in terms of the needles used in all health care settings? Are there any such laws requiring that safety/retractable needles be used? I've been trying to find out via online searches but having trouble finding any answers. So to any nurses or health care workers that know what is the current situation - I would love to be informed about it. I know each Province probably has a different legislation, but I am interested to find out from all and any provinces. Thank you