Pipnurse

Also, it might be helpful for you to read the CNO's document Requisite Skills and Abilities for Nursing Practice in Ontario Get used to reading documents from the CNO... you'll be doing a lot of it lol

Oh, perhaps the requirments are different for different schools? I attended Loyalist College in Belleville Ontario starting in '12. As we were not in a clinical setting until the second semester they helped organise our first aid so everyone attended the same group, after we had started our studies... but prior to attending our first clinical rotation. Also, I agree get your shots early, especially the 2 step TB test, they take some time to complete. Our mask fit testing was actually done in a lab class and was included in our lab fees. I guess if you want to be sure contact the school you are interested in. I have always found staff very helpful and supportive. Never hurts to ask to be 100% sure :)

Thank you all so much for your insight. I am really trying to stick it out, hope that I get my timings down and improve. It's a huge stuggle as the most clients I ever had through school was 5. I really really appreciate everyones encouraging words. I felt really alone and I just don't feel that I am providing the care that my residents deserve. *sigh* So sad that this is the norm. PS. I have deligated every task that I legally can

Hello wellthatsnice! To apply to Ontario colleges you need to apply through The Application Service for Ontario's Public Colleges | ontariocolleges.ca, I believe the fee is $85 to apply to 5 college programs. Most colleges you will have opportunities to complete the additional certifications throughout your program, some are provided (in my case maskfit), some are at an additional cost. The requirement is that you have those qualifications when you graduate, or in some cases prior to clinical experience. The biggest thing when applying is ensuring you have the prerequisite courses and no criminal record. Having helped out at the hospital will really help you when you go to get a job too :) they LOVE volunteer experience. Hope that helps.

Hello everyone! I am in desperate need of some advice and I'm really unsure where to turn... so here it goes. I am a new RPN grad, working in LTC. I have been on the job about three months. I had three days of training in my job, and then I started working evening shifts. On the evening shift there is myself and four PSW's on the floor. We have one RN who comes and does insulin's as there are many to do. Most of the shift the RN is working on coding at the computer. I am responsible for 50 resident's medication (except insulin), treatments (averaging about 25 a day), assessments and vitals. To me this seems like a lot, but I don't know if that's a normal expectation of LTC. I take a 10-15 minute break on my shift and am still there 30-40 minutes past my shift almost every day. I don't feel that this is safe, I am afraid for my residents, I am afraid for my licence and I don't really know how to make the situation better. To make matters worse, I made an error the other day, where I missed giving a medication (thankfully the client was just fine) - I wrote myself up and delivered the paperwork to the DOC, being accountable for my actions. Any advice is welcome. I'm scared, and feeling very inept at my job. I actually feel ill when I think about going to work. I graduated with over a 90% average, and I feel dumb struggling with this. Please help.