Shan88

I'm sure this is a question that his been asked quite often, but some fresh advice would be appreciated. I'm currently in the process of upgrading and for the RN program in BC I need to upgrade quite a bit more then I would for the LPN program. However I have some time to kill cause I have some little ones at home still, and I figure it wont hurt to have all the necessary requirements for the RN program when I'm ready to apply. But my question is - is is it more practical to do my RN rather than LPN. I do want to work in a hospital setting and most LPN's I know where I'm located work in nursing homes. Although my one gf in alberta works in peds and she is an LPN. It's quite different in the area I live in BC. I've also heard that they are phasing out LPN's...The idea of only doing 2 years of school rather then 4 is somewhat of a reason it appeals to me. However, I just don't want to feel limited in my career as a nurse. What is your opinion on this?

I live out in Vernon BC and I'm pretty sure our hospital L&D is strictly RN's. At least thats the only nurses I seen throughout my twin pregnancy. I could be wrong though. And it could very well change in the future.

I start my upgrading in the fall to eventually apply for the RN program at my local university, although, reading a majority of these threads I feel like it make be more practical for me to just do my LPN. My upgrading would be cut in half as well as my schooling. Also, I do have children so this seems like it would also be more realistic. The only thing is, is I would really love to do my RN just on the basis that my scope of practice would be larger and I could specialize in areas like labour and delivery which would be a goal of mine. But like I said before these boards can be quite discouraging when it comes to the amount of RN,s being cut in other provinces and jobs in labour and delivery are few and far between. I don't want to give off the wrong impression either as I would be happy to work anywhere as a nurse but a long term goal would be L&D if the opportunity ever arose. Anyways, what is your thoughts on this. Is LPN a good start to get the nursing career I always dreamed of or should I just bite the bullet and brave the RN program. Your experience and knowledge on this subject will help me weigh the pros and cons.

I have just applied for the unit clerk program at the Okanagan college in Vernon, BC. I was hoping to do my BSN; however, the program is extremely difficult to get into here and I would have had to go back to college and finish my associate of arts and get 90% in all 10 classes (30 credits) to be a shoe in for the program since they get up to 200 applicants a semester, and because I would be considered a transfer student. I have children and I do not want to add another year of school, and money to an already busy life. So, I figured this would be an alright alternative and it may encourage me in the future to finish off a year of arts and possibly apply for the program. I'am 110% confident I could handle a job as a unit clerk, I can multitask, I'm kind, and focused at any job I'm thrown into. I work best under pressure, and have a great work ethic, learn easily, etc. I'm under the impression that a lot of younger woman fresh out of highschool may apply for this program and be satisfactory once placed on a unit. A lot of front desk staff I have met in the past at the hospital seem to be older and know what they are doing and get along great with the nurses, and doctors. I'm 27 and look 20 and I'm worried I wont be taken seriously from the get go. Although I'm sure that would change once my co-workers got to know me. Anyways, I know this is a nursing forum but I would love some feed back from nurses in particular. Do you really appreciate your unit clerk, do you find them a vital part of the unit? Do you have more older clerks versus younger? basically any feed back would be great. Lastly, do you think its a program worth taking, do you think the job may be more in demand in the future with baby boomers retiring soon. Do you think I should try and do some volunteer work at the hospital to get to know staff etc. Thanks in advance. Shannon.

Hello, I'am from the Okanagan and plan to apply for the BSN program at UBC next year. I'm under the impression that their will most likely be a two year waiting list which isn't a big deal for me since I have 5 kids at home and want them to be a bit older before I begin school. Anyways, I'm just looking for advice and encouragement from other moms who went to school for your BSN. What's the workload like? How did you manage your practicum? And is it a realistic goal for me to try and achieve? Basically any kind of testimony is appreciated. Lastly I've been reading how difficult it is to find a job afterwards. I'm hoping by the time I'm done school things may improve in that area . :S thanks in advance shannon.