jaimierpn

Hi! I was looking for a mentor when I was deciding whether to take the bridge or specialize in RPN. Since then I've been accepted into Centennial College this sept. I've also been hired at Saint Elizabeth while working at the LTC. im sure you would be a great resource for me while in school and making the switch to RN. I'll add you to my friends list.

Well it sounds too familiar. This LTC is in Richmond Hill and it seems like we do work at the same place. You can email me at [email protected] this is a safer method than on a public post. We wouldn't want retaliation. I've been there for 1.5 years and have trained a few casuals. Maybe you've seen me. I usually work downstairs opposite the locked unit. I can help!

Sounds like a good position. How's the nursing support? Do you work well together? That's really what it comes down to. I too am starting the bridge this fall. I work(ed) in LTC, not intentionally that's just wheee graduation took me. New management lacks all kind of nursing support so I got a job with Saint Elizabeth. I start that next month. Overall I do love what I do just not where I do it.

Coming from a RPN with 1 year working experience in LTC and difficulty finding other nursing jobs and starting the bridge this fall at 40 years old, here's my 2 cents... What is the rush? If you stick with this mentality you will inevitable be disappointed. Don't set yourself up like that. Nursing school is stressful enough. Your GPA will define whether you get accepted whether you work or not as an RPN. If you have to retake a few courses to get your marks up DO IT! I was so worried about the length of time it would take me to further my career at my age and it did was stress me out for no reason. I intend to be alive to my 80's. I've got the time! Take your time and work hard at it. It pays off. And honestly what is a year? A college year is Sept - April. If this is what you truly want don't let yourself talk your way into more stress. Do it. Do it well. If you want the RN after the RPN work anyway whether it helps you get in or not you are still a nurse who needs experience. Trust me it will pay off into your RN Clinical's and employment.

1) GPA is definitely the only factor for admission. 2) Colleges don't care why other than what you have and what you need to be successful. 3) if the college has exempted you from PND courses based on your university courses then leave that alone for now, concentrate on the others but, are you thinking about doing a bridge afterwards? That would be the only reason to keep a GPA up and retake them. If not then do the best you can and graduate which I'm sure you will. Bridge requirements I believe is 3.2 GPA from a college. I'm an RPN and bridging this fall at Centennial.

As an RPN in LTC let me tell you GO FOR RN! Many RPNs now require specialized cerificates to get into a hospital unless you're one those lucky ones who have great clinical placement options. I didnt because it just wasnt available at the time at Seneca. RPNs get a lot of LTC options. If you've been accepted into both RN and RPN I say go for the gold and get that RN. There is more opportunity although RPNS are being welcomed more and more we require specialty. I have 1 yr experience as a RPN and will be bridging this fall. My choice to go further was based on what I just said above. And it will take me 5.5 years vs 4 if I did the RN at the start.

You are never too old to follow what makes you happy. Remember that! I started the RPN program at 36. I have one year of experience in LTC and now a few months before my 40th birthday I'll be starting the RN bridge and will be doing a masters sometime in the future. There were older people in my RPN classes. We had an HFO at work who graduated 2 years before me and 50 years old and loves what she does now. A lot of us chose the RPN as a second career and if we really liked it some of us continue on to the RN. The RPN will give you asense of whether this is for you but if you're sure then I'd say go for the RN. The difference is RPN (2.5 years) add the bridge (3 years) as opposed to just 4 years going straight into the RN.

Hi Everyone! Would anyone recommend or guide me to finding a nursing mentor? I have been having a rough patch these past few weeks and hoping to find someone for support and guidance. There was an instance where I was contemplating if this career was really for me but after some self reflection I've realized, with feedback from fellow employees who've witnessed my ethics, professionalism and authentic care for my residents (LTC) they have assured me that I was meant for this and very good at what I do. We have had a change in management with absolutely zero support for registered staff. I feel that my time at LTC has come to an end and I am ready for new skills and challenges but having such a hard time finding work. I got my current job by completing my consolidation hours there and had the best managers who supported me the whole way to employment. I have been an RPN for over a year. I've begun to sound like a debbie-downer which is so unlike me. Any advice, even hard truths are welcomed. I feel like I am capable of so much more and my current position has become more administrative than actual clinical care which is not the direction I want to go in my career. Any guidance will be valuable to me. Thank you guys!