RN or RPN (ontario)?

[sdm242]

I have a dilemma...I'm considering entering nursing in the next couple of years (I'm currently a stay-at-home mom of a 5 and 7 year old) and I'm unsure as to which route I should go: RN or RPN. I'm most interested in working in long-term care/geriatrics, probably part-time (at least until my kids are older).

I have a BSc in biology so I could likely enter the accelerated RN stream at McMaster which takes 2.5 years. I would not consider entering a 4-year program. The cost of this is more than RPN programs but the pay rate when working will be higher. It'll also take longer for me to complete and I'm assuming that the workload while in school will be higher. With a young family at home, I'm questioning how I'd handle the school workload. The commute to school would also be longer.

The RPN program at Conestoga College is two years but I'm assuming I could complete it more quickly seeing as I already have my BSc. This is a cheaper option but the pay rate of RPN's is much lower than RN's. The RPN program is what I had initially planned on doing, but now that I've discovered the accelerated RN program, I'm questioning my choice.

One of my concerns is that as an RPN, I'd end up doing the same (for the most part) duties as an RN but get paid less.

Does anyone have any opinions or experiences they'd like to share?

Thanks,

Sarah

[danaekitty]

Hi Sarah - I'm in the same boat as you! Things are a little different for me though - I'm a photojournalism grad doing a complete 180 in terms of career! I don't have any advice for you - sorry! - but I'm hoping to get the same answer as you!

Good luck.