RPN (Ontario) to BScN

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Hello!

I have been an RPN for 2.5yrs. I have been considering taking a bridging program for quite some time now and have looked at a lot of the options. Since I have a family of 5 and soon to be 6 I am really only considering the Nipissing bridge or OUIT. Since I have a baby due in the fall I will likely not apply for another year or two but was hoping to take some classes to reduce the course load down the road. Is anyone aware of what courses you can get credit for in bridging programs. I have taken Coronary Care I and Prenatal I. Would also love to get some feedback on both of these programs. Unfortunately I have found that a lot of bridging students considered their programs lackluster and a cash crab. Any input is appreciated.

Many thanks!

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If you plan on going to Nipissing or OUIT, you can see if they recognize any courses from Athabasca University. All AU courses are online and may count for credit.

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Specializes in NICU.

I can’t speak on which courses you get credit for...but what are your career goals? I was an RPN for 3 years while I completed the bridge (I did it right away)...the reason I did it was because my ultimate career goal was to work in the NICU right from the start. I worked as an RPN on a surgical floor...there are many areas where RPNs thrive. I didn’t find I learned much more in the bridging program apart from essay writing, critiquing research and leadership...which are all valuable, but not things I really needed to work on the floor. I would evaluate your ultimate career goals in nursing, and if you need to be an RN to reach those goals, then go back and complete the bridge.

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UOIT will give you credit for coronary care 1, my classmates took that course for their elective. You can always email them to verify though.

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma/Neuroscience/Cardiac ICU.

Ehm, I was taking the coronary course at Conestoga when I was still doing my RPN-BScN bridge (Centennial-Ryerson) hoping to start taking courses for ICU program. I ended - up dropping it because I got busy. Now that I am an RN, one of my future plan is to take an ICU program.

*I think coronary I could still be used in the future if you will be planning to take a program such as *Coronary/ICU certificate. I guess it just depends on the school you are going to... they might need to assess it.

*Coronary I & Prenatal I are specialized courses I believe and not normally included on the bridging program.

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@Vintage_RN

I actually want to work in Labour & deivery and NICU as well. That's a huge reason why I want to do it. It also frustrates me that I virtually do the same job as RNs on my floor, however the pay difference, especially at the 5 and 10 years of experience mark, is huge.

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma/Neuroscience/Cardiac ICU.
12 hours ago, JuliWB said:

@Vintage_RN

I actually want to work in Labour & deivery and NICU as well. That's a huge reason why I want to do it. It also frustrates me that I virtually do the same job as RNs on my floor, however the pay difference, especially at the 5 and 10 years of experience mark, is huge.

Go for it ???. Yes, I do not know why RPN's wage would be capped at low $30's.

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Hi guys, I wanted to chime in on this thread to ask some questions. @vintage_RN you say you worked while completing the bridge. Was that hard? I am trying to find out how reasonable it is to think I could do the full time bridge at Centennial and still pick up shifts. I would have to plan to do the next bit part time while working I think but am wondering if I'd have to do that year full time school without working at the same time.

Also: Wondered if anyone on here who is working as an RPN could let me know how easy it is to find work in Toronto? Just read a worrying post about that....

thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.
On 3/6/2019 at 12:06 AM, hypnotizer90 said:

Go for it ???. Yes, I do not know why RPN's wage would be capped at low $30's.

I did! And now I’ve been working in the NICU for 2 years and I love it. Best decision ever.

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Specializes in NICU.
7 minutes ago, BritCanNurse said:

Hi guys, I wanted to chime in on this thread to ask some questions. @vintage_RN you say you worked while completing the bridge. Was that hard? I am trying to find out how reasonable it is to think I could do the full time bridge at Centennial and still pick up shifts. I would have to plan to do the next bit part time while working I think but am wondering if I'd have to do that year full time school without working at the same time.

Also: Wondered if anyone on here who is working as an RPN could let me know how easy it is to find work in Toronto? Just read a worrying post about that....

thanks!

I worked part time as an RPN and did the bridge full time. It was busy, my last year when I had consolidation placements I had 1 day off a month. But I did it. And it’s worth it.

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Working while doing the bridge is totally possible. I know some people who were working near full time while also doing school full time. They looked like zombies but they made it work. I was doing one or two shifts per week and didn't feel totally overwhelmed.

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma/Neuroscience/Cardiac ICU.
12 hours ago, BritCanNurse said:

Also: Wondered if anyone on here who is working as an RPN could let me know how easy it is to find work in Toronto? Just read a worrying post about that....

thanks!

If you knew someone or in touched with the manager then it should be easier. However, Toronto was packed with RPNs that was why I needed to move outside the city. In fairness, I was only looking for hospital positions before.

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