RPN to RN or US?

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Specializes in Emergency Psychiatry.

Hi All!

I've seen a few older posts, but wanted to ask if anyone had any experiences to share. Has anyone gone from a Registered Psychiatric Nurse to an RN degree? Is it possible to work in the US or write the NCLEX as an RPN?

I know there are a few bridging programs here in Canada, but would it be worth it to look into American Colleges to "bridge"?

I'm going into my third year of studies in Psych Nursing, and am starting to feel like I may have backed myself into a corner...any input anyone has from their experience, please share!!

Thanks All :)

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Which province are studying in? Your school should be able to provide you with this information.

I've worked with RPNs before on surgical floors and in Continuing Care and they had no additional training.

As far as I know the US doesn't have specialized Psych Nursing Programmes, they just go from their RN education to working on Psych Units. |So I doubt they have bridges.

The RPN exists only in Western Canada and mental health specialist nurses in the UK.

I had thought that Psych Nursing had gone over to the four year degree or is that still the plan for the future?

There was an article in a nursing journal a while back on RPNs and I seem to remember that they had all the usual clinical placements that "regular" nursing students had in addition to the focus on mental health nursing.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Unless you have clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetrics and Adult you may find you do not meet US requirements for RN in the US and be allowed to sit NCLEX

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Specializes in Emergency Psychiatry.

Hi Fiona!

Thanks for the input. I'm in my 3rd year of a 4 year B. Sc. PN. program in Manitoba.

I'm scouring journals to see if I can find the article you mentioned. Fingers crossed!

I have asked at my school, but nobody seems too certain, and the best they could offer was to ask alumni and other students if anyone had successfully made the jump from Canada to the US. So far, my trails are going cold but I'm still trying.

Thanks again for your thoughts :)

And SilverDragon, I appreciate your input as well! Perhaps if I can finagle some time in all departments I can qualify....worth looking into at least!

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Ontario has lots of bridging programs from what I understand if you're an RPN already. I suppose the most logical view in my opinion would be to complete your bridging program in Canada. I am slightly confused about the whole nursing education system in the United States and the differences in nursing. Nursing in Canada is highly regarded worldwide, so if I were you I would complete it here. Then you could go to the states and write the NCLEX if thats what your heart desires. My girlfriend went to the states as a travel nurse is loving it, so I think there is lots of opportunity despite the lagging in job growth altogether! Stay in Canada and complete your bridging program would be my answer.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I believe the OP is from western Canada and when she says RPN she is referring to Regisitered Psychiatric Nurse.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

And SilverDragon, I appreciate your input as well! Perhaps if I can finagle some time in all departments I can qualify....worth looking into at least!

It isn't a case of working in the areas but having clinical and theory on your trancripts

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