RPN vs RN in the GTA, Ontario, Canada

[melissa.22, LPN]

Hello!

I am a PSW with hopes of entering the Mohawk College's RPN bridging program. I was hoping to get some insight from Nurses working in the GTA (Ontario) about the current job climate.

In school, we keep hearing that the future will bring major cut backs in health care; we have been told that this will result in some hospitals moving towards bringing in PSWs, widening the scope of practice for RPNs, and laying off RNs, in order to save on costs.

However, whenever I job search job postings in the GTA, I see many job postings for RNs. What do you see happening in the future?

Thank you,

Melissa

[Evangaline]

This is why I moved from the GTA and I now live in the Yukon. I was sick and tired of all of the nonsense. I graduated in 2008 from the LPN program and I could not find a job. when I did find a job the wages was very low. I was always broke after paying my car insurance and rent. I am now pursing my RN and I have no planes of returning to Ontario. I need to work and make a living not live from pay cheque to pay cheque and wondering if I have a job because the government is always changing things. There will always be a need for RN's they can try and cut back on RN's but they will always be the highest form of nursing. I have no regrets becoming a LPN.

[loriangel14, RN]

Some hospitals in Ontario already utilize PSWs ( mine included) and the scope for RPNs is constantly changing.Where I work most of the floors are staffed heavily with RPNs.

[melissa.22, LPN]

Thank you both for your interesting feedback! It is nice to be able to talk to people working in health care instead of listening to student speculation!

I have noticed that there are many post graduation certificates available for both RPNs and RNs. Do you think taking these additional courses is necessary?

[Fiona59]

Well, you won't get hired by the OR, Dialysis, or the Cast Clinics without them.