RPNs in Ontario

[Stray dog]

Hello. I'm a nursing student in Toronto. Currently taking RPN program... I heard that hospitals dont hire RPNs anymore in Toronto...Is that true?? What about other cities near Toronto?? Are there still some oppotunities to get job as a RPN in Toronto when i finish my program?? or only nursing home will hire?? I'm getting worried...Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.

[2bnrsanna]

Usually not until third or fourth year.

From what I've seen from the two sets that have been through my units, the RN class usually has fewer patients, and take longer to get to where the PNs should be.

By the time the PN students finish on my unit, they have to be able to manage care for four post op patients and the meds. Usually we don't see the RNs come close until their final, long placement. Yes, they get to flush CLines and Piccs but that's not rocket science.

So bear in mind much of what you do in your first three years will be pretty much what the PN class will accomplish in two.

Thanks for the reply Fiona!

In the one year that I finished during the RPN which was first year we did meds and we HAD to be able to care fo2 2 pts..... and I was reading some of the clinical placement skills in the BScN RN program and I dont even think we do meds first year at all... and are pharm course isnt until 2nd year as well...

Thanks again for the info

[canadiangradschoolrn]

Has people have already said many hospitals hire RPN except Sick Kids and Mount Sinai. If you would really love to work in a hospital. I would suggest you start in a hospital. Its a very different practice between hospital and nursing home. I remember, after working in the hospital for a year, I tried nursing home and it was crazy for me. For me, its difficult trying to remember whats going on with 60 patients. I like to focus on 2-4 patients and know them really indepth. Thats just me. You need to find what you like.

Im an RN. But if I was a RPN, I would really consider chronic care hospitals. For instance, Bridgepoint health is currently recruiting more RPN and laying off personal support workers and RNs in favour of RPNs. Chronic care hospitals is like a midpoint between nursing home and acute hospitals. This will be my priority as a student. From a chronic care hospital, its easy to work in a hospital or go to a nursing home. Other chronic care hospitals in toronto area include Providence hospital, Westpark Hospital.