Should I become a RPN in Ontario?

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Hello,

I'm currently researching whether or not to become an RPN in Ontario. I've read on this site and a couple of others about the competition between RN's and RPN's. I hope I'm not insulting anyone but after reading several threads I'm very nervous about applying to school for this profession. Are the job prospects for RPN's really bad in Ontario? How long did it take most people to find work? Was it only just part time or did you eventually find Full time? I'm beginning to second guess even going into this field. Any advice would be great.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Research the job market for your area. There are many threads discussing this in the Canadian forum.

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Thanks for replying. I definitely will watch my area for new jobs. I know a new hospital is being built here in the next couple of years but currently there really isn't a nursing shortage here. I live in a big university/college town so there will be big competition at the new hospital. I'm very much willing to work in rural areas if it allows me to work as an RPN.

Sorry if this a repeat post, I'm new to this site and am trying to research the profession.

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Specializes in NICU.

I live in Hamilton and had no problem getting a hospital job right out of school and most of my classmates have gotten hospital jobs in the area as well. A few have gotten jobs in the community or LTC as well. So the hamilton/niagara/haldimand/brant area is doing well. I've heard there are very few jobs in the GTA though.

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Specializes in NICU.

Oh I guess I should mention that I just graduated in December 2013

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where did you seek RPN in area hamilton/niagara/haldimand/brant area.

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Specializes in NICU.
where did you seek RPN in area hamilton/niagara/haldimand/brant area.

what does this mean?

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Well, I mean I looked over indeed, workpolis etc website for RPN in these regions, but not many options turns out?

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Specializes in NICU.

Because simply replying to online ads doesn't work. You have to stand out. You have to call/email the managers or go see them in person.

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Hi vintagePN,

Thanks for responding to my question. I'm guessing you took the RPN at Mohawk College? How did you find it? I was thinking of taking that course but noticed it didn't have a Co-op option available, has that affected you at all? I'm also considering St. Lawrence College bc of the co-op program there. There doesn't seem to be anything about the RPN course on here. :p

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Specializes in NICU.

What does CO-OP mean? I had a placement every semester at a different facility...then in my last semester I had a final placement with a preceptor and worked there full time with her for 3 months.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Hi vintagePN,

Thanks for responding to my question. I'm guessing you took the RPN at Mohawk College? How did you find it? I was thinking of taking that course but noticed it didn't have a Co-op option available, has that affected you at all? I'm also considering St. Lawrence College bc of the co-op program there. There doesn't seem to be anything about the RPN course on here. :p

I don't see anything about a co op on the St. Laurence site.They do mention field placements, that's a clinical placement and all programs have it.

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