Thinking of becoming an RPN

Belle Epoque · Dec 23, 2010

1) after looking through different job posting sites (workopolis, wowjobs, and different hospital sites) i'm noticing that most rpn positions require many different certifications besides your rpn diploma (bcls, operating room course, ect) are these certificates something that are given during your two year course or is it an extra expense that you must complete on your own time, and if so generally how much would they be and where would you take them?

there are no other certs required however most employers require bcls/heathcare provider cpr to be renewed annually. this can be done thru the workplace and the cost in minimal (some places free). or cert is only needed if applying for a scrub nurse position in the or, this is extra schooling (but won't get you an increase in pay.)

2) how is the job market at the moment, are there jobs out there for rpn's?

depends on the area, some have fared the recession better than others but usually there are many opportunities in ltc, retirement, home care or agencies. hospitals are harder to get into and require more experience.

3) this is more for people who have taken any rpn course and completed a placement, are there positions in hospitals for placements? and is it a possibility to be hired out of your placement or is that a very rare instance?

yes, you will have placements in hospitals and no you will likely not be hired out of a placement until your consolidation/preceptorship which may open some doors for you.

4) this is only for the people comfortable answering but is the pay decent? i saw the sticky at the top and i must be reading it incorrectly because i cannot find the ontario listing for average salary for an rpn. the main reason i ask is because my cousin has just become a full time rn working at a hospital and she tells me that i would be looking at making about 50% of what she makes but doing 80% of the same duties.

depending on the union and where you work $22-30/hr. 50% less than an rn - no. 80% the same job - definitely.

Fiona59 · Dec 23, 2010

OK, I love how RNs love to tell people to avoid PN education. (You don't get the "R" or "L" designation until you pass the CPNRE).

OK, I work part time as an LPN in Alberta, I'm top scale at just under $30/hour before factoring in shift premiums. This year I'm looking at $45K working about an .6FTE. Do your math.

OR certification is obtained at your own expense. Currently in AB our College is providing financial assistance to LPNs who wish to take the course. For the extra education you make around $1.25 an hour on top of the PN wage.

Depending on your union contract and what shifts you work, you can increase your base rate by around $3/hour minimum (I can pick up an extra $8.25 by working weekend nights).

Some extra certifications include the OR Tech course, Ortho Tech (these you pay for yourself and study on your own time) and Dialysis (provided by the employer). They usually increase your pay by a small amount. But you need very specific personality traits to work in these areas.

Every RN will tell you to go for your RN but educational requirements have changed over the last few years. A four year degree and the expenses that incurred are the basic entry points for an RN. Do you have four years and a desire to carry a good student loan? Do you have the academics required for the degree?

PN education is intense and is usually over in around 2.5 years. The debt load isn't as bad and finally if you find out nursing really isn't for you, you aren't in as deep as many RNs who graduate pass the CRNE and find out they loathe nursing (I work with a few trapped RNs and a few trapped LPNs). The LPNs have their exits planned, the RNs are planning on working because they have degrees and their families think it's the best thing for them (yes, these are adult women).

Just remember that with health care reform that is happening across Canada, there will be increased utilization the Practical Nurse because RN unions are pricing themselves out of the workplace.

loriangel14, RN · Dec 24, 2010

The only thing I have to add is that sometimes connections made(or the impression you make) during placements can help down the road when looking for work. Students that are willing to participate, ask questions and conduct themselves professionally will stand out and sometimes be remembered. If you can get your final consolidation in an area/facility/unit that you want to work on you may be able to turm it into a job opportunity.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2010

I don't know what criteria you used to help you decide your second career choice as a RPN, but if you looking for work that is similar to a police officers as far as front line action goes, then I think you will find a career as a paramedic is a better fit than a career as a RPN. Have you discussed your career choices with a college student advisor? A counsellor may be able help you figure out which secondary career choice is the best path for you.

dishes

Hatt · Dec 24, 2010

Hey everyone,

Thanks so much for your feedback, so far it's been very beneficial.

When I was looking to go back to school I wasn't necessarily looking for anything similar to policing, but more what I felt would be a rewarding career, the RPN program is one of a few that stood out to me. So at the moment I'm just doing my research, this forum itself turned out to be a tremendous help.

I just have one follow up question, I would really appreciate if anyone, who feels comfortable enough, could just walk me through a typical day at work as an rpn in any environment (Hospital, retirement, LTC, ect) and maybe share some of your less enjoyable days.

I have researched the responsibilities and duties for rpn's in different settings but I realize what I read and what people actually experience are two totally different things.

Thanks again

loriangel14, RN · Dec 24, 2010

Well the day would depend on the job.I work in a hospital

If I am working a day shift on my regular unit I get to the floor, get my assignment(the is a sheet with the names of the staff there that day and which rooms you are responsible for), find a pen and paper and sit down at the table in the report room. All staff gathers there and who ever was in charge for the previous shift will "give report", that is go over each patient and tells you about anything new or pertinent we need to know about them.Then we usally chat for a few minutes before hitting the floor. If the breakfast trays have come we may help set up trays for patients but the unit I usually work on we have Personal Support Workers so they usually handle most of that duty. If you have any diabetics you will check blood sugars before they eat and then get started on your med pass.Depending on the patient you may take their vitals at this time as well.

Then wash people,dress people, toilet people, answer bells, do dressings,do assessments, make beds, listen to patient's problems,hand out more meds, talk to families, talk to doctors,post mortem care, check orders, answer the phone,stock supplies,do admissions and discharges,talk to laundry, talk to pharmacy, talk to dietary and feed people. I have to attend meetings with managers, discharge planners and physio and occupational therapists, and doctors to discuss patient's progress.You have to communicate with all members of the health care team and of course you have to document,document,document.Everything goes into the computer.

I have a half hour coffee break and a 45 minute lunch in amongst all of theis. No matter who you ask, their days will all be different.

Fiona59 · Dec 24, 2010

Lori: You forgot the favourite activity: Narcotics count. Try and find people at a shift change to count.

Lunch? What's that. I'm tired of billing for missed meals.

Oh, and don't forget pre-op prep, post op returns (I work surgery). Pull drains, change wound vacs (these can take up to 90 minutes), start IVs. Chase pharmacy for missing meds.

Try and figure out why you became a nurse... (yes, it was one of THOSE shifts today).

loriangel14, RN · Dec 25, 2010

Ah yes, I knew I was forgetting a few things. Yes, sometimes I work surgery and there are the things Fiona mentioned....and on that floor breaks are much harder to get. Never mind if one of your patient's goes sour....or if one of my palliative patients dies. I also get called in to go along on transfers to other facilities with patients.But that's a nice change.

Hatt · Dec 26, 2010

Thanks Everyone for the feedback so far it's been extremely useful. I'm just trying to ensure that this is something I could be happy with as a career as going back to school for a second time is not an easy task to complete. So far the rpn program has the most appeal.

Thanks again

If you have any other tips or advice for me please feel free to pm me or leave a message in the thread I'll still be browsing these forums.

cccormier · Feb 7, 2011

I don't know what criteria you used to help you decide your second career choice as a RPN, but if you looking for work that is similar to a police officers as far as front line action goes, then I think you will find a career as a paramedic is a better fit than a career as a RPN. Have you discussed your career choices with a college student advisor? A counsellor may be able help you figure out which secondary career choice is the best path for you.
dishes

I agree with Dishes on this one; you may prefer going down a path more similar to policing, since it seems to still be of interest to you. If you are not sure, or even if you have made up your mind, I would suggest speaking with an academic advisor or someone at a school who can not only give you a better idea of what may a better fit, but can tell you much more (specific to the course and school) about interesting things you may not have known about your career choice! Asking questions, if only just for fun, can't hurt! :)

Good luck with everything by the way!

Hatt · Feb 7, 2011

Thanks all for your concern on my decision, which is a big reason why I posted here in the first place. Again I'm not really looking for anything that is similar to policing just something I find rewarding. Since posting here I have spoken to a career councilor a few times and have been able to shadow a friend while he worked in a hospital as an rpn. I have attended a few college tours on programs that interested me and o

I have decided on the rpn course.

Thanks again for all your comments they were very helpful.