Where can I work?

nrsmela · Apr 3, 2012

You really can't work in any RPN role without your license. I am not too familiar with RPN licensing but maybe you could get a temp permit. It will allow you to work under the supervision of another RPN while you are waiting for your results, when I graduated I had a couple friends who used the RN temp license (it can be pricey though). Check with the CNO, all the information you need should be on their website.

Good luck

powerpuff_pilot · Apr 3, 2012

That's great! There is an RPN temp license too. I had no idea that even existed. Thank you! :)

loriangel14, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Hi everyone,
I'm a practical nursing student in Ontario. I was wondering, when I finish school, I can't technically work as a nurse until I pass the nursing exam. Where can I work during the time between graduation and when I pass the exam and get licensed as a nurse?
Thanks!

You can get a temp license. That will allow you to work as an RPN until you get your official license.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Apr 3, 2012

Well, technically you're going to be working as a graduate PN. Your rate of pay will be lower than the first PN rung on the scale and there will be some restrictions on your practice until you have your CPNRE results and the receipt for your registration. Usually the employer will then back-pay you to date of hire.

Fiona59 · Apr 3, 2012

Before we graduated, we had speakers from the provincial College and the unions come in to explain everything to us. How to sign as GPNs and how the initial rate of pay was lower until the Pass certificate was brought in. And remember, the Pass certificate was expected after the first attempt because they would NOT backdate pay for a year if failure happened.

thleenium · Apr 5, 2012

Before we graduated, we had speakers from the provincial College and the unions come in to explain everything to us. How to sign as GPNs and how the initial rate of pay was lower until the Pass certificate was brought in.

You'll probably get the provincial College/union speakers in your "transition to professional nursing" class. I don't know about pay rates, but in Alberta we apparently now sign as LPNs with our temporary registration. See this statement by CLPNA. Check with your provincial College--maybe they have a practice statement for Ontario.

toronto_nurse · Apr 5, 2012

Some places may take you on a temporary licence. The only bad about temporary licences is that if *knock on wood* an individual fails the CPNRE/CNRE your licence will be revoked and it will state that on your CNO Find a Nurse section so it can be quite embarrassing since people will know you failed the exam at least once. You can try working as a personal support worker or sitters for agencies. The pay is not great but its decent experience depending on the client you get.