RPN vs RN
Feb 23rd 2014, 10:03 pm
#1
Muskoka, Ontario
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
RPN vs RN
So calling all expat nurses out there....
So seven weeks at home and I'm really missing my work. I've started the registration process but also I have met some RPN's and RN and get the impression that there is a real hierarchy of nursing between the roles. I suppose I'm asking of those that have reregistered as RPN's in Canada, how are you finding it? Do you feel bored or frustrated at role restrictions?
I was working as an Endoscopy Nurse and had taken some additional training to take over certain roles from the doctors, I'm not sure this would be allowed as an RPN and that it might be very frustrating to take several steps back from 10 yrs + experience.
To get the necessary degree to become an RN, it would probably be easier to actually retrain altogether (which I don't think I can stomach) plus nearest educational facility is two hrs away which is too difficult with husbands job and two kids. I don't know what else I could do really, but I definitely want to work...
So seven weeks at home and I'm really missing my work. I've started the registration process but also I have met some RPN's and RN and get the impression that there is a real hierarchy of nursing between the roles. I suppose I'm asking of those that have reregistered as RPN's in Canada, how are you finding it? Do you feel bored or frustrated at role restrictions?
I was working as an Endoscopy Nurse and had taken some additional training to take over certain roles from the doctors, I'm not sure this would be allowed as an RPN and that it might be very frustrating to take several steps back from 10 yrs + experience.
To get the necessary degree to become an RN, it would probably be easier to actually retrain altogether (which I don't think I can stomach) plus nearest educational facility is two hrs away which is too difficult with husbands job and two kids. I don't know what else I could do really, but I definitely want to work...
Feb 23rd 2014, 10:29 pm
#2
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Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Toronto
Posts: 174
Re: RPN vs RN
So calling all expat nurses out there....
So seven weeks at home and I'm really missing my work. I've started the registration process but also I have met some RPN's and RN and get the impression that there is a real hierarchy of nursing between the roles. I suppose I'm asking of those that have reregistered as RPN's in Canada, how are you finding it? Do you feel bored or frustrated at role restrictions?
I was working as an Endoscopy Nurse and had taken some additional training to take over certain roles from the doctors, I'm not sure this would be allowed as an RPN and that it might be very frustrating to take several steps back from 10 yrs + experience.
To get the necessary degree to become an RN, it would probably be easier to actually retrain altogether (which I don't think I can stomach) plus nearest educational facility is two hrs away which is too difficult with husbands job and two kids. I don't know what else I could do really, but I definitely want to work...
So seven weeks at home and I'm really missing my work. I've started the registration process but also I have met some RPN's and RN and get the impression that there is a real hierarchy of nursing between the roles. I suppose I'm asking of those that have reregistered as RPN's in Canada, how are you finding it? Do you feel bored or frustrated at role restrictions?
I was working as an Endoscopy Nurse and had taken some additional training to take over certain roles from the doctors, I'm not sure this would be allowed as an RPN and that it might be very frustrating to take several steps back from 10 yrs + experience.
To get the necessary degree to become an RN, it would probably be easier to actually retrain altogether (which I don't think I can stomach) plus nearest educational facility is two hrs away which is too difficult with husbands job and two kids. I don't know what else I could do really, but I definitely want to work...
Feb 24th 2014, 7:31 am
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: RPN vs RN
Just curious what RPN stands for in other places?
I have a friend who is an RPN in BC, but she is a registered psychiatric nurse which isn't the same as a registered nurse and different schooling and degree altogether...
Google has failed me and brings back pages of psychiatric nurse info for BC, seems they are streamlining searches based on where you are.
I have a friend who is an RPN in BC, but she is a registered psychiatric nurse which isn't the same as a registered nurse and different schooling and degree altogether...
Google has failed me and brings back pages of psychiatric nurse info for BC, seems they are streamlining searches based on where you are.
Feb 24th 2014, 10:16 am
#4
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Feb 26th 2014, 1:24 am
#5
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Re: RPN vs RN
Hi
I have just passed my RPN exam and am waiting for the CNO to put my registration through. I am still struggling to get accepted to sit the RN exam - but that is a whole other story!!
The main differences as far as I can tell is that RNs look after more unstable patients, and RPNs more the stable ones.
You can take extra courses to carry out other roles, but I doubt you would be able to practice in the same way as you did in the UK. I sort of equate it to the old enrolled nurse in the UK - not sure if that is the case. I have not worked in hospitals here so I really don't know how the RPNs are utilised. Many work in long term care and home nursing.
I have been lucky getting employment in a role very similar to my role in the UK (as a specialist nurse) but mainly a teaching role here, but using the skills and knowledge i have gained in 25 years of nursing.
Have a look around at the various posts going, but yes, you will not be working to the level you were in the UK - but I suppose something is better than not using any skills at all!! I was not working for a long time, and I really missed being a nurse, because that is what I have always done!
I have just passed my RPN exam and am waiting for the CNO to put my registration through. I am still struggling to get accepted to sit the RN exam - but that is a whole other story!!
The main differences as far as I can tell is that RNs look after more unstable patients, and RPNs more the stable ones.
You can take extra courses to carry out other roles, but I doubt you would be able to practice in the same way as you did in the UK. I sort of equate it to the old enrolled nurse in the UK - not sure if that is the case. I have not worked in hospitals here so I really don't know how the RPNs are utilised. Many work in long term care and home nursing.
I have been lucky getting employment in a role very similar to my role in the UK (as a specialist nurse) but mainly a teaching role here, but using the skills and knowledge i have gained in 25 years of nursing.
Have a look around at the various posts going, but yes, you will not be working to the level you were in the UK - but I suppose something is better than not using any skills at all!! I was not working for a long time, and I really missed being a nurse, because that is what I have always done!
Feb 26th 2014, 1:29 am
#6
Muskoka, Ontario
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
Re: RPN vs RN
Hi
I have just passed my RPN exam and am waiting for the CNO to put my registration through. I am still struggling to get accepted to sit the RN exam - but that is a whole other story!!
The main differences as far as I can tell is that RNs look after more unstable patients, and RPNs more the stable ones.
You can take extra courses to carry out other roles, but I doubt you would be able to practice in the same way as you did in the UK. I sort of equate it to the old enrolled nurse in the UK - not sure if that is the case. I have not worked in hospitals here so I really don't know how the RPNs are utilised. Many work in long term care and home nursing.
I have been lucky getting employment in a role very similar to my role in the UK (as a specialist nurse) but mainly a teaching role here, but using the skills and knowledge i have gained in 25 years of nursing.
Have a look around at the various posts going, but yes, you will not be working to the level you were in the UK - but I suppose something is better than not using any skills at all!! I was not working for a long time, and I really missed being a nurse, because that is what I have always done!
I have just passed my RPN exam and am waiting for the CNO to put my registration through. I am still struggling to get accepted to sit the RN exam - but that is a whole other story!!
The main differences as far as I can tell is that RNs look after more unstable patients, and RPNs more the stable ones.
You can take extra courses to carry out other roles, but I doubt you would be able to practice in the same way as you did in the UK. I sort of equate it to the old enrolled nurse in the UK - not sure if that is the case. I have not worked in hospitals here so I really don't know how the RPNs are utilised. Many work in long term care and home nursing.
I have been lucky getting employment in a role very similar to my role in the UK (as a specialist nurse) but mainly a teaching role here, but using the skills and knowledge i have gained in 25 years of nursing.
Have a look around at the various posts going, but yes, you will not be working to the level you were in the UK - but I suppose something is better than not using any skills at all!! I was not working for a long time, and I really missed being a nurse, because that is what I have always done!
How long has that taken you? I am so wishing I'd taken your advice and applied sooner!!!!
Feb 26th 2014, 1:33 am
#7
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Re: RPN vs RN
I first applied in the ice age for RN!!! My RPN came through really quickly but only because they had all my info on file from my RN application. I applied in June/July and it only took about 6 weeks to get authorisation to sit the exam in january - not sure how long it will take from scratch! The CNO are notoriously slow for everything - except for my RPN application
Feb 26th 2014, 1:55 am
#8
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Location: SW Ontario
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Re: RPN vs RN
Have either of you considered Nurse Practitioner positions? I believe a little extra training is required but the ability to do much more than general nursing could be more your thing.
http://npao.org/nurse-practitioners/.../#.Uw1Zcb2wWyY
My ex sister-in-law is/was a nurse practitioner, she was in Nunavit for several years and acted as surgeon, doctor and nurse because there was nobody else around. She had to remove somebody's leg whilst being talked through it on the phone with a surgeon at one point. She absolutely loved (and still does) the job, though she is no longer in a remote location.
Just a thought.
Edited to say, there are now bridging programs in Ontario for internationally trained nurses, supposedly making the process easier and quicker.
http://npao.org/nurse-practitioners/.../#.Uw1Zcb2wWyY
My ex sister-in-law is/was a nurse practitioner, she was in Nunavit for several years and acted as surgeon, doctor and nurse because there was nobody else around. She had to remove somebody's leg whilst being talked through it on the phone with a surgeon at one point. She absolutely loved (and still does) the job, though she is no longer in a remote location.
Just a thought.
Edited to say, there are now bridging programs in Ontario for internationally trained nurses, supposedly making the process easier and quicker.
Last edited by Siouxie; Feb 26th 2014 at 2:03 am.
Feb 26th 2014, 1:58 am
#9
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Posts: 765
Re: RPN vs RN
Have either of you considered Nurse Practitioner positions? I believe a little extra training is required but the ability to do much more than general nursing could be more your thing.
My ex sister-in-law is/was a nurse practitioner, she was in Nunavit for several years and acted as surgeon, doctor and nurse because there was nobody else around. She had to remove somebody's leg whilst being talked through it on the phone with a surgeon at one point. She absolutely loved (and still does) the job, though she is no longer in a remote location.
Just a thought.
My ex sister-in-law is/was a nurse practitioner, she was in Nunavit for several years and acted as surgeon, doctor and nurse because there was nobody else around. She had to remove somebody's leg whilst being talked through it on the phone with a surgeon at one point. She absolutely loved (and still does) the job, though she is no longer in a remote location.
Just a thought.
The bridging course is only an option IF the CNO allow it. They are going down the OSCE route and sending all RN applicants for this - i have an 18 month wait just to do the OSCE assessment - I was told to do this in June 2013 and now finally have a date for this in November 2014!!!
Last edited by caleo; Feb 26th 2014 at 2:01 am.
Feb 26th 2014, 2:05 am
#10
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Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: RPN vs RN
The main problem here is trying to get acceptance just to sit RN exam - you need that before you can consider anything such as nurse practitioner. The road is extremely long in ontario.
The bridging course is only an option IF the CNO allow it. They are going down the OSCE route and sending all RN applicants for this - i have an 18 month wait just to do the OSCE assessment - I was told to do this in June 2013 and now finally have a date for this in November 2014!!!
The bridging course is only an option IF the CNO allow it. They are going down the OSCE route and sending all RN applicants for this - i have an 18 month wait just to do the OSCE assessment - I was told to do this in June 2013 and now finally have a date for this in November 2014!!!
Would it be possible to get certification in another Province and then 'transfer' said certificate to Ontario? I have no idea if it is and am sure you probably have looked into it already, but thought I would ask.
Feb 26th 2014, 2:11 am
#11
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Re: RPN vs RN
Sadly I have just come to accept it. Moving the family to another province just isn't feasible. I soooo wish we had chosen elsewhere, but assumed that because I had a degree and 25 years experience as an RN it would not be a problem!!! I love my job right now, and my employer is happy with RPN for now - but in the future picture, k think he wants me to have RN as the company and role grows - i am not in a major hurry now (although frustrated with all the hoops!!!) - I am just trying to get my OSce done so I can hopefully sit the RN exam before August 2015!
Feb 26th 2014, 11:48 am
#12
Muskoka, Ontario
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
Re: RPN vs RN
I spoke to a Canadian nurse manager recently in the hospital, her words were good luck, She went to work in another province and came back and that was a long process trying to get her rerecognised in Ontario.
Sadly I have just come to accept it. Moving the family to another province just isn't feasible. I soooo wish we had chosen elsewhere, but assumed that because I had a degree and 25 years experience as an RN it would not be a problem!!! I love my job right now, and my employer is happy with RPN for now - but in the future picture, k think he wants me to have RN as the company and role grows - i am not in a major hurry now (although frustrated with all the hoops!!!) - I am just trying to get my OSce done so I can hopefully sit the RN exam before August 2015!
From my small investigations into trying to think about an RN position in future, it seems that it would be easier to go into the degree programme as a newby for four yrs than it is to get my training recognised, do the exams, do a bridging programme then go into the last two yrs of a degree programme. Fours yrs vs plus plus four yrs....depressing. The idea of actually training again for a job I can do...argh!!! I don't understand why it's so much harder for me to work than it is for my husband as a Family Physician.
Of course I live in a beautiful area which also means that I will have to travel to do any future education which certainly while the lo is younger means it's impossible.
I know an RPN is better than nothing, but I do worry that I will just be working there getting frustrated because I am more than capable....
Feb 26th 2014, 11:42 pm
#13
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Posts: 765
Re: RPN vs RN
I spoke to a Canadian nurse manager recently in the hospital, her words were good luck, She went to work in another province and came back and that was a long process trying to get her rerecognised in Ontario.
From my small investigations into trying to think about an RN position in future, it seems that it would be easier to go into the degree programme as a newby for four yrs than it is to get my training recognised, do the exams, do a bridging programme then go into the last two yrs of a degree programme. Fours yrs vs plus plus four yrs....depressing. The idea of actually training again for a job I can do...argh!!! I don't understand why it's so much harder for me to work than it is for my husband as a Family Physician.
Of course I live in a beautiful area which also means that I will have to travel to do any future education which certainly while the lo is younger means it's impossible.
I know an RPN is better than nothing, but I do worry that I will just be working there getting frustrated because I am more than capable....
From my small investigations into trying to think about an RN position in future, it seems that it would be easier to go into the degree programme as a newby for four yrs than it is to get my training recognised, do the exams, do a bridging programme then go into the last two yrs of a degree programme. Fours yrs vs plus plus four yrs....depressing. The idea of actually training again for a job I can do...argh!!! I don't understand why it's so much harder for me to work than it is for my husband as a Family Physician.
Of course I live in a beautiful area which also means that I will have to travel to do any future education which certainly while the lo is younger means it's impossible.
I know an RPN is better than nothing, but I do worry that I will just be working there getting frustrated because I am more than capable....
It is funny though how your husband can work and his qualifications accepted, yet the CNO are giving nurses such a hard time!!
I wish we had gone to NS where my husband is from, because it is a much quicker process there, and I would probably be working as an RN there by now.
It is very frustrating - but just have to go with the flow.
Feb 27th 2014, 12:45 am
#15
Muskoka, Ontario
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
Re: RPN vs RN
I think really it is a case of deciding what you want to do with your career. Do you have a degree? I certainly would not want to go through a 4 year degree programme to end up being exactly the same as i was on the UK! Careerwise, i cant imagine not being a nurse! I have spent all my life nursing, and it is something i could never give up. Even working as an RN you may find your hands tied and not as autonomous as you were in the UK. It is a different health system even though it has some similarities.
It is funny though how your husband can work and his qualifications accepted, yet the CNO are giving nurses such a hard time!!
I wish we had gone to NS where my husband is from, because it is a much quicker process there, and I would probably be working as an RN there by now.
It is very frustrating - but just have to go with the flow.
I've contemplated whether we go home because of the lack of comparative roles for me, we both took "career breaks" so the option is there. By the time I get everything sorted I'll have been out of work for so long I'll need to retrain!!!
I don't need to work, and I haven't met a doctors wife around here that does but I just can't imagine not working and feeling like I'm good at my job, and what the heck else do I do! Think I'm having an off day- Peppa pig going on holiday to Italy made me feel homesick
