Levels of Nursing

There are few career paths that offer the same opportunities for advancement and career
diversity as nursing. A complex health care system creates a wide range of options for nurses.
And, as more patients look for specialized approaches, nurses can fill this demand by gaining
more education, which often equates to a higher salary.

Entry-level Nursing

Entry-level nursing offers several career paths. Which one suits your goals?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs help patients with daily tasks, such as bathing and
feeding. They also answer patient calls, clean rooms and are
Job duties:
responsible for recording information and reporting issues to a
nurse.
Degree needed: Post-secondary certificate or diploma (four and 12 weeks)
Median annual salary*: $26,590
You want to join the nursing field quickly and gain valuable
Become a CNA if
on-the-job experience.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
(Licensed Vocational Nurse in Texas and California)
Under the supervision and instruction of an RN, LPNs provide
patients with basic care, including dressing, changing
Job duties:
bandages and bathing. Some LPNs are permitted to administer
medication but this depends on state regulations.
Degree needed: Certificate or diploma (one year)
Median annual salary: $44,090
You want to work in nursing sooner rather than later, but hope
Become an LPN if to become an RN one day. Many RN degree programs give
credit for LPN experience.
Registered Nurse
RNs coordinate patient care, administer medication, assist
Job duties: doctors with exams and surgeries, educate patients, promote
wellness and manage other nurses and LPNs.
Degree needed: Associate’s (two years) or bachelor’s (four years)
Median annual salary: $68,450
You’re interested in a diverse work experience, potential
Become an RN if
career growth and further educational opportunities.

Source: https://www.allnursingschools.com/registered-nursing/learn-how-to-become-a-nurse/
Becoming a Registered Nurse

If you are interested in caring for people and are a high school graduate, you can eventually
become a Registered Nurse (RN). There are a number of steps you need to take before you
can turn your dream into a career, but they are straightforward and you’ll find there is plenty
of support along the way. If you are interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner, the steps
follow below.

Step #1. You will need a post-secondary education.

Why? All provincial and territorial nurses’ associations have adopted the goal of having a
baccalaureate requirement for entry into nursing. Evidence supports the fact that
baccalaureate-prepared nurses are most able to provide safe, ethical, cost-effective and high
quality nursing care for Canadians.

The trend toward a university education for Registered Nurses (RNs) is here: with the
exception of students in Quebec, students must choose to obtain a baccalaureate degree in
nursing in order to prepare for a RN career.

Step #2. You need to apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) directly for
assessment.

All nursing graduates who plan to practise in Ontario must be registered with the CNO.

Once you are deemed eligible (after applying), you’ll take the registration exam. Why? This
exam is designed to measure the competencies of nurses at the start of your practice.

In addition to the registration exam, you must successfully complete a separate jurisprudence
exam by the College designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the laws,
regulations, and College by-laws, practice standards and guidelines that govern the nursing
profession in Ontario. The RN Jurisprudence Exam is completed online.

Step #3. If you pass, you must meet four other requirements in order to be “registered”
by a provincial or territorial nursing regulatory body in Canada.

After completing an eligible education program, showing the College evidence of recent safe
nursing practice (usually completing the program) as well as successful completion of the
national nursing registration examination; you must then show:

 Evidence of fluency in written and spoken

English or French.
 Registration or eligibility for registration in the jurisdiction where a nursing program was
completed.
 Proof of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or authorization under the Immigration
and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to engage in the practice of nursing. *Good character
and suitability to practise, as indicated by a Declaration of Registration Requirements and a
Canadian Criminal Record Synopsis.
A valid certificate of registration from the College is required of all nurses who wish to
practise nursing in Ontario and perform the procedures in the Controlled Acts that are
authorized to nursing. Only member of the College are allowed to refer themselves as nurses
in Ontario.

Step #4. Evolve your competencies.

Because nursing is a self-regulating profession, establishing and maintaining high standards

of practice is critical — not only for the safety of patients but also the long-term advancement
of the nursing profession. Researching and expanding nursing competencies through best
practice development is another important contribution RNs can make after they begin to
practise.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

In Ontario, Registered Nurses (RNs) with additional education and experience are in the
Extended Class, also known as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). NPs have an expanded scope of
practice including the ability to order and interpret diagnostic tests, communicate diagnoses,
prescribe prescription drugs, and perform specific procedures.

NP is a protected title in Ontario (since August 2007). There are four NP specialty certificates
within the Extended Class: NP-Primary Health Care, NP-Pediatric, NP-Adult and NP-
Anesthesia.

In order to become a NP in Ontario:

 RNs must have obtained advanced education;

 demonstrate evidence of safe practice; and
 have passed an approved registration exam
for the specialty certificate they want to pursue.

Source: http://careersinnursing.ca/new-nursing-and-students/becoming-registered-nurse