Rupinder (Rupi) Bhangu, Stenberg College Practical Nursing Grad, dreamed of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) someday. “My initial plan was just to do an RN program right away but the waitlists were so long, it wasn’t realistic for me to wait. So, I did the Practical Nursing (PN) program at Stenberg and I think it was the best decision I made.”
When Rupi came to Stenberg, she was unsure about her abilities as a student. But she gave it her all and made her dreams come true. At Stenberg, she learned coping and time-management skills and regained self-confidence, which helped her in the RN program. She says, “Personally, I don’t think I would have been able to work full-time if I had entered an RN program term one without experience in health care.”
For experienced LPNs who are looking to advance their career with increased responsibility and wages, becoming an RN is the next best step. They can put their LPN license and work experience toward continuing their education by opting for access programs, or bridge programs, which are essentially fast-track degree programs designed to help health care professionals gain further education in a short time. Most bridge programs allow LPNs with the right blend of experience and education to start their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program in year two and re-enter the health care field as proud RNs sooner.
Today, Rupi is a respected Registered Nurse with a few years of work experience under her belt. “Honestly, I can’t stress enough how much being an LPN helped me in the RN program. I was able to focus on new information in school rather than worrying about the skills aspect of things. I was able to practice my skills and work, which is a huge benefit. I wasn’t stressed out about having to pay for my education and could focus on studying.” My instructors would often say things like, ‘You’re practicing above your classmates, above standards.’”
Nurses are the backbone of our health care system and there’s a continuous need for talented and passionate nurses throughout British Columbia. If you are someone who dreams of becoming a nurse, don’t waste precious time on wait lists. Start pursuing a career in nursing today as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The education you will receive at Stenberg will prepare you to provide the best care possible as a proud health care professional. And 98 per cent of Stenberg graduates are hired within six months of program completion. For more information about our health care programs, visit stenbergcollege.com.
*Entrance requirements vary by institution.