Ontario’s current RPN to RN bridging process is outdated, inefficient, and does not adequately recognize the extensive clinical experience RPNs already have. With an increasing overlap in the scope of practice between RPNs and RNs, many of the bridging courses are redundant and unnecessary in educating RPN's who wish to advance their career. This petition calls for a re-evaluation of the current bridging process to make it more efficient and recognize professional experience. The current bridging pathway is inefficient and no longer aligns with the evolving nature of nursing practice. 

The current education process for RPNs bridging to RN is outdated. The scope of practice between RPNs and RNs has significantly closed over the past two decades, meaning that the knowledge gap between the two roles has become minimal. In fact, RPNs in acute care settings often work with the same patient acuity and population as RNs, with the exception of specialized areas such as Labour and Delivery and Critical Care. As a result, the current bridging courses often fail to provide new or necessary knowledge for experienced RPNs and instead repeat material already covered during their original education.

We are calling on the Ontario College of Nurses to:,

• Allow RPNs with 5+ years in acute care or 10+ years in LTC/community care to challenge the NCLEX directly without the need for additional bridging courses and if successful, be awarded diploma RN status 
• Reduce the bridging process to 1-2 years based on professional experience for those who wish to obtain their BScN
• Focus bridging education on specialized skills instead of redundant content
• Revise the barriers to application to BScN Bridging Programs, such as required high GPA and failed core nursing courses

Such changes to policy would not only better utilize the skills and expertise of RPNs but also improve the efficiency of the overall nursing education system in Ontario. RPNs already possess clinical experience and skills that are highly relevant to the RN role.  Reducing the bridging time would allow experienced RPNs to contribute more effectively to patient care and address workforce shortages.

Sign this petition to support a more efficient and fair bridging process for RPNs in Ontario. Together, we can ensure that the hard work and dedication of RPNs are recognized, and that the nursing profession is equipped with well-prepared, experienced professionals.

Thank you for supporting this important change to the RPN to RN bridging process. Your voice matters!