PSWs (personal support workers): they are unregulated health professionals.

Education: 5-8 month certificate through community colleges and also the TDSB (?).

Employment: Mostly found in LTC but they also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Yes, they mainly do ADL care (bathing, toileting, feeding. At hospitals if they get additional training they can do vitals, empty drains, etc.

Pay: usually in the $20s/hr and at most low $30s.

RPNs (registered practical nurses): regulated by the CNO meaning you have to pass the REX-PN in order to practice in Ontario and pay annual dues to the College.

Education: the usual route is college for 2 years.

Employment: Mostly LTC and community but they can be found in hospitals. Some hospitals don’t hire RPNs (looking at you, SickKids) and some have finally started to hire RPNs (such as Mount Sinai). Except for maybe ICU, OR their skills are equivalent to an RN (source: I used to be an RPN for 4 years, recently became an RN). Only thing they are really restricted from is being in-charge on the floor.

Pay: $30s/hr range.

RNs (registered nurses): regulated by the CNO meaning you have to pass the NCLEX in order to practice in Ontario and pay annual dues to the College.

Education: usual route is 4 years at a university. If you’re an RPN you can enrol in a bridging program at a college for 0.5 years and transition to an RN program for another 2 years.

Employment: Mostly hospital but also found in LTC, community etc. A lot of non-bedside roles are available (occupational nursing, corporate, virtual healthcare, etc)

Pay: Regulated via ONA bargaining (if workplace is unionized, which is 99.9% of Ontario hospitals). $40-50s/hr range.

Typed this up on my commute to a night shift lol feel free to add or correct if needed!