FAQs ABOUT THE LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

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• What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?

LPNs in Alberta are trained healthcare professionals licensed by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) who have completed a minimum of a College Diploma in Practical Nursing and have passed the licensing exam to practice in Canada (CPNRE). 

 

At our clinic, nurses are expected to hold a level of knowledge and skills that goes beyond that of those who newly qualified. For this reason, as an additional requirement, CRMC employs only Licensed Practical Nurses who already possess at least 5 years of full-time experience if they have completed a program of Advanced Education for LPNs, or if they hold the Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing Certification (MSPNC) from the Canadian Nursing Association. LPNs who do not hold such certifications must possess, instead, 10 years of full-time experience before they may be able to work at CRMC.

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• What can a Licensed Practical Nurse do?

In addition to all the actions performed by MOAs, Licensed Practical Nurses apply nursing knowledge, skill and judgment to:

• Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures,

• Perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and conducting specimen collection,

• Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects,

• Provide pre-procedure and post-procedure personal and comfort care,

• Monitor established therapy,

• Monitor patients' progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of the healthcare team (physicians, registered nurses),

• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families,

• Assist in surgical procedures, and

• Provide restricted activities authorized by the law

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CRMC is committed to the evolution of the Nursing profession and the harmonization and full collaboration between the Medical and the Nursing professions according to the terms of current laws and professional regulations in Alberta.

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• What services do Licensed Practical Nurses offer at CRMC?

LPNs in CRMC offer the following services:​

1. Contraceptive Injections / B12 Injections / Other Injections

2. Diabetes Counselling and Management

3. STI Counselling and Management

4. Sutures / Staples Removal

5. Wart Treatment

6. Ear Syringing

7. Over-the-phone general health advice​

8. Develop and run a number of health promotion, and disease prevention initiatives

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In addition, LPNs may initiate walk-in appointments by taking medical history and performing medical assessments. The physician or nurse practitioner on duty will finalize the walk-in appointment by formulating a diagnosis and issuing the needed prescription.

 

LPNs also ​​work with RNs in providing POP CoRN services. For more information, please click here.