Become Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

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Become Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

A Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), is a healthcare professional that has completed two years of college-level education to earn a diploma in Practical Nursing. They are one of the three types of nurses, along with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Being an RPN offers a quicker and more affordable route to a career in nursing, although they will not be qualified for certain roles because the training is not as extensive. RPNs predominantly treat patients with stables conditions, who do not require invasive procedures or are likely to experience a medical emergency. RPNs are frequently employed in clinics, long-term care facilities and by other private healthcare service providers.

Graduate from a college-level institution with a diploma in Practical Nursing
A valid certificate of registration from the College of Nurses of Ontario
Strong knowledge of proper medical procedures and healthcare practices is vita
Physically fit enough to stand and move for the majority of the day
Must possess strong interpersonal skills to deal with patients

All types of nurses work to offer the best healthcare possible to their patients and clients. Registered Practical Nurses provide care to patients in stable condition where there is a low probably of a sudden change. They dispense medication – including pills, liquids and injections – according to the instructions of a physician or doctor, perform routine examinations and treatments, assist physicians treating patients and offer therapeutic health services. RPNs also provide practical information and instructions to patients so that they can maintain their health and use any medication or equipment correctly. Depending on their place of employment, RPNs can follow set routine with a small group of patients requiring long term care, or they can treat different patients as they arrive at a clinic or healthcare facility.

Provide healthcare services to patients in clinics and healthcare facility
Dispense doctor-prescribed medication, either in ingestible form or injections
Perform health checks (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, etc)
Assist with patient-specific treatments and therapies
Change bandaging, dressings and bedding
Update patient chart and log all important information
Follow rules, regulations and guidelines at all times
Instruct patients on proper at-home treatments methods
Contact a doctor immediately if there is a change in patient condition

Aspiring registered practical nurses must complete a learning and training program at a college or vocational school that has been approved for RPNs. Upon completion of the course, they will need to successfully complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination in every province except Quebec. Finally, they need to register with the regulatory organization of their province or territory, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario, in order to be an official registered practical nurse.

Registered practical nurses are recruited by public and private healthcare facilities in the healthcare sector.

The long-term employment outlook for registered practical nurses is considered mostly good across the country. Over the next ten years, there is actually predicted to be a labour shortage in the sector. The number of aspiring registered practical nurses is expected to be fewer than the number of available job roles.

A registered practical nurse works in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and healthcare facilities, where they assist doctors, therapists, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

According to the CNP code (national classification of occupations), here are the additional titles for a registered practical nurse: