Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_regpracnurse.htm
Registered Practical Nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of registered nurses or other healthcare team members. They provide comfort and emotional support to patients while administering to their practical needs. In addition to offering basic bedside care, administering medications, and completing charts, they also check vital signs and keep track of intravenous therapy. Patients benefit from their consistent and personal attention.
Most practical nurses work in hospitals or nursing homes. The majority of their time is spent on their feet and can require lifting and maneuvering patients. It also involves performing some unpleasant duties, such as dealing with difficult patients. Most work full or part-time hours that often include evening, weekend, and holiday work.
College Diploma in Nursing
Length of Study/Training : 2 years post-secondary
Certification (s):
National: Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE)
Ontario : Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services. The shift in health care systems from institutional to home care for people with chronic illnesses and disabling conditions is creating increased demand for practical nurses.
RPNs are paid on an hourly basis with wages ranging between $13 to $21 an hour. RPNs working full-time earn between $25,000 and $40,000 a year.
College of Nurses of Ontario
http://www.cno.org
Ontario Nurses' Association
http://www.ona.org/index.html
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
http://www.rnao.org
Canadian Practical Nurses Association
http://www.cpna.ca
Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
http://www.rpnao.org
The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association
http://www.cnsa.ca
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (US)
http://www.nflpn.org
Nurses World
http://www.nursesworld.com
Job Futures: Licensed Practical Nurses
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3233.shtml