Registered Practical nurses provide nursing care under the direction of the Registered Nurse or other healthcare professionals. They can administer medications, do charting, checking vitals and intravenous therapy. The Practical Nurse also provides comfort and support to the patients, which is a benefit because of the consistent and personal attention they are given.
Duties of a Registered Practical Nurse:
- Blood pressures checks, pulse, vital signs, temperatures
- Directed by the doctor to prepare and administer medications
- Apply dressings to treat bedsores
- Help feed, bath and dress patients
- Chart patients medication/treatment information
- Make observation for negative reactions
- Educate patients about health and safety
Work Requirements:
The practical nurse can spend alot of their time on their feet and are required to do lifting. Most of them work in hospitals and nursing homes. They work full-time or part-time hours which can include weekends, evenings and holidays. They are involved in performing some unpleasant duties and have to deal with difficult patients.
Types of Work Environments:
- LTC hospitals
- Community health centres
- Private homecare agencies
- Nursing Homes
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
Personality Requirements:
- Be genuine and interested in helping people
- Strong people skills
- Be patient, compassionate and have empathy
- Work independently
- Capable of operating technical equipment
- Problem solving and strong interpersonal skills
Education: 2 years post-secondary
College Diploma in Nursing
Certification:
- National: Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE)
- Ontario: Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a Registered Practical Nurse:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Math
- English
- Health
Job placement – after 2 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
Many opportunities will exist for new nurses entering the field as the aging population in Canada shows an ever-increasing shortage in the number of qualified nurses in the near future.
Wages:
Average annual income: $25,000 to $45,000
Links:
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.www.cpna.ca
Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
http://www.rpnao.org
The Canadian Nursing Student’s Association
http://www.cnsa.ca
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (US)
http://www.nflpn.org
Nurses World
http://www.nursesworld.com
Job Futures: Practical Nurse
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3233.shtml
