LPNs provide basic bedside care for the sick, injured and disabled and may attend to patients in a number of ways, including taking vital signs, gathering patient health information, administering medications and assisting patients in personal hygiene tasks. In B.C., LPNs are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, clinics, occupational health units, community nursing services and private homes. As an LPN you will often be on your feet all day and, while you may work a 40-hour week, it will likely include evening, weekend and night shifts.
To work as an LPN in B.C. you must complete the Practical Nursing program. The program is 12 to 18 months long and, once it is completed, you must take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination and apply for licensing with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C. During the training process you will learn about human anatomy and physiology, about the processes and theories of aging and about health in the context of Canadian society. As you are the link between patients and their families and co-workers you will also learn communication and relationship-building skills.
According to the LPN Café, which is the premier website in B.C. dedicated exclusively to LPNs, the LPN program is currently being offered in 14 different colleges and institutions throughout the province. Costs for the program range between $3,000 and $4,000 CAD plus the cost of textbooks. The entire list of institutions can be found on the LPN Cafe website.
Population growth, an aging population and technological advancement in diagnosis and treatment are contributing to increasing demands for health services in B.C. The province is also currently facing worker shortages in some health occupations and has waiting lists for many health services. According to Achieve B.C., a number of industry sources indicate there is currently a shortage of registered LPNs in B.C. and the shortage is forecast to continue.
In B.C. the LPN is a member of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU). According to the Registered Nurse Canada website, the salary in 2010 for LPNs in B.C. is approximately $24.76 per hour.