Re: RPN/LPN/RNA all the same??? Originally Posted by Fiona59 
This information was provided by the CNA itself at various nursing conventions in 2007. I heard and received the paperwork while attending the CLPNA convention in April 2007. The speaker (whose name I can't recall at this time) gave the outline for CNA's plan and how the proposed to implement it. He felt (and when I use he, I'm using it the way he referred to CNA) felt that the role of bedside nursing was going to become the function of the PN with the BScN becoming more active in healthcare outside the hospital. That the basic education of nurses needed to be refocussed on caring for those in hospital and getting them out.
What part of Canada do you work in? My scope of practice is very similiar to that of an RN in my province. About the only area you won't find a PN is the NICU. The PN education in my province now includes all the required "filler" university arts courses required of the BScN students. So the theoretical step programme is already being implemented slowly.
This isn't meant to become a PN-RN debate. It was a discussion concerning the differences in what is a Practical Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse and Registered Nursing Assistant. Not a turf/education war.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like RNs have more responsibility than PNs. I respect what you do as I used to work with several PNs who are great nurses. My mom also recently became an RPN.
The CNA usually says what sounds good to nurses, but never implements their goals/promises for us. They have been "creating" visions for the nursing future for many years now, and 9/10 times they fall through. The nursing situation in Canada, although not bad, can use a lot of improvement, and really nothing has changed for a few years.
I actually work in Toronto at Sick Kids Hospital, they do not hire PNs here. I used to work at a smaller hospital outside of Toronto and they had few RPNs working there. I'm not too sure which province you're from, maybe the situation is different there than here. But I do know in Ontario RPNs are not allowed to hang blood products, start certain IV meds, do certain hospital assessments, go into managerial positions, etc.
My mother actually completed an RPN program here in Ontario a couple of years ago (through Durham College), and the only place that considered her for a position upon completion of school was a nursing home. She's been there since she was hired and she loves it, but she sure had trouble finding a job.
RPN/LPN was implemented years ago because of the RN nursing shortage facing Canada. I highly doubt that RPN/LPN will be the starting point for becoming a nurse in the future.
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