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LPN vs RPN



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  #1  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 10:35 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
LPN vs RPN

I would like to know if an LPN is the equivalent of an RPN (registered practical nurse).An RPN takes five semesters at school and can work in many capacities except ICU and can be a charge nurse.How does this compare to an LPN? Thanks.

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  #2  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:02 AM
sirI's Avatar
Iris backwards, Co-Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2005

Originally Posted by loriangel14
I would like to know if an LPN is the equivalent of an RPN (registered practical nurse).An RPN takes five semesters at school and can work in many capacities except ICU and can be a charge nurse.How does this compare to an LPN? Thanks.
Unless I am mistaken, the RPN is recognized only in Canada. This registration is by the College of Nursing in Ontario. The U.S. has no equivalent program.

It sounds as if LPN and RPN are similar. I think the RPN has a greater responsibility during assessment than LPN. Still, the RPN assessment would require the RN to make the critical thinking decisions.

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  #3  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:04 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
LPN vs RPN

Originally Posted by loriangel14
I would like to know if an LPN is the equivalent of an RPN (registered practical nurse).An RPN takes five semesters at school and can work in many capacities except ICU and can be a charge nurse.How does this compare to an LPN? Thanks.
I am from Western Canada, and an RPN is a registered psychiatric nurse. The program is 3 years. We are limited in the areas we can work and of course specialize in psychiatry. The USA does not recognize us and there is no registering body in the US for us. It is the western provinces that have programs and job opportunities for RPNs. The northern territories also will work with our registering body to make it possible to work in their area.


Last edited by margarita : Jul 24, 2005 at 02:55 PM. Reason: clarification
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  #4  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:07 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2003

Originally Posted by margarita
I am from Canada, and an RPN is a registered psychiatric nurse. The program is 3 years. We are limited in the areas we can work and of course specialize in psychiatry. The USA does not recognize us and there is no registering body in the US for us. It is the western provinces that have programs and job opportunities for RPNs. The northern territories also will work with our registering body to make it possible to work in their area.

Well I'm from Canada too and RPN is a registered practical nurse. I work with bunch of the students right now. It's a diploma program at the college.

Z


Last edited by z's playa : Jul 24, 2005 at 11:11 AM.
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  #5  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:08 AM
sirI's Avatar
Iris backwards, Co-Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2005

Originally Posted by margarita
I am from Canada, and an RPN is a registered psychiatric nurse. The program is 3 years. We are limited in the areas we can work and of course specialize in psychiatry. The USA does not recognize us and there is no registering body in the US for us. It is the western provinces that have programs and job opportunities for RPNs. The northern territories also will work with our registering body to make it possible to work in their area.
But, doesn't RPN stand for Registered Practical Nurse? I see this in the Ontario nursing programs.

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  #6  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:09 AM
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An RPN is also a registered practical nurse( I will be one when I am done school). I don't know if we are different from the LPNs in other provinces ir not. How long is the education for LPNs? Is it the same on both sides of the border?

Thanks

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  #7  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:11 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2003

Originally Posted by siri
But, doesn't RPN stand for Registered Practical Nurse? I see this in the Ontario nursing programs.

Yes it is. I posted that before you.

Z

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  #8  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:13 AM
sirI's Avatar
Iris backwards, Co-Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2005

Originally Posted by z's playa
Yes it is. I posted that before you.

Z
So sorry, my computer is a little slower than yours I suppose.

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  #9  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 11:16 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2004

Thanks for the replies. Z what college are the students from that you are working with? I am going to Georgian.

Does anyone know if the LPN education is 5 semesters as well?

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  #10  
Old Jul 24, 2005, 12:08 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2003

Originally Posted by loriangel14
Thanks for the replies. Z what college are the students from that you are working with? I am going to Georgian.

Does anyone know if the LPN education is 5 semesters as well?

I pm'd you.

Z

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LPN vs RPN

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