Are LPNS in Demand across Canada??

markjrn · Jul 24, 2005

I work on a busy med/surg floor in Northern Manitoba and I use my full range of skills. THere are certain IV meds I can't hang and I can't IV push but pretty much everything else I can do. Our hospital uses LPN's everywhere but ER/CCU.

Well that was my understanding too. My SIL seems to do just about everything. It seems that you hear about LTC alot, but it's good to hear about the acute side too. :) You can't really compare the two, IMHO.

Paprikat · Aug 7, 2005

What's your scope in acute care?

I work in LTC for the last eight years. I have no idea about acute care.

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2005

They are trialing LPNs in more medical wards in the lowermainland and fraser valley. Its is working in some places and not others. But theya re highering them mostly for LTC. But I find that the acuity of the pts in LTC is increasing, therefore, it is important to have full scope LPNs who are natural critical thinkers...JMHO. So yeah they are highering here in BC

linzz · Mar 31, 2007

Can't say I agree with the RPNAO's view on RPN opportunities. In most hospitals in southwestern Ontario, they are either phased out or are in med-surg only. The ones you see in emerg or post partum have been grandfathered in. There are opportunites in LTC and tons of jobs in retirement but this can be a rough place for a new grad to start as you work alone. Best place to start is LTC but you must start casual and wait for part time. Some hospitals do hire but be prepared to do med surg or psych.

loriangel14, RN · Apr 1, 2007

I live about an hour north of Toronto and there are plenty of RPN jobs in my area. Our local hospital uses RPNs everywhere except ICU and L&D. RPNs are allowed to work at full scope generally, being able to everything except IV starts and pushing certain drugs. Actually, RPNs can start IVs if they have taken the extra training. There are lots of areas to work where i am, flu shot clinics, doctors offices, LTC, community visiting, mental health, definitely no shortage of work.

OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN · Apr 1, 2007

Kelowna General Hosiptal does hire LPN's but I'm not entirly sure of which wards. I'm pretty sure LPN's can't do OR/ICU/L+D and possibly recovery room.

I know I've seen LPN's in the ER and I know one who works on a post surgical ward. At this point, I plan on applying to the hospital when I'm done my course, but that could change and I might like LTC or nursing homes. I'll know better after my practicums.

LTC and nursing homes hire LPN's almost exclusively, with the exception of having 1 -3 RN's on staff with the rest being LPN's.

So, yes, there is still a huge demand for LPN's in my area.

nosyzeke · Apr 3, 2007

Hi , I work in sask and in adult rehab. Currently our boss has all the LPN's upgrading those that are lacking in certain areas of nursing are to complete their education so the expectation is for the LPN to work full scope.

dayzee1975 · Apr 3, 2007

Hi,

I'm a LPN in a busy rural hospital in Alberta. I work OR, ER, Med/Surg, SCU, Maternity, Peds, pretty much anything that comes through the door. I give all medications, including IV. The only thing we don't do is IV push. I've assisted with codes, but obviously not given the medications. If you want a variety of experiences a rural hospital is your best bet. We are also short handed a lot. We don't have any open positions, but we have very few casual employees...we also hire those

Mischa G · Apr 4, 2007

I live in Ottawa, Ontario and I know they hire RPN's (LPN) in certain hospitals in the med/sug units. My friend is also an RPN and sometimes working the the Emerg when they are short. Apparently there are also RPN's in the ICU, but in my opinion those who work in the ICU must have extra courses and more years of experience. There are also RPN's in the maternity units but NOT in L & D. RPN's are also hired on Rehab Units and Dialysis.

And they are of course hired in LTC's. They also hire RPN's in a long-term type environment for palliative care for sick kids.

junaella · Apr 17, 2007

Hi! I am a foreign educated LPN with a US license. Currently, I am seeking out-of-province registration in Alberta (CLPNA). I would appreciate any infos from LPNs in Alberta regarding work opportunities in Alberta. Thank you and have a good day y'all!!

dayzee1975 · Apr 17, 2007

Hello there,

What kind of information are you looking for. I am an LPN registered in Alberta and have been working in a rural hospital for the past five years. I'll try and help you with anything you need. Just let me know.

junaella · Apr 25, 2007

dayzee1975,

I want to know how high is the work opportunity for LPNs in Alberta, esp for foreign LPNs like me? is the scope of practice limited to LTC facilities or are there plenty of opportunities in hospitals like what you have had for the past 5 years.. from the threads and posts that I have read around here (and from I have heard also among Filipino nurses there in Canada), I have this impression that the CRNE and CRPNE are more difficult that the NCLEX exam.. can anyone attest to that? is it a paper & pencil exam? thank you to all who can help me with any info.. I am really praying that the CLPNA will approve of my registration soon!!