British nurse asking about the difference between a RN and RPN...

OK, here goes.

In Western Canada (BC, Alberta) RPN = Registered Psychiatric Nurse.

In Ontario only an RPN = LPN (Registered Practical Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse).

Your old SEN was about the same as an LPN.

Its two years at a college where we are taught pharmacology, wound care, maternity, psychiatric, pediatric nursing. We do personal care, med administration, wound care, physical assessments, etc. In many provinces, you won't be able to tell who is the RN and who is the LPN by their job duties. Some hospitals require all IV meds to be hung by an RN, others only allow RNs to administer needle narcotics.

The LPN works under her own license and insurance and does not have an RN supervise or sign for her work.

Now, RPNs in Western Canada are mental health nurses. Work mainly on psychiatric wards but I've worked with them in LTC and in some acute hospitals where they've worked as RN's, so you really need to find out which province you are thinking about and ask the hospital where you will be working what your scope of practice involves.

Good Luck...

Wonderful, thanks fiona59.

That explains it nicely - i understand what you mean.

We've a leaning towards Ontario - planning a summer holiday there this year to have a looksee...

many, many thanks for your help...

My understanding (received from a clinical nurse educator) is that BC also requires NEW grads to have a four year degree, however, if you are a practicing RN (as opposed to BSN) in another province or state the four year degree rule doesn't come in to play. You just have to pass the NCLEX. I do not know what the regulation for Ontario is.

I am in the process of getting my BScN and I am a RPN - you need to have your 4 year degree in order to write the National RN exam in Ontario. RPN's are able to to look after patient's that are considered "stable" and if that changes the RPN is responsilbe to seek out the assistance of a RN. Good luck on your visit here!!

My understanding (received from a clinical nurse educator) is that BC also requires NEW grads to have a four year degree, however, if you are a practicing RN (as opposed to BSN) in another province or state the four year degree rule doesn't come in to play. You just have to pass the NCLEX. I do not know what the regulation for Ontario is.