RPN in Canada

[Stray dog]

I'm wondering RPNs in Canada can give IV to patients?? or do they need to get certificate or something?? What is the different duties between RN and LPN?? My questions sound odd,but they are what I wanna ask...Sorry

Any info would be appriciated. Thank you.

[loriangel14, RN]

If LPNs(RPNs in Ontario) get their IV certification they can start IVs and give IV meds but not push any IV meds.Certification consists of taking IV start theory(for me it was about an hour long) and then have three successful witnessed IV starts.I took the theory part but never did any starts. Where I work the pts are pretty much low acuity and we very seldom have any IVs.

RNs can push IV sdrugs. take phone orders and flush and remove PICC lines. Where I work RPNs can hang blood if they have been taught. I took blood administration at school but have never done it.I don't know about other places but the hospital I work at the RPNs can do admission assessments. The large hospital that we are merged with hires RPNs in most areas except L&D and pediatrics.

[Fiona59]

Reg. Psych Nurses (RPN) also do IVs (not often though)

LPNs do their own IV starts and meds.

In my hospital the only RNs to do IV push are in the ER or in ICUs. Nobody does them on the floor, I think I've seen one doc. do it once as the patient was being sent to the ICU. Yes, we have PCA's which is a form of IV narcotics but it is patient controlled. We change the syringes as needed with a co-sign (two nurses to change or d/c med)

[Stray dog]

Thank you for your reply. Now I understand. Thank you very much. I heard IV and I know the word,but I'm not sure what exactly IV and to push IV is. Could you please explain a little bit? Sorry about that. Jobs between RN and RPN is similar except IV??

[loriangel14, RN]

IV means intravenous and it refers to drugs going through a needle directly into the vein. IV push means that a syringe is attached diesctly to the access device and pushed in slowly.

It is not quite as simple as saying IV is the only difference between RPN and RN. RNs have a deeper education based more in theory and are more likely to be found in management and charge nurse roles.In Ontario RNs have a degree and RPNs have a diploma. There are a couple of large hospitals in Ontario that don't hire RPNs at all but generally RPNs are used to their full scope of practice.

[Stray dog]

Thank you for your help. Can people be RPN first and then RN later in Canada?? To get into the program, I need to take exam or interview or something?? Any info would be appriciated. Thank you.

[loriangel14, RN]

You would have to meet the admission requirements and pass an entrance exam.You can bridge from PN to RN.

[Stray dog]

Thank you for the info. Nursing program in canada usually have long line to get into the program??