Temp LPN

Published

Hi ,

I know as a Temp LPN, one is not allowed to work in a facility unless there is another LPN in the facility, however if there were no other LPN's in the facility, would the temp LPN still be covered with an RN working the floor? Curious...thanks in advance :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi ,

I know as a Temp LPN, one is not allowed to work in a facility unless there is another LPN in the facility, however if there were no other LPN's in the facility, would the temp LPN still be covered with an RN working the floor? Curious...thanks in advance :)

Are you temporary staff?

A new grad practical nurse who hasn't written CPNRE yet? If so, you are a GPN not an LPN and yes there has to be a nurse with valid registration present.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

GPN? I haven't heard that before, but yes. I write in Sept. As a GPN though, from my understanding on the CLPNA site we sign as a LPN though,

Temporary Registrants:

Are recognized as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and may legally sign LPN after their name

Assume accountability and responsibility for their practice

Practice within the policies of the employer and may complete applicable education in the employment setting

Must identify and seek guidance and direction when they find situations that are beyond their competence level

http://www.clpna.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/doc_PracticeStatement2_REV2011.pdf

I know we need an LPN (with full licence) available in the facility, however if there are no Active LPN's in the facility but there is a RN (fully licenced) would one still be able to work? That is where I'm confused. Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work in Alberta. You are a GPN, graduate practical nurse. Just as you signed as a SPN when you were a student practical nurse. I was signing as a GPN until I brought in a PASS certificate.

An LPN can work on a temporary license for several reasons, new to the province and needs to upgrade with a certain time frame to meet AB standards is the first that comes to mind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Fiona,

I am in Alberta as well. However right on the CLPNA website it states

Temporary Registration Temporary Registration allows new graduates who have completed an approved Practical Nursing Program in Alberta to practice (work) as a nurse while waiting to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). Temporary Registration is short term; not to exceed one year. Members with Temporary Registration are recognized as a Licensed Practical Nurse and may carry out the competencies of an entry-level practitioner. Temporary Registration may not be renewed. Working or accepting employment as a LPN without having your Temporary Practice Permit is not permitted and a contravention of the Health Professions Act of Alberta. Upon successful completion of the CPNRE, the LPN is eligible for an "Active" Practice Permit. - See more at: New Graduates | CLPNA

So I am not going to argue that point. All I was inquiring about is whether one is able to work if there is an RN on the floor rather than an Active LPN. The reason I am asking is that I have an interview and was asked if I was allowed to work as a temp LPN if there were no Active LPN's but rather RN's. The policy states that as temp LPN's we still need some type of supervision...

Direct supervision:

a regulated nurse with full practice permit (regulated member) is present in the practice setting at the point of care. The regulated member is providing supervision "at the side of" the new graduate.

Indirect supervision:

the regulated nurse with full practice permit (regulated member) is available for guidance and consultation but is not directly at the side of the new graduate.

The regulated member is staffed on the unit and readily available where care is being provided.

Indirect remote:

a regulated nurse with full practice permit (regulated member) is available for consultation and guidance but is not physically present in the location where care is being provided and can be easily contacted through the use of technology. The regulated member can be reached by telephone, pager or other electronic device when the temporary registrant needs verbal assistance or guidance in providing client care. This is appropriate supervision in home care/community care when most client care is on a one-to-one basis.

The way the policy is worded I'm assuming that as a temp LPN I would have to have an Active LPN that I could have access to, however I wanted to see if working under a fully licenced RN would cover this as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You started this thread during the afternoon. Why didn't you just call CLPNA and ask?

Every new grad at my place of employment signs GPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I thought I would ask the question here first, however yes I did email them as well. And again my question is not about what to sign...but if one could work with an RN supervising them or if the supervision needs to be through an Active LPN.

Now that I know questions are not welcomed here, have a nice night! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've never heard of a temp before. I will go from spn to gpn to lpn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've never heard of a temp before. I will go from spn to gpn to lpn.

Just like new grad RNs are legally required to sign GN until they pass CRNE.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I thought I would ask the question here first, however yes I did email them as well. And again my question is not about what to sign...but if one could work with an RN supervising them or if the supervision needs to be through an Active LPN.

Now that I know questions are not welcomed here, have a nice night! :)

I agree, there seems to be too much fixation on what to sign. This is supposed to be a helpful forum but it seems like everyone just wants to nit pick away at what everyone else says. We should be supporting each other not trying to prove previous posters wrong. Anyway, I don't know what the rule is as I'm an RN but it makes sense that you could be supervised by an RN. For instance, if you were working a night you might be the only LPN working. Plus I have seen LPN students paired with RN preceptor during their final practicum. As long as you stay within your scope it should be ok. You've already contacted the college so hopefully they will give you the answer you are looking for and not dwell as what to sign as. Let us know what the response is :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.
I thought I would ask the question here first, however yes I did email them as well. And again my question is not about what to sign...but if one could work with an RN supervising them or if the supervision needs to be through an Active LPN.

Now that I know questions are not welcomed here, have a nice night! :)

I work in Ontario, so I don't know if its much different. But the temp RPNs at my work could work if there were either RPNs or RNs present. I would just call your college of nurses and check if you are unsure though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

You can work with any licensed nurse, LPN or RN is acceptable.

Interesting that graduate LPNs can use the title. Graduate RNs must sign GN. You aren't supposed to use the title in full until officially licensed. Perhaps the CLPNA is different in this respect.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion