What is the future for LPNs in canada

loriangel14, RN · Nov 18, 2011

No.I see the role for PNs expanding in many areas of Canada. Our scope has increased and our education has lengthened.I see no indication that they are decreasing the use of PNs in any setting.Where I work PNs work in almost all areas except the ICU.

carz · Nov 18, 2011

I hope you are right, sometimes we tend to follow suite of other areas, sorry not trying to sound like a pessimist, but just concerned. I was the cray woman in her late 4os who started the RN program but I just don't feel like putting all that work in at this point in my life, so I will continue as a LPN, but I do worry about our future. Whats with the new hospital in Calgary will they staff LPNs?

loriangel14, RN · Nov 18, 2011

I am in Ontario so I have no idea but why would you think they wouldn't?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 18, 2011

"]I have been checking many blogs lately USA and United K iIngdom looks like many areas are reducing the amount of employment for LPNs and some areas have actually stopped offering the programs (such as enrolled nurse in England.) It is kind of scarey, I have about another 15 years to work (as a LPN) and I see many have been displaced after about the same amount of time or more. Do any of you feel this trend may happen in Canada?

Enrolled nurse training back in the UK was stopped just before 1990, I can't see it happening here

Fiona59 · Nov 18, 2011

CLPNA has pretty much doubled their registration figures since I started working, so I think you are reading too much into other nations statistics.

itsmejuli · Nov 18, 2011

I hope you are right, sometimes we tend to follow suite of other areas, sorry not trying to sound like a pessimist, but just concerned. I was the cray woman in her late 4os who started the RN program but I just don't feel like putting all that work in at this point in my life, so I will continue as a LPN, but I do worry about our future. Whats with the new hospital in Calgary will they staff LPNs?

Going back to school in your 40's isn't at all crazy. I did the same thing, I'm almost 50 and have been an LPN for 3 years.

I moved to Calgary in March, I had no difficulty finding a job. I was hired at the first place I interviewed. Sometimes our age has a definite advantage...we're not going out on maternity leave.

I've heard that the new Calgary hospital will be hiring LPNs. I've heard that there will be several openings at all of the hospitals once the new one opens.

CanadianGirl79 · Nov 18, 2011

I don't think so. In Ontario it seems that more and more places are hiring PNs. But then, look at our program vs the one in the US...ours is 2 years long. Their's is usually a year. They have two kinds of RNs...those with a 2 year Associates Degree, and those with a 4 year BScN. In my mind, in Canada, PNs are basically the same as 2 year Associates Degree RNs. I don't think they'll get rid of us any time soon...we're "cheap labour".

Glimpsethepast · Nov 18, 2011

I also have to state my observation on this topic. In Ontario RPNs (LPN) are constantly being recruited. Two of my nieces just graduated from the 2.5 year program at Georgian College and both of them obtained employment immediately afterwards. The hospital where I am employed also hires new grad PNs on a regular basis. :)

carz · Nov 19, 2011

[i am so glad to hear all your comments and they all sound very positive.... I hope this is the trend, as I would hate to think that all our skills and experience would not be recognized as a vital contribution to our over extended healthcare sytem.

Anne12 · Dec 4, 2011

Is the high availability of job offers for RPNs/LPNs also applicable for foreign nurses but underwent the Practical Nurse course in Alberta (NorQuest college), and passed the CPNRE?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Dec 4, 2011

There actually isn't a high availability for RPN/LPNs anymore either. The move to replace RNs with RPN/LPNs where possible has peaked and the employment picture is rather flat.