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- What is the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Registered Nurse (RN)?
A licensed practical nurse provides professional nursing care for individuals across the lifespan within the context of family and community. A registered nurse, who also provides nursing care for individuals, focuses on broader health promotion and illness prevention aspects of care for individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Where can I find Practical Nursing Programs in BC?
You can find a comprehensive list of schools on this website in the students section.
- How long does it take to complete a Practical Nursing Program?
Most programs in BC are full time 12 months in duration and include several clinical practicums and a preceptorship.
- Can I, or should I work part time at my job while attending school?
The workload involved in Practical Nursing Programs is intense. You can expect 3 to 5 hours of homework per day.
- After I graduate from school how long until I can start working as an LPN?
Once you've graduated from a recognized Practical Nursing program in BC you are eligible to write the Canadian Practical Nursing Exam. Once you've written the exam you can apply for an interim license from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC. You cannot legally practice as a nurse unless you have current licensure with the CLPNBC.
- What wage does a Licensed Practical Nurse make?
LPNs earn approximately $23 to $26 per hour depending on whether you work for a BC Health Authority or a private employer.
- What hours of work do LPNs have?
LPNs almost always work shiftwork that involves working during the day, evening, and overnight shifts. A permanent position usually involves a rotating schedule of these shifts and hours include working weekends and holidays. If an LPN is working casual status, they choose their hours of work depending on empoyer demand.
- IsIs Practical Nursing physically difficult?
Yes. Almost all LPN jobs involve strenuous physical activity, workplace hazardous materials and biohazards, and are chronically short staffed.
In BC the majority of Practical Nurses work in acute care hospitals and many nurses work in residential care homes. Other areas include community, public schools, colleges, rehabilitation, etc.
- How much does it cost to be a Licensed Practical Nurse each year?
LPNs are required to pay $225 per year for their nursing license and insurance from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses. If you are a member of a union then you will pay union dues as well. LPNs are also required to have a current CPR level C certificate and this usually costs about $35 per year. Scrubs, shoes and usually stethoscopes are not provided and LPNs are expected to purchase these.
- Are there any further opportunities if I want to further my LPN career?
While there are few specialty areas available for Practical Nurses, there are courses for Operating Room LPNs. If you graduate from a PN school and realize that you’d like to get your nursing degree, there are a few schools that offer bridge-in programs for LPNs but they tend to give you few program credits for the practical nursing course relative to the length of the degree program.
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