Published: October 23rd, 2006
The Chronicle Herald
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
Licensed practical nursing a profession for those who care
Licensed practical nurses work in acute care, long-term care, home care and the community. TheyÃe particularly focused on health promotion and illness prevention. LPN Pam Brown works at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Musquodoboit Harbour. (CATHY VON KINTZEL / Truro Bureau)
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LICENSED practical nurse Pam Brown is embracing changes in her profession, both provincially and on the job at Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Middle Musquodoboit.
In recent years, LPNs have become self-regulating, with their own legislation and college. Working in acute care, long-term care, home care and the community, theyÃe particularly focused on health promotion and illness prevention.
"You definitely should be community-oriented, communicate well and have good people skills," Ms. Brown said. "You have to be a people person with a penchant for sciences."
As of September, people entering the LPN field need to take a two-year diploma program at Nova Scotia Community College.
A licensed practical nurse provides day-to-day physical care and support to patients. LPNs are trained to recognize variations from normal and to report changes in patients' condition to their supervisors. Those with appropriate training may administer medications.
LPNs may work independently or under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse, depending on the level of care and observation needed. Shift work is typical in such an occupation.
Skills:
Anyone considering becoming a licensed practical nurse should enjoy caring for people of all ages. Good communication skills are also very important. The job is physically demanding: LPNs move and lift their patients, and spend long periods of time on their feet. LPNs must be able to cope with stress and occasional emergency situations.
Employment Requirements:
To become a licensed practical nurse, you must complete an approved practical nursing program. A two-year program is offered through Nova Scotia Community College.
Once you have completed your training, you must write a national exam. After passing this exam, you must be licensed with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia to practise and use the title of licensed practical nurse .
Work Prospects:
As our population gets older, Nova Scotians will need more health care, leading to increased employment opportunities in hospitals, community care and long-term care facilities and in nursing homes. This will increase demand for licensed practical nurses. There will also be an increasing need for LPNs to learn new skills to accommodate a shift from institutional to home care.
Job openings due to retirement can be expected in coming years because one-quarter of licensed practical nurses in Nova Scotia are 50 years of age or more.
Labour Market Information:
Outlook: good;
employment in 2005: 3,100;
estimated average annual number of job openings: 127;
average earnings in 2005: $14 hourly.
Where are the Jobs?
Annapolis Valley 14%
Cape Breton 24%
Halifax 32%
North Shore 16%
Southern N.S. 15%
A high proportion of LPNs work in Cape Breton, compared to other occupations. This is a predominantly female occupation, at 93 per cent, and 95 per cent of LPNs have some form of post-secondary education.
On the Job is a weekly column looking at employment options in Nova Scotia.
Information on 300 occupations for Nova Scotians can be found at the Education D
epartment's Career Options website, novascotiacareeroptions.ca.
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