Practical Nursing

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What is a Practical Nurse?

A Practical Nurse (PN) is a qualified healthcare professional who provides nursing care in a variety of settings and represent the second largest health care profession after registered nurses. Most US States and Canadian Provinces use the term Licensed Practical Nurse, although there may be some variation. In Ontario, the term Registered Practical Nurse is used and some states refer to practical nurses as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). Regardless of the title, the role of a practical nurse is a critical one.

What does a Practical Nurse do?

PNs provide day-to-day patient care under the direction of medical practitioners or registered nurses. Some of the duties of a practical nurse are:

Take blood pressure and other vital signs
Provide nursing services based on the treatment plan
Administer medication as prescribed by a physician
Conduct specimen collection
Give injections
Apply sterile dressings and ensure infection control precautions are taken
Document patient history
Provide health education to patients and their families

How to be a Practical Nurse?

Anyone wishing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada must complete a certificate or diploma program, between one and two years in length, from an approved college or vocational school. Each province/territory has its own nursing regulatory body to ensure there are consistent standards of nursing practices and competency areas. In order to practice practical nursing in Canada, they must become licensed (LPN) by passing the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), except Quebec, which has its own exam.