Registered Practical Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurses (RPN/LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) are essentially different names for the same role. The term LPN is used in all provinces and territories except for Ontario. In Ontario, the preferred term for these nurses is RPN, though the role that they serve in the community is similar.

The job of the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) requires a thorough knowledge of primary care nursing and the ability to function effectively in a team environment with physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and administrative staff.  The role also requires a high level of interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.   In addition, the RPN possesses and utilizes the knowledge, skill and judgment to function autonomously within the RPN full scope of practice while collaborating with other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Assume responsibility for provision of Quality Resident Care on the resident home area RHA) as per The Kensington Garden’s policies and accountability framework.
• Assume responsibility for medication administration, narcotic control, application of treatments and dressings, transcription of Physician orders, reordering of medications, and other skills.
• Provide input to the development and revision of Personal Care policies and procedures and communicates changes to staff.
• Develop objectives for the Resident Home Area compatible with the overall purposes and goals of the Personal Care Service and the institution.
• Promote the philosophy and practices of resident centeredness and humanizing in all resident encounters and decisions.
• Respects spiritual, cultural and ethnic aspects of a resident’s life.
• Empower the Personal Care staff with the responsibility to plan effective care for each resident with resident input.
• Organize and co-ordinates Personal Care with hospital, home and community to meet individual, family and group needs.

Qualifications:

• Minimum undergraduate degree in Nursing from a recognized institute
• RPN with a current certificate of competence from the College Nurses of Ontario
• Current membership with Gerontological Nursing Association (GNA) and Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) is an asset
• Experience in long term care, geriatric, rehabilitation setting is preferred
• Demonstrates an understanding of current trends and concepts relative to professional Nursing
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated commitment to consistent attendance and punctuality
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary stressful environment
• Ability to work well with others in a team approach, and adapt to changing situations
• Knowledge of Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) standards