Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for LPNs in Canada (2013)
Halifax, NS- October 2, 2013: On September 23, 2013 the Board of Directors of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia (CLPNNS) approved and adopted for use two new documents, Standards of Practice for LPNS in Canada, and Code of Ethics for LPNs in Canada. These documents replace the 2011 versions of Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics , effective immediately. Click HERE to download a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Poster. Click HERE to view the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Online Learning Module.
These documents are the result of 2 year Inter-Jurisdictional LPN project spearheaded by the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR). CCPNR is a federation of provincial and territorial members who are identified in legislation, and responsible for the safety of the public through the regulation of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). CCPNR recognized the need for shared LPN standards of practice, and code of ethics across member jurisdictions.
The Standards of Practice are authoritative statements that define the legal and professional expectations of LPN practice. The Code of Ethics describes the elements of quality LPN practice. These documents facilitate mobility through inter-jurisdictional mutual understanding and agreement of expectations and requirements for LPN practice. These documents also serve as a guide for curriculum development in practical nursing education and also for public and employer awareness of the practice expectations of the LPN.
A steering committee derived from representatives of all jurisdictions who license and/or regulate LPNs across Canada (with the exception of Quebec) guided and advised the project. These documents were validated by the LPN community and key stakeholder groups across Canada.
“This is a huge step forward for LPNs, a first opportunity at a (National) harmonized Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. It speaks to the opportunity for future collaborative projects nationally on behalf of the LPN profession” states Ann Mann, RN MN, Executive Director/Registrar of CLPNNS.
Over the next few months CLPNNS will introduce these new documents to LPNs, practical nursing educators, employers, and other key stakeholders via their website, and during practice consultations around the province.
CLPNNS (the college) regulates the practice of 4030 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Nova Scotia; it is governed by an 11 member board of directors. The main objective of the College is to serve and protect the public interest while preserving public confidence in the College. The college ensures that Nova Scotians receive safe, competent, compassionate, and ethical nursing care from LPNs. The board of directors, of the college develops strategic plans in the public interest ultimately striving toward the overall goal of regulatory excellence.
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Contact: Jylene Simmons, LPN
Professional Practice Consultant
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia
jylene@clpnns.ca
902.423.8517 ext. 6
www.clpnns.ca
