Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Canada
Nursing is usually categorized into two groups in Canada : Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). Registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) are both regulated healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. However, there are some key differences between the two professions:
- Education and training: RNs typically have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is a four-year university program that includes both academic coursework and clinical practice. RPNs typically have a college diploma in practical nursing, which is a two-year program that includes both academic coursework and clinical practice.
- Scope of practice: RNs have a broader scope of practice than RPNs, which means that they are able to perform a wider range of nursing duties. RNs may be involved in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, and may also be responsible for managing and supervising other members of the healthcare team. RPNs typically work under the supervision of RNs and may be responsible for providing basic nursing care, such as taking vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with personal care.
- Certification and registration: Both RNs and RPNs are required to be registered with the nursing regulatory body in their province or territory in order to practice nursing in Canada. RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their license, while RPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
How to become a Registered Nurse in Canada
To become a registered nurse in Canada, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a university program that is approved by the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice. This typically takes four years of full-time study.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This is a standardized exam that is required to obtain a license to practice nursing in Canada.
- Apply for registration with the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice. This typically involves completing an application, paying a fee, and submitting transcripts and other supporting documents.
- Maintain your registration by fulfilling the continuing education requirements of your regulatory body. This may involve completing a certain number of hours of continuing education or training each year.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for becoming a registered nurse in Canada may vary slightly from province to province.
Nursing bridge course for Internationally educated nurses in Canada
Internationally educated nurses (IENs) who wish to practice nursing in Canada may be required to complete a nursing bridge program. This is a program that helps IENs to meet the requirements for registration as a nurse in Canada and to prepare for the practice of nursing in the Canadian healthcare system.
Nursing bridge programs typically include a combination of academic coursework and clinical practice. The academic coursework may cover topics such as nursing in the Canadian healthcare system, nursing practice in Canada, and Canadian health policy and legislation. Clinical practice typically involves supervised clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
To be eligible for a nursing bridge program, IENs must typically have a nursing degree from a country other than Canada and meet the language proficiency requirements of the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where they plan to practice. IENs may also be required to pass a language proficiency exam and/or a nursing knowledge exam as part of the nursing bridge program.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for nursing bridge programs may vary from province to province.
Working as a Nurse in Canada
Working as a nurse in Canada can be a rewarding and challenging career. Nurses in Canada are responsible for providing a range of nursing care services to individuals, families, and communities, including assessing patient needs, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, and educating patients and their families about healthcare issues.
To work as a nurse in Canada, you must be registered with the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice. This typically involves completing an approved nursing education program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for registered nurses or a college diploma in practical nursing for registered practical nurses, and passing a licensing exam.
Nursing jobs in Canada are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and private practices. Nurses may work full-time or part-time, and may also have the option to work on a casual or temporary basis.
What are the Nursing Regulatory Bodies of various provinces of Canada?
The nursing regulatory bodies in Canada are responsible for regulating the practice of nursing in each province or territory. Here is a list of the nursing regulatory bodies in each province:
- Alberta: Alberta College of Nurses and Midwives (ACNM)
- British Columbia: College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC)
- Manitoba: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM)
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick Association of Registered Nurses (NBARN)
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Registered Nurses (NLARN)
- Northwest Territories: Northwest Territories Registered Nurses Association (NWRNA)
- Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia College of Nurses (NSCN)
- Nunavut: Nunavut Nurses Association (NNA)
- Ontario: College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island Association of Registered Nurses (PEIARN)
- Quebec: Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN)
- Yukon: Yukon Registered Nurses Association (YRNA)
It is significant to note that the specific requirements for becoming a registered nurse in Canada may vary slightly from province to province.
Average salary of Nurses in canada
The average salary for a nurse in Canada varies depending on a number of factors, including the nurse’s level of education and experience, the type of nursing position, and the location of the job. According to data from the Government of Canada, the median annual wage for nurses in Canada in 2020 was $77,000.
Registered nurses (RNs) typically earn higher salaries than registered practical nurses (RPNs). RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree typically earn higher salaries than those with a college diploma in practical nursing. Nurses who work in larger cities or in specialized areas of nursing, such as critical care or emergency nursing, may also earn higher salaries.
Summary
To become a registered nurse in Canada, you will need to:
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an approved university program.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Apply for registration with the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice.
- Maintain your registration by fulfilling the continuing education requirements of your regulatory body.
Internationally educated nurses (IENs) who wish to practice nursing in Canada may be required to complete a nursing bridge program, which includes academic coursework and clinical practice. To be eligible for a nursing bridge program, IENs must typically have a nursing degree from a country other than Canada and meet the language proficiency requirements of the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where they plan to practice.
Registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) are both regulated healthcare professionals in Canada. RNs typically have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, while RPNs typically have a college diploma in practical nursing. RNs have a broader scope of practice than RPNs and may be responsible for managing and supervising other members of the healthcare team. Both RNs and RPNs must be registered with the nursing regulatory body in their province or territory in order to practice nursing in Canada.
To work as a nurse in Canada, you must be registered with the nursing regulatory body in the province or territory where you plan to practice. Nursing jobs are available in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and private practices. The specific requirements and working conditions for nurses may vary from province to province.
