Entry-Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses

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Foreward

The Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (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)1. In 2012, CCPNR recognized the need to describe the competencies expected of the entry-level LPN in Canada. In 2013, CCPNR “Entry-to-Practice Competencies for LPNs” were published. In response to the changing health care environment, these competencies were updated in 2019. Now referred to as the CCPNR “Entry-Level Competencies for LPNs”, this document describes the knowledge, skills, judgment and attitudes required of beginning practitioners to provide safe, competent and ethical nursing care.

A task force comprised of representatives from jurisdictions who license and/or regulate LPNs across Canada (with Quebec as an observer) led the project. This document was validated by the LPN community and key stakeholder groups across Canada and was approved by the Boards of the respective regulatory authorities of the CCPNR’s Board members.

The entry-level competencies (ELCs) are applicable in Canadian provinces or territories that have adopted or enacted them in accordance and consistent with applicable laws for that jurisdiction. For specific information, consult the provincial/territorial regulatory authority.

Introduction

This document describes the ELCs expected of the LPN in Canada. Entry-level LPNs are at the point of initial registration or licensure, following graduation from an approved practical nursing education program. ELCs are used by LPN regulators and other stakeholders for a number of purposes including:

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  1. For the purposes of this document, the term “licensed practical nurse” also refers to “registered practical nurse. ↩︎

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