Self-Employment for Licensed Practical Nurses

College Mission

The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses¹ is the regulatory body for nurses in the province. The mandate of the College is to protect the public through regulation of the nursing profession in accordance with the Nurses Act.

Using This Document

This document outlines the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) accountability and responsibility related to Self-Employment. It will help LPNs reflect on relevant legislation and is designed to assist LPNs to understand their responsibilities and legal obligations. It describes the College’s expectations for LPNs when they are self-employed.

Definition – Self-Employment

A self-employed LPN applies nursing knowledge, skill, judgement, and compassion in the provision of health care services to clients in a variety of settings in the areas of direct care, education, administration, or consultation. Clients may be individuals, families, groups, communities, educational institutions, corporations, or other health care agencies. Self-employed LPNs may provide health services independently or in partnership with other care providers.

Legislative/Regulator/Ethical Accountability

A self-employed LPN must comply with the Nurses Act (2024), the Nurses Regulations (2026), the Standards of Practice (2020), the Code of Ethics (2023), and the College’s Professional and Practice Standards.

The LPN must be knowledgeable and in compliance with other relevant healthcare, privacy, and business legislation. The self-employed LPN must have appropriate educational preparation and nursing experience to provide nursing services safely, competently, compassionately, and ethically.

LPNs must not exploit any relationship they have established as nurses to further their own physical, emotional, financial, political, or business interests at the expense of the best interest of the client.

LPNs are accountable for their own actions (as well as inactions) at all times. Self-employed LPNs are accountable to be aware of and comply with professional practice and standards (regulatory, local, provincial, or federal legislation) as well as professional business practices.

Responsibilities of the Self-Employed LPN

The self-employed LPN must comply with the following:

• Hold an active license;
• Practice within the boundaries established by legislative, regulatory, business, ethical, and professional standards;
• Have written description of their nursing practice which is congruent with the LPNs knowledge, skill and experience;
• Have written policy statements appropriate for their practice;
• Maintain competence to practice through participating in ongoing continuing education and professional development;
• Have a system acceptable to the College to record nursing practice hours; and
• Obtain appropriate insurance for business.

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