You can just learn the steps about how to become a licensed practical nurse in Canada without stress. Here are some info you may need to speak yourself into the health space and be the licensed practical nurse you have always wanted to be!
Licensed Practical Nurses, popularly known as (LPNs) as well as they are identified as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). These are practically 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.
Below are steps to take to become one in the provinces of Canada:
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Get a Certificate!
To get into a licensed practical nursing program, you must earn a high school diploma or GED first. Try to take relevant courses in high school, such as biology or chemistry, and focus on getting good grades in these subjects. This may help you earn acceptance into a nursing program.
If you can, volunteering while you’re in high school can also improve your chances. Consider volunteering at nursing homes or hospitals to get some experience in the industry.
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Possess a License
In your final year of high school, you can start applying to licensed practical nursing programs. Most colleges across the country offer the program, which typically takes a year and a half to two years to complete.
In the program, you’ll likely have a mix of theoretical instruction and clinical or lab experience. This gives you the foundational and practical knowledge you need to succeed as a licensed practical nurse.
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Register with Your State
Once you complete a licensed practical nursing program, you can register with your province or territory’s regulatory board. This makes you a licensed practical nurse, allowing you to move on to the next step. Every regulatory body’s exact requirements vary, so be sure to research the specifics for the province or territory in which you want to work.
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Sit the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination
Once you register with your province or territory’s regulatory board, they will send you an authorization to test email. This allows you to schedule an appointment to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPRNE). The examination occurs at set times of the year in examination centers across the country, so it’s important you register for one near you as soon as you can to ensure you have a spot.
The CRNE consists of up to 170 multiple-choice questions and you usually have four hours to answer them all. If you don’t pass, you must wait at least 60 days to complete the exam again. Consider studying and planning ahead of time so you can have the best chance of passing the exam the first time you attempt it.
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Own a Specialized Field
Licensed practical nurses typically work in general medicine, but you can specialize in a certain category as well. Enhance your knowledge and clinical practice with a certificate program in areas such as mental health, palliative care, wound care, or chronic disease management. This can make you a more appealing candidate to employers, helping you differentiate yourself from others applying for the same positions.
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Have a Resume
To apply for licensed practical nurse jobs, consider creating an updated resume with your new credentials. As your educational background is one of the first things employers check for, and is often a requirement for the positions, include your credentials at the top of your resume to highlight them. Then, include your work experience and skills you learned in the program.
Look through licensed practical nurse job postings to see what skills or attributes employers mention a lot. If you have them, highlight those skills or attributes in your resume. It’s best to create a unique resume for every job so you can cater your resume to the specific position you’re applying for. This also allows you to include specific keywords that employers are looking for, improving your chances of getting an interview.
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Apply for Jobs
With your updated resume you can now apply for openings in your area. Look through job boards or on specific healthcare facility websites for openings. Ensure you include everything the employer is looking for in your application. This improves your chances of hiring managers considering your application, as it shows you can follow direction.
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Be Original and Exemplary During Interviews
If your applications are successful, you may start receiving interview requests. Prepare for your interview beforehand by considering common and role-specific interview questions. Interviewers want to get to know you, but they also want to test your technical knowledge to ensure you can take care of patients properly.
Preparing potential answers ahead of time helps you feel more confident in the interview. Ensure you arrive early and dress professionally as well. This shows employers you have good time-management skills and can represent the company well.
