In Canada, you might see several abbreviations related to nursing: RN, LPN /RPN (Ontario), and RPN.

There are 3 regulated nursing groups: Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario (RPN), or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).

RPN ( Registered Psychiatric Nurse) you will meet only in four Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – and in the Yukon Territory. Each province and territory in Canada has its own regulations. This allows them to protect public health and safety. It also ensures that nurses meet the required standards.

Nurses play a vital role in today’s healthcare system. They possess expertise acquired through a nursing degree program, and they also have qualities that contribute to their professional success. One of the most important qualities of a good nurse is compassion. In their career, nurses will see patients suffer. Beyond simply offering a solution, they must be able to express compassion for patients and their families. This allows them to form meaningful relationships with their patients. Along with compassion, nurses must be empathetic and try to understand things from their patients’ points of view. Empathy can be shown to patients in many ways. Nurses can listen to patient concerns without interrupting or questioning what patients think might be causing their illness. For some, empathy can be as simple as being told what to expect during a treatment process. The way most healthcare professionals develop empathy for patients is by imagining what they would want if the roles were reversed.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)* or Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario

LPNs complete a post-secondary nursing program at the college level that usually takes two years. The program for generalist LPNs contains nursing theory and clinical instruction in both medical and surgical nursing. Their education is based on nursing theory, and they study:

• physical and biological sciences;
• professional ethics;
• psychology and;
• therapeutic relationships.

LPNs provide and coordinate care for individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings and with a variety of health professionals. They can work with clients of varying complexity, recognizing when consultation and collaboration with other health professionals are required.

Registered Nurse (RN)

RNs usually complete a four-year post-secondary university nursing program to become generalist registered nurses. The program contains theory and clinical instruction in medical and surgical nursing. It includes an in-depth study of concepts, such as:

• humanities;
• nursing theory;
• physical and biological sciences;
• primary health;
• professional ethics;
• social and behavioral sciences and;
• therapeutic relationships.

The program prepares the RN to give direct care and to take on the role of coordinating care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of health care settings and with a variety of health professionals. Clinical instruction prepares the RN to take a leadership role when the care requirements become more complex.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

RPNs complete a 2 ½ to the 4-year psychiatric nursing education program at a college or university. The program contains theory and clinical instruction in psychiatric and general nursing. It offers in-depth study in:

• behavioral and social sciences;
• biological and physical sciences;
• general nursing;
• humanities;
• professional ethics;
• psychiatric nursing theory and interventions;
• theory and clinical hours**
• therapeutic relationships

RPNs provide care for clients with complex psychosocial, mental health, and physical needs. They coordinate care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of health care settings, with a variety of health care professionals.