Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Your Health Team

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional with a wide range of skills and works in collaboration with other members of a healthcare team to directly care for patients and their families. 

What Do Licensed Practical Nurses Do?

• Apply their nursing knowledge, skill and judgment to assess patients’ needs
• Provide nursing care for patients and families (e.g. provide treatments, medications and perform procedures)
• Deliver health education programs
• Teach practical nursing

Where Do Licensed Practical Nurses Work?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) work throughout AHS. Many have specialized skills and work in a specific department (e.g. operating room or oncology).

• Hospital or healthcare centre
• Home care
• Long-term care facilities
• Health clinics

Licensed Practical Nurses at AHS

AHS employs approximately 8,000 LPNs.

Other nursing professions:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)

What Are the Credentials for a LPN?

• LPNs at AHS must have a two year diploma in practical nursing
• LPNs must have passed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE)
• LPNs must have a practice permit from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)

Related Resources

• Job opportunities at AHS
• More about a career as an LPN
• Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE)
• College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)