Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

Your Health Team

A Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) directly cares for those with mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities and addictions. A Registered Psychiatric Nurse also works to promote optimal mental health across community and healthcare settings.

What do Registered Psychiatric Nurses do?

• Focuses on the therapeutic relationship
• Restores mental health or promotes optimal mental health
• Prevents mental illness/injury and disability
• Delivers mental health education programs

Where do Registered Psychiatric Nurses work?

• Mental health facility or community clinics
• Correctional facilities
• Hospital or health care centre
• Long-term care facilities
• Community
• Schools

Registered Psychiatric Nurses at AHS

AHS employs approximately 830 Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

Other nursing professions:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

What are the credentials for a Registered Psychiatric Nurse?

• A diploma or degree from a psychiatric nursing program
• Passed the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE)
• Member of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA)

Related Resources

• Job opportunities at AHS
• More about a career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse
• College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA)
• United Nurses of Alberta (UNA)
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA)