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New Policies on LPN Specializations and Restricted Activities
Restricted Activities can be a muddy, misunderstood topic. Two new related policies from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta should increase clarity on these high-risk nursing practices that require additional education, skills, and often supervision requirements.
Firstly, the Practice Policy: Specialized Practice Areas explains the additional requirements for Alberta’s Licensed Practical Nurses who want to practice in the five specialty areas: Immunization, Advanced Foot Care, Perioperative, Dialysis, and Advanced Orthopedic.
To practice in these specialty areas, authorization from the CLPNA’s Registrar is required. This authorization appears on an LPN’s practice permit.
DOWNLOAD Practice Policy: Specialized Practice Areas
Secondly, the Practice Policy: Authorized Restricted Activities for Licensed Practical Nurses describes:
- basic restricted activities (such as invasive procedures below the dermis & more)
- specialized restricted activities (the five LPN Specializations)
- supervision requirements
- guidance for students and learners
DOWNLOAD Practice Policy: Authorized Restricted Activities for LPNs
These policies replace the CLPNA’s Practice Statement #7 Specialized Practice and Practice Statement #11 Foot Care.
Questions? Contact the CLPNA’s Practice Department at practice@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).
From the info included looks like the LPN are now able to syringe ears again. The question regarding bladder scanning and fetal heart monitoring remains. Also removal of JP drains post op. Can you pls provide any information if these item will be in the LPN scope of practice?
Thank you for the question.
Ear syringing is a competency encompassed within LPN practice and is found in the LPN Competency Profile 3rd ed (2015) Section E (p. 57) – here is a link for ease of review : http://www.clpna.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/doc_Competency_Profile_for_LPNs_3rd_Ed_E_NursingPractice.pdf
You will note that there is an area of shading within the competency itself, which indicates that these skills can be obtained through in-service, module completion, and skills practice until competence is achieved. I would also recommend that you ensure with your employer that LPNs are covered to perform this competency within employer policy at their site.
For information regarding bladder scanning, please see the CLPNA Fact Sheet: Bladder Scanning: https://www.clpna.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/doc_Fact_Sheet_Bladder_Scanning.pdf
The management/removal of JP drains is a competency within the LPN scope of practice and is articulated in the LPN Competency Profile (2015) Section G (specifically G-2-4 p. 70) – Surgical Nursing Interventions, here is the link for your review: https://www.clpna.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/doc_Competency_Profile_for_LPNs_3rd_Ed_G_Surgical.pdf. https://www.clpna.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/doc_Fact_Sheet_Bladder_Scanning.pdf.
As with all competencies, it’s important that the LPN has the knowledge, skill, and competence to perform the skill safely and under employer policy.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the CLPNA practice team at practice@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).