Category: Policy

Complete guidance on medication management is now available for Alberta’s Licensed Practical Nurses, and there’s an accompanying self-study course to match. The CLPNA’s Practice Guideline: Medication Management gives principles for safe, ethical and competent medication management in all practice settings. The robust 39-page document should be a welcome resource to LPNs and their healthcare colleagues. Employers…

Incapacity is defined as suffering from a physical, mental or emotional condition or disorder or an addiction to alcohol and drugs as defined in the Pharmacy and Drug Act or other chemicals that impair the ability to provide professional services in a safe and competent manner. – Health Professions Act, RSA 2000, c H-7, s…

Documentation: A critical component of nursing practice. A complete record of care is required for communication and legal purposes. So, how can LPN’s ensure their documentation contains the essential elements and meets expectations? The updated Practice Policy: Documentation lays out CLPNA’s expectations on Licensed Practical Nurses. It is intended to be flexible enough to allow for variations…

Beep! Boop! Beep! An increasing number of nurses are using smartphones and tablets on the job to research, store information, or to communicate with other healthcare providers or clients. While beneficial in supporting nursing practice, LPNs need to be aware of the risks involved with using mobile devices at work especially in combination with social…

The Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta recently approved updated criteria for the Registrar to use in assessing whether applicants have been actively engaged in practical nursing. The updated Practice Policy: Registration Requirements: Actively Engaged is meant to help applicants understand the approved criteria and whether this criteria applies to them….

Due to the ongoing efforts by the provincial government to combat the opioid crisis and increase access to Take-Home Naloxone (THN) kits, Alberta’s Licensed Practical Nurses may now distribute THN kits in Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres without an order from an authorized prescriber if the use of the THN kit is for the…

Professionalism in nursing practice ensures the consistent provision of safe, ethical and competent care by Licensed Practical Nurses to their clients. The updated Practice Policy: Professional Responsibility and Accountability discusses key professional responsibilities of LPNs to clarify expectations of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta related to: abandonment of care, fitness to practice, professional…

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta has completed a significant organizational change effective January 15, 2018. Download Org Chart Two new Executive Officers will provide leadership over day to day operations of all programs and services. The Practice and Communication portfolio has been split giving increased focus to each critical area. A Senior…

“Emergency preparedness can help minimize societal disruption and increase protection for the public…” As flu season approaches, how Licensed Practical Nurses protect Albertans during public health and other types of emergencies is the subject of a new policy from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. The Practice Policy: Expectations and Obligations During Emergencies…

The evolving understanding of the regulatory framework governing the use of cannabis for medical purposes has resulted in an update to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta’s position on the role of the LPN in relation to administering medical cannabis. This area of practice requires the LPN to undertake a significant amount of…