Category: Policy

The legalization of recreational cannabis on October 17, 2018 brings with it an additional consideration for healthcare professionals such as Alberta’s Licensed Practical Nurses: Whether personal cannabis usage may compromise their ability to provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care. New guidance from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) explains possible impacts…

Aesthetic nursing is the provision of specialized procedures for the purpose of cosmetic treatment such as, but not limited to, dermal fillers, volume enhancers, collagen stimulators, lipolysis and neuromodulators. This area of practice is constantly evolving and could include more procedures. The roles and responsibilities of a nurse performing aesthetic nursing procedures may vary by…

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…