Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Registered Practical Nurse

🎯 Role Definition

The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), also known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in some regions, is a vital and respected member of the healthcare team. RPNs provide direct, hands-on nursing care to a diverse patient population across various settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics. Working collaboratively under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and/or a physician, the RPN applies their knowledge, skill, and judgment to implement patient care plans. This role is central to the patient experience, focusing on promoting health, preventing illness, and providing compassionate care to individuals and families.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing Diploma program
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Personal Support Worker (PSW) who has completed a bridging program
Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) who has met the requirements for RPN registration

Advancement To:

Registered Nurse (RN) via a degree-completion or bridging program
Team Lead, Charge Nurse, or Unit Supervisor
Clinical Practice Leader or Nurse Educator within a facility

Lateral Moves:

Specialized RPN role in areas like Palliative Care, Mental Health, Wound Care, or Pediatrics
Occupational Health Nurse or Community Health Nurse

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Delivering comprehensive, patient-centered nursing care by developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
Administering prescribed medications and treatments, including oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes, while adhering to the rights of medication administration.
Performing detailed physical and psychosocial assessments of patients upon admission and on an ongoing basis to identify and address their changing needs.
Diligently monitoring, interpreting, and documenting vital signs and other physiological data, promptly reporting any significant findings or deteriorations to the supervising RN or physician.
Providing expert wound care, including assessment, cleansing, irrigation, and application of simple and complex sterile dressings, and documenting healing progress.
Inserting, managing, and discontinuing peripheral intravenous lines and urinary catheters, while monitoring for complications and ensuring patient comfort.
Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene, mobility, and nutrition, while promoting their independence and dignity.
Collecting a variety of laboratory specimens, including blood via venipuncture, urine, sputum, and swabs, ensuring proper labeling and handling for accurate diagnostic testing.
Implementing and reinforcing infection prevention and control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean and safe patient environment.
Educating patients and their families on health conditions, treatment plans, medication management, and self-care strategies to promote wellness and a successful discharge.
Responding effectively to patient call bells and emergent situations, utilizing critical thinking skills to prioritize care and escalate concerns appropriately.
Performing focused nursing interventions such as suctioning, oxygen therapy administration, and blood glucose monitoring as dictated by the patient's condition and care plan.
Maintaining meticulous and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR), ensuring all assessments, interventions, and patient responses are accurately recorded.
Acting as a patient advocate by communicating their needs, wishes, and concerns to the broader healthcare team and ensuring their voice is heard.
Assisting with the admission, transfer, and discharge processes, ensuring a smooth and safe transition of care for the patient.
Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, demonstrating empathy and building therapeutic relationships.
Collaborating seamlessly with physicians, registered nurses, therapists, and other allied health professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to patient care.
Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings and patient care conferences, providing valuable input on the patient's status and progress.
Safely operating and monitoring medical equipment, such as infusion pumps, feeding pumps, and vital signs monitors, and troubleshooting minor issues.
Upholding all professional standards, ethical guidelines, and organizational policies to ensure the delivery of safe, competent, and ethical nursing care.

Secondary Functions

Participating in unit-based quality improvement initiatives, patient safety projects, and chart audits to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Assisting with the orientation and informal mentorship of new staff, students, and personal support workers, sharing knowledge and fostering a supportive team environment.
Maintaining an organized and well-stocked clinical environment by monitoring and replenishing nursing supplies and equipment on the unit.
Engaging in ongoing professional development through workshops, in-service training, and self-directed learning to maintain and enhance clinical competencies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Medication Administration and Pharmacology Knowledge
Advanced Wound Care and Dressing Application
Intravenous (IV) Therapy Initiation and Management
Aseptic and Sterile Technique
Patient Assessment (Head-to-Toe)
Vital Signs Monitoring and Interpretation
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Charting and Documentation
Catheterization and Ostomy Care
Specimen Collection and Handling
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning

Soft Skills

Compassion and Empathy
High-Level Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Time Management and Prioritization
Resilience and Stress Tolerance
Meticulous Attention to Detail
Patient Advocacy and Ethical Practice

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Diploma in Practical Nursing from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Current, unrestricted registration as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with the relevant provincial or state regulatory body.

Preferred Education:

Additional certifications in specialized areas such as gerontology, palliative care, mental health, wound care, or IV therapy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Practical Nursing
Nursing Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-5+ years. This role is an excellent entry point for new graduates.

Preferred: 1-2 years of clinical experience in an acute care, complex continuing care, or long-term care setting is considered a strong asset.