animated banner
Public Employers Students Media More   en français

 Nursing Practice > You Asked Us Online 

 Last modified June 10 , 2005  

Workplace environments that support RPN practice

Q

I’m a student nearing completion of a practical nursing program and I’m starting to consider my career options. I’ve read that, as an RPN, my education has prepared me to care for clients whose conditions are predictable and less complex, such as those found in long term settings. Since clients in long term care settings are usually more “predictable”, does this mean that, as an RPN, I should only work in such settings?

A

First, it is important to recognize that clients of varying degrees of complexity and predictability exist in all practice settings. You are just as likely to encounter clients with complex care needs in long term care as you would in an acute care setting.

Your education is preparing you to practise in a variety of settings. The kind of care setting in which you practise is up to you; however, wherever you choose to practice — in acute, long term care or in the community — you are accountable for recognizing whether you have the knowledge, skill and judgment to meet a particular client’s care needs.

When determining if you can meet a client’s needs, it is important to consider the client factors (such as complexity and predictability of their condition, and risks for negative outcomes in response to care provided) and the environmental supports and consultative resources available to you, such as an experienced RN or RPN preceptor. These factors will determine the level of autonomy with which you will be able to practise, and the amount of consultation you may require.

Workplace environments that support RPN practice will have a high proportion of expert nurses (RNs and RPNs) familiar with the clients; an RN available for consultation or to whom the RPN can transfer care if necessary; support tools (e.g., assessment tools, protocols and policies); and clear role descriptions and responsibilities of care providers (RPN, RN and Unregulated Care Provider).

For more information on this topic, see the Utilization of RNs and RPNs practice guideline, the article RNs and RPNs — Working Together and the article Collaboration on the Team in the March 2005 issue of The Standard. All are available at www.cno.org.

[top]