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A new national document, Requisite Skills and Abilities (RSA) contains seven essential categories of skills and abilities necessary within the LPN profession. The RSA is focused to guide the public and practitioners about the nature of the activities that LPNs must be able to perform, and the general demands of practical nursing education and practice. The RSA may be used by LPNs to determine their ability to provide safe, competent and ethical care, and meet the demands for a career as a licensed practical nurse in Canada (CCPNR, 2013a)2 .
Being a Professional LPNs usually work in teams; however, in Alberta LPNs do not work ‘under-the-direction’ of another care provider. LPNs are expected to make decisions and take action while providing nursing care for clients, and are responsible and accountable for the decisions they make. This is called autonomy or autonomous nursing practice. Autonomy defines how individual nurses are accountable to make independent and responsible decisions1. Examples of autonomous practice include using the nursing process to make a nursing diagnosis and plan client care, and being answerable for the decisions and actions made in care. In Alberta, most practice environments expect LPNs to fully utilize their LPN competencies.
Defining LPN Competencies CLPNA utilizes one national document and one provincial document to outline LPN competencies: • Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses - Inter-Jurisdictional LPN Project (CCPNR, 2013b)3 • Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA, 2nd Edition, 2005)4 The Entry to Practice Competencies (ETPC) outlines the knowledge, skills, judgments, and personal attributes required upon entry into the LPN profession. New graduates and internationally trained nurses are required to meet the ETPC in the jurisdictions that have adopted the new standard. The ETPC document also guides practical nurse education programs and defines novice practice of the LPN to ensure safe, competent care. The Competency Profile defines the competencies that are part of the LPN scope of practice in Alberta.
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