Job Characteristics and Working Conditions The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported that LPNs were significantly less likely than registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) to be employed full-time in nursing (CIHI, 2010). According to this report, only 49.6% of LPNs were employed full-time, compared to 58.0% of RNs and 66.6% of RPNs. Similarly, the latest census data (Almey, 2007) revealed that the proportion of all Canadian women employed part time is not as high as among LPNs (26.8% versus 30.4% respectively) (CIHI, 2010). Descriptions of LPN work revealed precarious employment characterized by unstable, temporary, and part-time work, employment with limited social benefits and statutory entitlements, job insecurity, low wages, and high risks of ill health (Vosko, 2006). The 2007 CLPNA Survey showed that almost half (46.3%) of LPNs in Alberta worked part-time and 13.3% worked as casual employees. An additional 19% of LPNs worked for two or more employers and a large number of LPNs were unemployed. All of these figures were above the provincial averages for other professions. In Saskatchewan, the 2010 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN) survey found that 58.3% of LPNs worked full-time and that 12.9% worked for two different employers. To date, there are no studies that describe the impact of part-time employment and working conditions on job satisfaction of LPNs or their ability to apply their knowledge and skills effectively. A number of interactive factors may relate to job satisfaction among LPNs. These include team dynamics, job demands, control, support, and burnout (Harwood, Ridley, Wilson, & Laschinger, 2010). Trust and respect have been highlighted as key components of collaborative team dynamics (Abe & Henly, 2010; Atwal & Caldwell, 2005; Donald et al., 2009; Horton, Tschudin, & Forget, 2007). Mentorship and supportive learning relationships have been found to
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Final Report: Understanding Licensed Practical Nurses’ Full Scope of Practice September 28, 2012