(February 8, 2010) -
To Licensed Practical Nurses and members of the Public,
The CLPNA welcomes the release of the Knowledge and Education Project (KEP) Report on the educational preparation of entry level nurses (LPN, RPN, RN) concluding all three categories are appropriately educated to provide competent and safe care within their scope of practice.
The CLPNA participated in the KEP research project and gained valuable insights as a result. We agree with the report’s findings that further study is needed. We strongly urge more competency evaluation be done examining actual, “on-the-job” performance of novice nurses.
The KEP Report is a good first step, but is not yet a sufficient basis for drawing policy conclusions on the appropriate deployment of the three categories of nurse in Alberta. The CLPNA will continue to work collaboratively with all other health care professionals and other stakeholders to improve health care for Albertans.
In the meantime, I urge CLPNA members and all Albertans and to read the KEP Report. I welcome your comments and questions on the study by contacting me at "Attention: Linda" at info@clpna.com.

Linda Stanger
Executive Director
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta

Joint News Release - KEP Report (Feb 8, 2010)

Knowledge and Education at Entry to Practice in Alberta - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Dec. 2009) (8 pages, PDF)

Knowledge and Education at Entry to Practice in Alberta - REPORT (Dec. 2009) (95 pages, PDF)

(February 5, 2010) - The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) welcomes the Alberta government’s commitment in the Speech from the Throne to improving health care delivery in Alberta.
As an integral part of the collaborative care teams that provide care to Albertans in medical need, the Licensed Practical Nurse profession is pleased with the government’s intention to make health care more patient-focused.
At the same time, plans to announce five years of stable funding for health services in Alberta will give a clear sense of the resources available to the health system, to ensure our profession plays its integral role in providing the hands-on nursing care Albertans need.
Recent recommendations by the Minister’s Advisory Council on Health, which were endorsed in Thursday’s Throne Speech, will bring clarity and focus to health care delivery.
Our profession looks forward to working with other health professions in meeting the Alberta government’s goal of creating the best health care system in the country.
Read the entire Speech from the Throne on the Government of Alberta website..
Go to the News Release webpage...

The Nomination Deadline for the 2010 Awards of Excellence is extended to February 21! The awards honour LPNs who demonstrate exemplary leadership, nursing education (preceptoring), and practice in Alberta. Get those nominations in and recognize nursing excellence!
NEW THIS YEAR! The Interprofessional Development Award recognizes health care leaders (non-LPN professionals) who are instrumental in building quality practice environments.
Winners and nominees will be recognized at the Celebration and Awards Dinner on April 8 at the 2010 CLPNA Spring Conference at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort.
Nominate an LPN or non-LPN health care leader for an Award...

For privacy reasons, results from the January 13 writing of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) are not available from the CLPNA’s website or Public Registry, and are not released over the phone. All exam results are mailed directly to candidates. Please be patient while waiting to receive your package. Unsuccessful candidates will receive their results and an information package by registered mail. We anticipate the results will be mailed to all candidates the week of February 15.
More info for New Graduates...