LPN News

Registrants and other interested parties can contact the Professional Practice Team at the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) to receive clarification on Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practice.

In Practice Corner, we’ll share some frequently asked questions and our answers.

Can LPNs Care for High-Acuity Patients?

LPNs provide care to individuals, which includes highly acute patients.

LPNs are accountable practitioners responsible for providing safe, competent, ethical nursing practice. As scope of practice is different for every LPN, it is important to look at the three-factor framework when deciding whether it is appropriate to provide care.

Three Factor Framework

When considered in combination, the three factors in this framework will help determine whether it is appropriate for an individual LPN to perform an activity. The more each of the three factors align, the more likely it is that an LPN can perform an activity.

Factor One: Nurse Competence Factors

Nurse competence includes an individual LPN’s knowledge, skill, experience, education, and training.  Included in the nurse competence factor is the LPN’s currency of practice (i.e., whether they have performed an activity recently).

Factor Two: Client Factors

LPNs assess their individual competence in relation to a client’s needs and determine if they have the knowledge, skill, experience, and training to provide a specific service safely. When working with highly acute patients, LPNs should take care to ensure they understand the client’s condition, risk factors, and potential adverse events. LPNs are expected to seek consultation or guidance as needed and work in collaboration with the healthcare team to manage and prioritize client needs.

Factor Three: Environmental Factors

Environmental factors describe policies and resources to support LPN practice. LPNs should have access to the resources they need to perform their role. This includes the availability of training, proper equipment, and in-person or remote collaboration and consultation. LPNs should check, and comply with, the supervision requirements listed in the Standards of Practice on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision.

Scope of Practice

The LPN should also examine their regulatory, employer, and individual scope of practice before accepting any care assignment. The Determining LPN Scope of Practice guideline provides more detailed information and guidance related to determining individual scope of practice.

View Guideline

Assistance with Decision Making

LPN Practice Decision Making Tool

Working step by step through this tool will help determine if a specific nurs