To practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Newfoundland and Labrador, an individual must be a graduate of an approved education program or equivalent and have successfully completed the Canadian Practical Nurses Registration Examination.

The initial practical nursing education program enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitude and judgments required for the beginning practitioner to demonstrate professional caring; to support and assist clients and other members of the health care team; and to take responsibility for continued learning.

Academic courses provide knowledge from nursing, science, and the humanities. Throughout the program, this knowledge is applied to the independent and interdependent care of clients across the life span in health care agencies and in the community setting.

LPNs are prepared through their initial education programs to practice according to the Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice and Competencies for Beginning Practitioners described in this document.

To maintain competence, life long learning is essential. Thus, LPNs must continue to build on their education.