LPNABC

Here is the letter we sent to BCNU regarding their recent E-Bulletin regarding Mental Health Strategy and workshops – advocating for LPN’s

Letter to BCNU from the LPNABC

Reply from BCNU:

Thank you for your letter. The eNews announcement was incorrect. LPNs, RNs and RPNs with mental health experience are all very welcome to apply to participate in the 16 workshops BCNU is hosting with a view to developing a position paper on the Mental Healthcare system in BC that is truly informed by the frontline nurse. BCNU values the work of LPNs in mental health and we would welcome their participation. A corrected version of this bulletin will be circulated as soon as possible. I apologise for any distress this may have caused.

Catherine Fast
Project Manager for Mental Health Strategy
BC Nurses’ Union

September 11th, 2013

June 25 ^th , 2013

Many Changes for LPNs in BC

The mandate of the LPN Association of BC is to advocate for the advancement and recognition of Licensed Practical Nurses in BC.  The month of June was very busy for us working hard to fulfill our mandate on behalf of LPNs across the province.  This is a time of growth and re-organization within the LPN Association as we continue on our path to better deliver our services to LPNs and increase our ability to affect change with the many important issues we are facing today and in the future.

On the 5 ^th of June we attended the CLPNBC Annual General Meeting and Conference in Burnaby. The theme was ‘21 ^st Century LPN’ and the CLPNBC announced their new Scope of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses document.  The preliminary comments regarding the usage of this document were meant to add clarity and standardization to our scope of practice under the current regulation. Within that document there is a new additional definition under “ Supervision ”.  The current regulation has been further interpreted by CRNBC & CLPNBC to mean “clinical guidance” but now there is a second definition “clinical direction” and the introduction of the concept of Standards, Limits, and Conditions for LPNs (ex: Immunization).

LPNABC expressed concerns at the conference regarding the CLPNBC’s introduction of the new additional definition of ‘Supervision’ that includes “Clinical Direction”.

“ Clinical Direction – in the context of supervision, as authorized under the Regulation, refers to specific written instructions given to an LPN from an RN.  The clinical direction provided is client-specific, dated and signed by an RN who has assessed the client.  In an emergency situation this client-specific clinical direction may be given verbally .” (CRNBC is currently developing a new practice standard called Providing Clinical Directions.) CLPNBC Scope of Practice (June 2013)

We feel strongly that this new scope of practice is limiting for LPN practice. LPNABC opinion is it will reduce or remove LPN autonomy and has the potential to cause role confusion.  We will continue to advocate on behalf of the LPNs in BC to the CLPNBC and other stakeholders regarding this important issue among others and will keep you informed about any new developments. Please take a moment to read our position statement regarding Clinical Direction at /position-statements/ and  as always we welcome your continued feedback about this issue and others to [email protected]

I am excited to announce and we are happy to share with you the news that the CLPNBC Resolution #01 2013 passed at the CLPNBC Annual General Meeting with votes 86 in favour, and 20 opposed.  LPNABC hopes the CLPNBC board members will review the resolution and pass a motion to accept it as it was so well received at the AGM.   If this resolution is enacted by the College Board it will see the LPN Association of BC be the provider for Liability Insurance for LPNs, included in their membership fee, and which we believe will remove the potential conflict of interest of the CLPNBC carrying the Liability Insurance for the LPNs. We hope you will continue to write to the CLPNBC Board to urge them to follow through with Resolution #1: [email protected] and stay tuned to our website for further announcements www.lpnabc.ca

In conclusion, myself and the LPNABC board members have recently accepted some changes to the LPNABC Executive Board.  We are sad to say farewell to our Richelle Drinovz who sat as President for 3 years but who has recently resigned her position to spend more time with her family. We wish her well and are grateful for her lasting contributions and many hours of hard work during her time as President. The changes to the LPNABC board affective as of June 22, 2013 board meeting are as follows:

• Michelle Devia – President
• Teresa McFadyen –  1 ^st Vice President
• Rannoch Campbell –  2 ^nd Vice President

The Secretary and Treasurer positions will remain unchanged. We feel confident we have a strong and dynamic team and we’re committed to advocating for our members to the fullest of our potential.

With so many changes happening in our profession I believe it’s more important than ever to have a strong Professional Association for LPNs in BC and I wish to thank all of our LPNABC members for their ongoing support. We are many members with one voice and I’m looking forward to being a part of a new era in advocacy for LPNs in BC.

Sincerely,

Michelle Devia, LPN

President, Licensed Practical Nurses Association of BC