On August 23, 2012, the B.C. Government introduced new influenza measures designed to protect patients and seniors from being exposed to influenza. The provincial news release can be found on the Ministry of Health website at:

BC Government – Influenza Policy Update

LPNABC Statement regarding B.C. new Influenza Control Program Policy

The Association for Licensed Practical Nurses of B.C. would like to thank the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer for their dedication to the public health and well being with the focus on the seniors and vulnerable population.

LPNABC supports the protection of the public by encouraging all health care workers to adopt this new policy that improve the health of BC families and patient/clients that we are providing nursing services.

”Influenza causes more deaths annually than all other vaccine‐ preventable diseases combined, and hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to complications from influenza than the general population,” said Dr. Kendall. “This policy will protect patients. Putting in place consistent policies to prevent influenza from spreading is the right thing to do from a patient safety perspective.” (BC Influenza Control Policy, 2012)

British Columbia is the first province to initiate a provincial policy for health care providers to protect all patient/clients and their families during the flu season.  Please read the policy and encourage each other to be supporters for our own safety as well.

Immunization – LPNs for information on how you can be Immunization Provider go to: ”College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC” website regarding requirements to provide Immunizations  in all settings. www.clpnbc.org

Other Facts to Consider :

“Influenza can be a serious contagious disease spread by droplet transmission through close contact with an infected individual. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, nationally there are between 2000 and 8000 deaths per year from influenza and its complications. Infected individuals are highly contagious and can transmit influenza for 24 hours before they are symptomatic.”

“Among vaccine-preventable diseases, influenza causes by far the most deaths, outpacing all other vaccine preventable diseases combined. Hospitalized patients are frequently more vulnerable to influenza than members of the general population. Influenza in vulnerable groups especially the elderly, the very young and the immunosuppressed, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a major contributor to hospitalizations in winter.” Provincial Health Officer report (2012)

Answer :  Yes, since 1974.  The original name was Canadian Practical Nurses Association; renamed in 2006 to PN Canada.

Read the rich history document under: “About Us” – History

LPNABC Newsletter July 2012 – General Edition

The “Members Only”  Edition has been emailed to you.  If you have not received it please let us know and we will send it to you electronically or by mail.

Please contact LPNABC Editor for your copy: [email protected]

We feel it is so important to give something special to our members and provide more reasons to come and join the LPN Association.  The LPNABC Board Executive has been meeting monthly and planning many innovative projects to engage with the membership.  The first is the recent LPN Survey, to which we have had a good response.  The next step will be holding a town hall session to discuss what you think about your LPN regulations

Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) –

Newly released National Expert Commission Report “A nursing call to action ” The health of our nation, the future of our health system:

http://www.cna-aiic.ca/expertcommission/

Staffing Mix Framework: http://www2.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/documents/pdf/publications/Staff_Mix_Framework_2012_e.pdf

Canadian Association of Practical Nurse Educators – 2012 Conference in Victoria, BC

http://www.capne.net/

Canadian Council of Practical Nurse Regulator

http://www.ccpnr.ca/

Smith & Nephew – Wound Care Educational Videos

https://www.clwk.ca/cop/skin-wound-care/information-sheets/videos

Canadian Stroke Congress

www.strokecongress.ca

The Association response to a letter posted on the LPN Cafe Website (June 6th, 2012) regarding the recent CLPNBC AGM, and the passing of resolutions.

The Association has not been contacted for comment.

We would invite all LPNs to contact the Association and learn how we represent LPN Profession Practice at many forums such as Articulation Meetings about your education, regulatory meeting and ministry pertaining to LPN scope of practice.  The Association is collaborating with other associations such as ARNBC, CNA, GNABC and many more to discuss collaborative nursing practice.   LPNABC has been the official and legal advocacy body under the Society Act, since 1951.

The LPN Association abides by the CLPNBC Bylaws Section 36 (1), (2).  The association submitted two resolutions 60 days in advance, which were sent to every LPN registrant in BC.   The college adhered to the democratic process and a quorum was officially declared by the Parliamentarian at the CLPNBC AGM on May 23rd, 2012 and the official business was conducted.

The LPN Association agrees with the comment that LPNs need to become more involved in their profession and regulatory bodies.  The Association was also anticipating a larger participation at the AGM. The registrants that were in attendance were engaged in a robust debate regarding the resolutions which was passed by a majority vote.

The LPN Association welcomes all LPNs as members regardless of any union affiliation.  Our mandate is:

“LPNABC promotes professional excellence and life long learning with strength through a unified voice representing the LPNs of BC”

The current LPNABC Board is committed to LPN professional practice and excellence.  The board is advocating for LPNs professional practice in our province.  We are continuing the vision of the women that formed the LPNABC in 1951.

LPNABC presented two resolutions at the CLPNBC AGM.  Please read the following resolutions that were passed and now at the CLPNBC Board for consideration.

Resolution-CLPNBC collecting fund agent for LPNABC 2012

Resolution – Annual General Meeting – Resolutions from the floor- 2012

LPNABC would like to thank everyone that particpated at the CLPNBC AGM and supported these important resolutions.  We look forward to the board serious consideration of the passed resolution to ensure all LPNs are represented by the LPN Association of BC.

LPNABC Brochure 2012

The LPNABC AGM and Conference hosted by the Fraser Valley Chapter was a success.  There were several important resolutions passed at this AGM that will support the ongoing strategic plan for the association.

* Please see all the other announcements under “News and Events” for the Annual Report, Conference Report and Resolutions passed at the AGM.

** New LPNABC – Conference Report with the complete History of LPN’s in BC, LPNABC and the PN Education

AGM Highlight:   Special LPN Profile – Florence Wilson, LPN

Read her complete story : Celebrating 61 Years of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association

AGM report : 2012 LPNABC Annual Report

NEW tab – Under “About Us”  – History of LPNs

LPNABC is creating an archive of pictures if you have any pictures please submit to

[email protected]

Congratulations to Richelle Drinovz who was nominated and accepted the position of

President for a second 2 year term for LPNABC.  The current board was pleased with the outcome as Richelle Drinovz, has worked hard in the last two years as the President and she is committed to supporting LPNs in BC through her dedication in her profession and also as the President re-elect for 2012 – 2014.

If you have been wanting to become active in your profession, please join LPNABC and become a member of the board. The Association is actively recruiting for:

• Secretary (2 year term)

Becoming a member of a board is a great way to develop leadership skills and competencies that are recognized on your resume for future employment.

Please print and post to help promote your association.  Here is the top reasons to join and become a member: LPNABC 6 Top Reasons to be a Member