2012 annual report | college of licensed practical nurses of alberta

2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

RepoRtS

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................

President .............................................................................................................................................................................................

Public Members .............................................................................................................................................................................

Executive Director/Registrar .............................................................................................................................................

Provincial, National, and International Initiatives .................................................................................................

Research Initiatives .....................................................................................................................................................................

Regulatory Services ...................................................................................................................................................................

Conduct ................................................................................................................................................................................................

Education ............................................................................................................................................................................................

Continuing Competency Program ..................................................................................................................................

Practice .................................................................................................................................................................................................

Communications ...........................................................................................................................................................................

FInAnCIAl HIGHlIGHtS

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta ..............................................................................................

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ContentS

ouR MISSIon

To regulate and lead the profession in a manner that protects and serves the public through excellence in Practical Nursing.

ouR vISIon

Licensed Practical Nurses are a nurse of choice, trusted partner and a valued professional in the healthcare system.

The CLPNA embraces change that serves the best interests of the public, the profession and a quality healthcare system.

By 2015, the CLPNA expects to see:• Increased demand for Licensed Practical Nurses, generating continuous growth in the profession• Full utilization of Licensed Practical Nurses throughout the health care system• All Licensed Practical Nurses embrace and fully enact their professional scope of practice• Increased public understanding of the role and contributions of Licensed Practical Nurses• The College initiate and support research relevant to the Licensed Practical Nurse profession and health care system • Enhanced collaborative opportunities provincially, nationally and internationally• The College and Licensed Practical Nurses fully engaged in all decisions affecting the profession

2012 ClpnA CounCIl

(L-R, back row): Roberta Beaulieu, LPN; Valerie Paice, LPN; Gary Christopherson, Public Member (2013); Ralph Westwood, Public Member;

Doris Kuelken, LPN; Dieda John, LPN; Linda Coatsworth, LPN

(L-R, front row): Joshua Martynuik, LPN; Carla Koyata, LPN, Vice-President;

Jo-Anne Macdonald-Watson, LPN, President; Linda Stanger, Executive Director; Allan Buck, Public Member

CLPNA - 2012 Annual Report 1

CLPNA - 2012 Annual Report2

IntRoduCtIon

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is the regulatory organization for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Alberta, Canada. CLPNA is governed by LPNs and by public members on behalf of the Minister of Health and Wellness. The organization is supported through annual registration, examination, and other regulatory fees.

CLPNA regulates the profession and ensures protection of the public by setting entry-to-practice requirements; approving practical nurse education programs leading to registration and specialty; establishing, promoting and enforcing standards of practice and a code of ethics; enhancing the care provided by members of the profession through the continuing competence program; and conducting investigation and discipline. Under provincial regulation, persons who provide professional services to the public as a LPN must qualify and be registered with CLPNA.

The organization was founded in 1985 and assumed regulatory responsibility for the profession in 1987. The CLPNA is currently regulated under Alberta’s Health Professions Act (HPA).

The origins of the profession in Alberta can be traced back to the Alberta’s Nurses Aides Act of 1947 and development of the Certified Nursing Aide educational course. Over the years, the names have changed in compliance with legislation:

• Alberta Certified Nursing Aide Association (1961) under the Societies Act, • Alberta Association of Registered Nursing Assistants (1978) under the Nursing Assistant Registration Act; • Professional Council of Registered Nursing Assistants (1987) under the Health Disciplines Act; • Professional Council of Licensed Practical Nurses (1990) under the Health Disciplines Act; and • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (1998).

ABOUT THE PROFESSION

LPNs are professional nurses who serve individuals, families, and groups, assessing their needs and providing care and treatment as appropriate. With well-developed assessment and critical thinking skills, LPNs formulate nursing diagnoses, plan interventions, provide health education, and evaluate response to treatment in collaboration with clients and other health professionals. LPNs are expected to make autonomous decisions and take action while providing nursing care for clients, and are responsible and accountable for the decisions they make.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Minister of Health and Wellness

Council8 Elected Council Members

3 Appointed Public Members

ExecutiveDirector/Registrar

Regulatory Services(Complaints Director)(Hearings Director)

OperationsProfessional

Practice/PolicyCommunication

Regulated CommitteesEducation Standards Advisory

Committee

Council Appeals Committee

Hearing Tribunal

Complaint Review Committee

Registration and Competency Committee


LPNs usually work in teams, however, may assume independent, interdependent, and overlapping roles on the health care team. The level of independence for a LPN in practice may differ depending upon the needs and complexity of the client, skills of the LPN and the team around them, and supports available in the setting.

GOVERNANCE

The governing body of the CLPNA is the Council comprised of eight elected Council Members, three Public Members appointed by provincial government in accordance with the HPA, and the Executive Director/Registrar as an ex-officio member. The Council operates on a policy governance model to fulfill its obligations outlined in the HPA, Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, and CLPNA Bylaws (June 2008).

COMMITTEES

CLPNA committees are mandated by the Health Professions Act (HPA) to assist the CLPNA in their responsibilities under the Act. They are comprised of regulated members appointed by Council, and Public Members appointed by the provincial government.

Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC)The Education Standards Advisory Committee establishes the Standard for Program Approval for all basic and specialty education programs for practical nurses in Alberta, and approves and monitors programs to ensure compliance with this Standard.

Gloria Bauer, Co-ChairPam Lammiman, Co-ChairLinda Stanger, CLPNA RepresentativeTeresa Bateman, CLPNA RepresentativeGwen Evans, LPN Mary Jean Andrada, LPNBruce Finkel, Member at LargePam Mangold, Employer RepresentativeLeona Ferguson, Employer RepresentativeMaureen McQueen, Education RepresentativeVi Smith, Education Representative Joyce D’Andrea, Education Representative

Council Appeals Committee (CAC)The CAC makes findings and determines disciplinary action arising from an appeal of a Hearing Tribunal Decision under the Health Professions Act.

Hugh Pedersen, LPN, ChairpersonJo-Anne Macdonald-Watson, LPN, ChairpersonCarla Koyata, LPNRalph Westwood, Public Member

Hearing Tribunal (HT)The HT makes findings and determines disciplinary action at professional conduct hearings under the Health Professions Act.

Larry Leduc, LPN, ChairpersonKelly Annesty, LPNShelley Blaszkiewicz, LPNDanielle Canning, LPNCrystal Genoway, LPNMelanie Joyce, LPNDawne Knibbs, LPNMinky Leba, LPNSylvia Morison, LPNJill Paton, LPNKunal Sharma, LPNPatricia Standage, LPNJamie Tanda, LPNWanda Beaudoin, LPNL. Jean Collins, LPNDiane W. Larsen, LPNSheana Mahlitz, LPNAnn Noseworthy, LPNEryn Winfield, LPN

Complaint Review Committee (CRC)The CRC reviews and ratifies settlements through alternative complaint resolution and conducts reviews of dismissal of complaints under the Health Professions Act.

Michelle Tavenier, LPN, ChairpersonMargaret Devlin, LPNDawn Gillich, LPNGaylene Mullett, LPN

Public Members for Conduct Public Members are appointed by the provincial government to sit on the Hearing Tribunal and Complaint Review Committee.

Grace BrittainDiane AdamsPeter Van BostelenNancy Brook

Registration and Competence Committee (RCC)The RCC determines issues regarding registration and competence matters referred by the Executive Director/Registrar under the Health Professions Act and the Bylaws. The primary responsibility of the RCC is to guide and support the continuing competency program.

Ashley Holloway, LPN, ChairpersonDianne Banks, LPNChristine Buck, LPNCheryl Dell, LPNLorna Diprose, LPNMichelle Rose, LPNJohanne Rousseau-Chicoine, LPNDorothy Wurst-Thurn, LPNTeresa Bateman, CLPNA RepresentativeLinda Findlay, CLPNA Representative


pReSIdent

I am pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report for the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), which has been approved by Council and reports on the solid foundation of regulatory

service our College provides. The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta is accountable to lead our profession in a manner that protects the public. In doing, so it is our goal to build on the proud identity that makes Alberta’s Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) respected and recognized both provincially and nationally. Each regulated profession is expected to establish standards in registration, conduct, practice, and continuing competence to ensure their registrants maintain the highest standard of care. As the President of CLPNA, I am honoured to represent you in this dynamic process of self-regulation. I am also proud to report practical nursing is an increasingly sought after career choice.

When I first started with Council in 2008, the number of LPNs in the province was 7,859. As of this 2012 Annual Report, I am excited to inform you that registered members have increased to 10,623. This growth of 35% in 5 years is a remarkable accomplishment and contribution to Alberta’s health human resource pool.

With significant growth comes increased demand for prudent leadership. We are privileged to have Linda Stanger as our CLPNA Executive Director/Registrar and our full time champion. Linda and her staff are consistently monitoring the environment for opportunity and diligently paving an innovative and inclusive path for us to get there. As I look back at the accomplishments from my first days with Council to today, the deep commitment of their work is clear. Challenges will constantly present themselves in Alberta’s economy, and you can have confidence in Linda and her team to be mindful of these challenges as they proactively and collaboratively look for the opportunity in each one.

Your Council works conscientiously on your behalf, bringing new and innovative ideas forward. Reinforcing the essence of what defines a LPN, they strive to represent this profession with the highest degree of professionalism. Within the last year we have undertaken a review of our governance structure and developed a plan to strengthen our policy governance model. A pure policy governance model, planned for

implementation in 2013, empowers us as Council to be increasingly future focused and strengthens Council leadership of the profession.

In September, we said “Farewell” to Hugh Pederson who served as President 2008-2012. Hugh leads by example. He is a kind, insightful, and generous man, with strong leadership ability and he is a passionate LPN. I am thankful for his mentorship and encouragement to join the CLPNA Council. It has been my privilege to work with him as a LPN in Red Deer and through my term on Council. “Thank you Hugh for four years of strong and effective leadership of our profession.”

I would be remiss in this annual statement if I did not express appreciation to all LPNs in Alberta. You are present in every aspect of delivery of health care, constantly serving the needs of your clients and their families. Thank you for continuing to conduct yourself professionally and excelling in securing public confidence in our practice.

As our province faces economic challenges, there will undoubtedly be changes in health care. With increased focus on primary care, community care, supportive living, addictions and mental health services, one fact is certain - people will still need nurses with compassion, respect, and a high degree of competence. I believe Alberta LPNs are a valuable resource option for quality care delivery today and into the future.

In closing, I share this quote from Maya Angelou, “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel”. Thank you for doing that so well!

Sincerely, Jo-Anne Macdonald-WatsonPresident


publIC MeMbeRS

Robert Mitchell Allan Buck Ralph Westwood

This was a busy and productive year for the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), with the strong and effective leadership of the Executive Director/Registrar, Linda Stanger.

This year the CLPNA reach 10,623 registered members, a 35% increase over the past 5 years, and the highest number of members registered in the history of the college.

Several initiatives during the year serve to highlight the significant effort and success of the CLPNA: forging improved stakeholder relationships provincially and beyond; more active and effective promotion of the profession in addressing the nursing shortage; laying the groundwork for an enhanced policy governance model for Council operation; and building upon several successful Spring Conferences with another successful event in 2012.

The LPN members elected to Council continue to bring practical insights to the Council decision making process, helping to ensure that LPNs provide competent and safe patient care services. We are impressed with the commitment and integrity of our fellow Council colleagues and it is a pleasure to be full partners in Council deliberations.

We confirm the CLPNA and Council members effectively fulfill their roles in ways that serve and protect the public, and results in the delivery of high quality health care for Albertans. It is an honour and a pleasure to report that the CLPNA is very well-respected, managed and directed.

Respectfully submitted,Robert MitchellAllan BuckRalph Westwood


exeCutIve dIReCtoR/ReGIStRAR

As the regulatory college for Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta, we commit to “Regulating and leading the profession in a manner that protects and serves the public through excellence in Practical

Nursing”. Self-regulation is a privilege and at the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), we take this seriously. It is my honour to provide this report outlining how the CLPNA delivered on our responsibilities for 2012.

The launch of a state-of-the-art Policy Framework for the CLPNA sets a new standard in guiding Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practice. The documents created under this Framework support the three principles of self-regulation: promote good practice, prevent poor practice, and intervene in unacceptable practice. The Framework outlines the process for development and evaluation of policy documents that are evidence-based scholarly papers, clearly referencing specific sections of legislation, regulation, by-law and case-law. CLPNA published four initial documents in 2012, with more coming in 2013.

A significant Inter-Jurisdictional LPN Project (IJLPN), funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and designed to increase harmonization for the LPN profession in Canada, nears completion. As co-chair of this project I am pleased to announce the release of a new Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Entry to Practice Competency Statement, and Requisite Skills and Abilities. These documents will be adopted widely within Canadian jurisdictions and provide consistent guidance for LPN practice in Canada.

Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) Innovation Fund provided a grant for development of tools to assist the International Educated Nurse (IEN) in understanding legislation, role and scope of the LPN in Alberta. Four projects resulted, and are highlighted in the Regulation section of this report. Of significance, this funding enabled CLPNA to repatriate the IEN assessment process within the College, aligning this work with other nursing regulators in Canada and prepares us well for future initiatives involving assessment of international applicants. In addition, a Jurisprudence examination,

testing an applicant’s understanding of the regulation, legislation, and standards affecting LPN practice in Alberta was developed and will be introduced early in 2013 as part of initial registration with CLPNA.

Many synergies have evolved in 2012 for CLPNA and the LPN profession. Collaboration is more evident today with our largest employers, Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, and organizations represented by the Alberta Continuing Care Association, as well as with our regulatory colleagues across Canada. Workforce transformation projects are making exciting changes, enhancing LPN positions with roles that reflect today’s scope of practice, and increasing full-time equivalency in positions. We anticipate all of this work will result in improved quality of care and a more sustainable system.

As you review this 2012 Annual Report you will see some significant activities: LPN membership topped 10,000 this year, practice opportunities have grown into new areas, national initiatives value the voice and competencies of LPNs, and new Alberta based scope of practice research supports collaboration and utilization of all nurses.

As CLPNA launches its 27th year in 2013, we know the LPN profession is well prepared to provide quality, competent and committed care for Albertans. Thank you to our Council, staff, educators, volunteers and stakeholders for your contribution to our profession. And thank you to each Licensed Practical Nurse for your commitment to excellence, and the difference you make for Albertans each day!

With respect and appreciation,Linda StangerExecutive Director/Registrar


In reality, work is challenging and rewarding because of the convergence of holistic care, a

wide variety of complex medical conditions, bedside care of

people you come to know well, full scope LPN practice, and

continuing expansion of the LPN role and responsibilities.

Nicole Martin, LPNCARE, Volume 26, 1st Edition, Spring 2012


Alberta Ministry of Health (AMH) (formerly Alberta Health and Wellness) continued discussion with regulatory colleges related to review of the Restricted Activities (RA) listed in the Government

Organization Act (2000). CLPNA is involved in a number of committee’s and this work continues.

CLPNA submitted a request to AMH for review of the Health Professions Act, LPN Profession Regulation (2003). Consultation and regulation development is expected in 2013 and will align with an update/revision to the Competency Profile for LPNs (2005).

CLPNA participates in the Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professionals (the Federation) and subcommittees related to complaints process and continuing competency. The Federation is a group of 25 health regulatory Colleges with the same mandate “to regulate our respective professions in the public interest” who work together to enhance public protection, advance healthcare regulation and to provide direction, expertise and leadership on health and related public policy.

CLPNA participated in a Family Care Clinic Consultation with government to present a vision for LPNs in Family Care Clinics in January. The presentation detailed information about specific contributions the LPNs can make in primary care and outlined potential barriers to effective utilization. CLPNA is an active member on the Minister of Health’s Advisory Committee on Primary Care. CLPNA continues to participate on the Successful Transition of the Entry Level Nurse Provincial Steering Committee, with leaders from Alberta Health Services (AHS), nursing education and regulation. The focus of this work is development of a provincial strategy to foster successful transitions of new nurses into the workplace. AHS has launched several tools for new nursing grads, managers, and clinical educators for this purpose.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) launched a Provincial Nursing Professional Practice Council as a forum for discussion, support, and promotion of quality patient centered health care within the nursing professions in AHS. Goals of the Council include fostering collaboration and communication within the nursing profession, across professions, across service sectors, and between zones. The Council meets quarterly

by teleconference and involves nursing leaders from each AHS zone and sector, AHS Health Professions Strategy and Practice, Covenant Health, regulators, educators, unions, and Allied Health Discipline Practice Councils. The meetings held in 2012 focused on formation of Zone and Service Sector Nursing Councils and beginning discussion on the creation of a common vision for regulated nurses in AHS.

In November, the Alberta Practical Nurse Education Programs Committee adopted revised terms of reference outlining the committee guidelines, purpose, objectives, and membership. This committee meets quarterly to share information and identify opportunities and actions to influence the on-going development and delivery of practical nurse programs and related education and practice policies in Alberta. CLPNA now hosts and co-chairs this committee, with members including practical nurse programs, government, and employers.

CLPNA participated in the Collaborative Practice and Education Leaders Network Forum in November 2012 in Edmonton. The Network, representing system stakeholders, provided strategic leadership to facilitate, coordinate, align and integrate efforts among practice, education, regulatory, government and other stakeholders toward development of collaborative practice in Alberta’s healthcare environment.

Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education (AEAE) (formerly Alberta Employment and Immigration) invited several Alberta stakeholders, including CLPNA to present professional information to a delegation of the China Guanghua Nursing Development Project (Project). The broad goal of the Project is to raise the quality, standards and outcomes of the nursing profession across all of China through improved nursing education, health service standards and research. The Project is investigating opportunity for future nursing education and practice collaborations.

CLPNA participates provincial and nationally in Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) initiatives, related to the FQR Plan for Alberta and Canada. The purpose of FQR is to facilitate recognition of prior learning, ease of licensing, and integration into the Canadian workforce for internationally educated professionals.

pRovInCIAl InItIAtIveS


nAtIonAl / InteRnAtIonAl InItIAtIveS

Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR)

The CCPNR is a federation of regulators responsible for the profession of practical nursing in their jurisdiction and provides a collective voice on matters affecting practical nurse regulation. The focus of CCPNR is promotion of regulatory excellence and continued harmonization of the LPN profession within member jurisdictions.

CCPNR initiated the Inter-jurisdictional Licensed Practical Nurse Project (IJLPN) in 2011, funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), which continued throughout 2012. This project involves development of four documents: Entry to Practice Competency Statement for LPNs, Requisite Skills and Abilities for LPNs, Code of Ethics, and Standards of Practice. The documents are near completion and to be approved in each jurisdiction in early 2013. Thank you to all stakeholders who participated in the Alberta review. CLPNA co-chairs and is fund holder for this project.

The work of the Evidence-Informed Nursing Care Delivery Models across the Continuum of Care project, funded by HRSDC and led by CNA, was concluded in 2012 with the publishing of the new Staff Mix Decision-Making Framework for Quality Nursing Care. This project was multidimensional and involved a comprehensive literature review, extensive consultations (surveys and focus groups across Canada), an invitational round table discussion, and a pan-Canadian Delphi survey. The new Framework, published in March 2012, is available on the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) website. CLPNA represented CCPNR on both the steering committee and working group for this project.

CLPNA participated for CCPNR on the IEN Bridging Programs Steering Committee. The purpose of the project was to facilitate the successful workforce integration of internationally educated nurses who have immigrated to Canada by developing and implementing a national framework of guiding principles and essential components to be considered in the development and maintenance of bridging programs. Two final documents were released Spring 2012 including the Pan-Canadian Framework of Guiding Principles and Essential Components for IEN Bridging Programs and Pan-Canadian

Framework of Guiding Principles and Essential Components for IEN Bridging Programs Self-Assessment Guide. This project was led by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and funded by Health Canada.

National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

After nearly seven years of planning the NNAS was officially incorporated in June 2012. CLPNA is a member of the corporation and holds one of four LPN Director Positions on the Board. The purpose of the corporation is to coordinate a consistent national approach to the assessment of internationally educated nurses’ eligibility for registration/licensure by the provincial and territorial nursing regulatory bodies. NNAS has a four year implementation plan during which time the plan is to launch a bilingual website, a portal with a harmonized IEN application, eliminate redundancy among nursing regulators, centralize document collection and competency based assessments, create a national database for IENs, and initiate service agreements between NNAS and each nursing regulator across Canada.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

NCSBN is a U.S. national organization “through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern”. All 60 U.S. nursing regulatory boards are members of the NCSBN and several Canadian and international nursing regulatory boards belong as associate members.

CLPNA continues to be an active associate member of NCSBN, involved in discussions about common issues facing nursing regulators. CLPNA participated in several events in 2012, most notably with an invitation to present “LPN Education and Regulation in Canada”, to the NCSBN mid-year Executive Officer Meeting in March.

Understanding LPNs Full Scope of Practice

Alberta Ministry of Health funded a research project designed to evaluate the impact on quality of care and patient outcomes when LPNs work to scope. The study, Understanding LPNs Full Scope of Practice, also explores the supports and barriers in place, impacting LPNs ability to work to the full extent of their knowledge, skill, and ability. The research team, led by Dr. Rena Shimoni at Bow Valley College includes leading researchers in evaluation research (Dr. Gail Barrington) and nursing (Dr. Sean Clarke).

This research is completed with the final report submitted to Alberta Ministry of Health. Public release is expected in early 2013 with additional work to promote the findings and recommendations.

There were five recommendations from this research: 1. A strong case be made to Alberta Health to lead the creation and articulation of a clear, compelling and shared vision of nursing in Alberta, where there is clarity regarding the competencies and the roles of the three nursing designations, LPN, RPN, RN. 2. Regulatory bodies, employers, and individual LPNs assume joint responsibility and accountability to identify, provide, and access learning opportunities. 3. A detailed strategic plan and implementation plan be developed to assist all players with their role in implementing and facilitating change regarding scope of practice for all nursing professions. 4. Research be conducted to study the roles and opportunities for LPNs in areas such as emergency care, family care clinics and primary care, labour and delivery, mental health, home care, and leadership. 5. A knowledge translation plan be created with input from all stakeholders to ensure that the findings of the study and its recommendations are widely disseminated and used to reach the different levels of staff.

CLPNA extends sincere thanks to the Steering Committee for their expertise and attention to this project. Representation included Alberta Health Services, Alberta Ministry of Health, University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, Bow Valley College, NorQuest College, Covenant Health, Alberta Continuing Care Association, College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta, College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, CLPNA, and members of the LPN profession.

CLPNA extends sincere appreciation to Alberta Ministry of Health for funding such a significant addition to research regarding the LPN profession.

The full research report and executive summary are available at www.clpna.com.

ReSeARCH InItIAtIveS


I can see the role of the LPN growing in most areas across the health system and I firmly

believe that LPNs are well positioned to assume their role on the collaborative care team.

Brenda HubandSenior VP Calgary ZoneAlberta Health Services

CARE, Volume 26, 1st Edition, Spring 2012

The growing respect for our profession provides us with a unique window of opportunity.

The time is now to demonstrate our leadership competencies,

collectively as a profession and individually in every setting

where we practice.

Executive MessageCARE, Volume 26, 2nd Edition, Summer 2012


BC|

304

SK|

16

MN|

10

ON|

204

QC|8

NB|

13

NS|

16

PEI|0

NL|8

NT|1

YK|0

NU|0

USA|

31

OTHER*|9

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

YEAR

53 34 41 74 90 80 81124

205247

601

413

298

482

620

2012 MeMbeRSHIp StAtIStICS

Average Age: 2010 - 41.4 2011 - 41.1

2012 - 40.7

Age of Active LPNs

LPN GenderDistribution

LPN Registration Trends Out of Province & InternationalRegistrations

*Jamaica TOTAL - 620

In Migration Breakdown

Registrations

2011 2012

Alberta NEW Graduate Applicants 769 938

International NEW Applicants 40 40

Other Canadian NEW Applicants 442 580

Reinstatements (Less than 4 Years) - 305

Reinstatements (More than 4 Years) - 15

Re-Entry LPNs 1 5

Renewals 8400 8740Courtesy Applicants 0 0

TOTAL 9652 10623

93.5% 6.5%

19-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65+

AGE GROUPS

9.8%1034

18.0%1919 14.8%

1575 11.8%1256

10.9%1162

9.1%964

9.2%980

8.0%850

8.4%883

201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986

1062396529015853178597264686365336037557551724848443143424606472349635562619663786545665167366956722578948643

10.0%7.0%5.7%8.6%8.1%5.8%5.0%8.2%8.3%7.8%6.7%9.4%2.0%-5.7%-2.5%-4.8%

-10.8%-10.0%-2.9%-2.6%-1.6%-1.3%-3.2%-3.7%-8.5%-8.7%

Number of LPNs

Percentage ofLoss/Increase

19-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65+

AGE GROUPS

9.8%1034

18.0%1919 14.8%

1575 11.8%1256

10.9%1162

9.1%964

9.2%980

8.0%850

8.4%883

201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986

1062396529015853178597264686365336037557551724848443143424606472349635562619663786545665167366956722578948643

10.0%7.0%5.7%8.6%8.1%5.8%5.0%8.2%8.3%7.8%6.7%9.4%2.0%-5.7%-2.5%-4.8%

-10.8%-10.0%-2.9%-2.6%-1.6%-1.3%-3.2%-3.7%-8.5%-8.7%

Number of LPNs

Percentage ofLoss/Increase

Distribution of Active LPNs*

AHS Area Totals %

Area 0 - Out of Province/Country 681 6.4%

Area 1 - South Zone (Lethbridge & Medicine Hat) 904 8.5%

Area 2 - Calgary Zone 2754 25.9%

Area 3 - Central Zone (Red Deer) 1508 14.2%

Area 4 - Edmonton Zone 3626 34.1%

Area 5 - North Zone 1150 10.9%

TOTAL 10623 100%

*By LPN mailing address


ReGulAtoRy SeRvICeS

In 2012, CLPNA registrants grew by an unprecedented 10%. While growth of the profession has been steady since 2000, the average per annum growth hovers at 6.9%. Contributing factors to the growth

surge are new applicants from outside Alberta and new graduates within Alberta. Registrants educated outside Alberta (see “Out of Province and International Registrations” graph) jumped 30% to 620 from the previous year, exceeding the previously recorded high of 601 in 2008. Half of these registrants originate in British Columbia, one-third from Ontario, and the remainder from other provinces and outside Canada. New Alberta graduates rose 22% to 938, also a historical high.

The average age of Alberta’s LPNs continues to decline to an average 40.7 years, making it one of the youngest jurisdictions in Canada.

Foreign Qualification Recognition Project Results

The Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education - Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) Innovation Fund provided a grant for CLPNA projects that included development of tools to assist the International Educated Nurse (IEN) in understanding legislation and the role and scope of the LPN in Alberta. Four projects are the result of this funding:

Jurisprudence ExamThe Jurisprudence Exam tests understanding of key regulatory concepts including code of ethics, standards of practice, regulation, and legislation, and practice knowledge essential to safe and effective practice in the profession. This project involved development and testing of a psychometrically created jurisprudence examination for the LPN profession in Alberta. While many similarities exist across the country with respect to the Canadian health care system and working as a nurse in Canada, each province and territory is governed by its own unique legislation/regulations. Therefore, provincial Jurisprudence exams are an essential component to understanding unique jurisdictional professional practice. The Jurisprudence Exam has completed two pilot tests, primarily with new graduates, out of province members, and internationally educated nurses. The exam will be fully implemented

in 2013. CLPNA is the second nursing regulatory body in Canada to implement a jurisprudence examination.

Handbook (Career Guide)The Career Guide focuses on educating and informing people potentially interested in choosing a career as a LPN, including International Educated Nurses (IENs) and out of province applicants. The Guide will provide detailed information about the profession, the CLPNA, the work LPNs do, and what a new immigrant may expect in Canada and Alberta. There is also a section with abridged stories about LPNs in practice and includes supportive living, rural nursing, acute care - medical and surgical nursing, and community mental health.

Repatriation of International Educated Nurse (IEN) AssessmentCLPNA developed assessment criteria and processes for assessment of IEN nursing qualifications for licensing as an LPN in Alberta. The CLPNA began accepting applications and registering IENs in October 2012. Previously, all IEN assessment process was conducted by NorQuest College and Bow Valley College. This change to the IEN assessment process aligns CLPNA procedures with those of other Canadian nursing regulatory organizations.

IEN Self-Assessment ToolThe online IEN Self-Assessment Tool (http://ien.clpna.com) is part of the Repatriation project and provides an initial automated method for potential IEN applicants to determine their registration eligibility with CLPNA.


Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE)

Number of Candidates

1stExam

RepeatExam

IEN’sRepeatExam

Total CandidatesIEN’s

Registered 944 64 51 11 1070

Writing 943 63 48 11 1065

Not Writing 1 1 3 0 5

Passing 838 40 35 6 919

Failing 105 23 13 5 146

% Passing 89% 63% 73% 45% 86%

We serve a vast region with a dispersed population.

We meet the educational and industry needs of

rural Alberta by taking the program out to the students.

We don’t expect the students to come to us.

Julia Melnyk, LPN Dean of Health Careers and

Program DevelopmentNorthern Lakes College

CARE, Volume 26, 4th Edition, Winter 2012

Make a commitment today to adopt a continuous learning

and inspired approach to delivering the best

professional services upon which your patients depend.

Albertans deserve quality health care, which we all

aspired to when we began our professional careers in

the first place.

Executive MessageCARE, Volume 26, 3rd Edition, Fall 2012

I have a passion for promoting dignity and

honour with all people no matter their circumstances or background. I saw my

instructors model that belief when I had my clinical

rotations, and I embraced it.

Tanya Swanberg, LPNCARE, Volume 26, 4th Edition, Winter 2012

Jurisdictions in Canada are responsible for ensuring that those applying for registration as a practical nurse meet an acceptable level of competence to practice. This level of competence is measured, in part, by the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) administered by all provincial and territorial LPN regulatory authorities except Quebec. The CPNRE is the final step in the registration process and is administered three times a year in January, May, and September. Candidates have a maximum of three attempts at successfully completing the exam.

The CPNRE is prepared by Assessment Strategies Incorporated (ASI) working in collaboration with representation from practical nurses, educators, and employers of practical nurses from across Canada. These individuals serve as the content experts in developing and validating the CPNRE on behalf of the regulatory authorities. CLPNA is an active participant in the development of the CPNRE with representation on the Client Advisory Group, Examination Committee, Blueprint Committee, Competency Review Committee.

Alberta CPNRE Candidates 2012*

* Statistics prepared by Assessment Strategies Incorporated (ASI).IEN: Internationally Educated Nurse


ConduCt

The College is committed to resolving complaints against LPNs based on the principles of procedural fairness,

transparency and due diligence. Each complaint is reviewed thoroughly to determine appropriate course of action. The Health Professions Act sets out the approaches for addressing unprofessional conduct to protect the public from incompetent or unethical practitioners. Approximately 1% of the membership is involved in the conduct process each year.

Employers have a legal obligation to inform the CLPNA when a LPN is terminated, suspended, or the LPN has resigned for reasons of unprofessional conduct. These matters are all addressed as a formal complaint and vary in nature and degree of seriousness. The CLPNA dismissed 18 complaints and informally resolved 56 minor complaints.

Of the 25 complaints that proceeded to a Hearing, only three were contested or partially contested, requiring CLPNA to call witnesses to give evidence. In the remaining 22 complaints, CLPNA and the investigated members were able to present an Agreed Statement of Facts and Acknowledgement of Unprofessional Conduct and a Joint Submission on Penalty to the Hearing Tribunal.

Historical Comparison 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Complaints in Process From Previous Year 20 16 30 53 78

New Complaints Received 19 38 81* 89 108

Total Complaints in Process 39 54 111 142 186

*One reason for the increased number of New Complaints in 2010 resulted from a change in process regarding complaints against LPNs found to be practicing without a Practice Permit. Previously, these issues were resolved through registration processes and were not counted as formal complaints of unprofessional conduct.

Type of Complaints Received

Abandonment 5

Abuse - physical, verbal, sexual 9

Boundary Issues 1

Breach of Confidentiality 2

Clinical Competence - Health Assessment 1

Clinical Competence - Medication Administration 14

Clinical Competence - Multiple 24

Criminal Charges 1

Health - Mental 1

Other 2

Practicing Without A Permit 30

Substance Abuse 1

Theft 1

Unethical Conduct 11

Workplace Conflict Non-Practice 5

Total Complaints Received 108

Source of Complaints 2011 2012

Employer 51 61

Complaints Director 30 30

Member of Public 8 13

Other 0 0

Protection for Persons in Care 0 4

Disposition of Complaints Processed

Complaints in Investigation Stage 76

Complaint’s Pending Hearing 9

Hearings Completed 25

Council Appeals Committee Appeal Hearings Completed 0

Complaint Review Committee Review of Dismissal of Complaint 0

Alternative Complaint Resolution Decisions Ratified 0

Alternative Complaint Reviews in Progress 0

Appeals to Court 0

Section 118 - Incapacity Assessments 0

Complaints Dismissed 18

Resolved by Complaints Director (Consent Resolution) 56

Member’s Location Unknown - File Suspended 0

Member Deceased - File Closed 0

Complaint Withdrawn 2

Total Discipline Events 186

Interim Suspensions of Practice Permit 4

Surrenders of Practice Permit by Agreement and Undertaking 2

Suspensions/Cancellationsof Practice Permit Ordered by Hearing Tribunal 4

Referrals to Attorney General 2

Monitoring of Orders 21

Files Closed (includes files from previous years and current year) 101


File No. Complaint Type Finding Outcome (Sanctioned Orders)

Hearings Summary

Upon review of the Investigation Report, the Complaint’s Director may refer complaints to the Hearing Tribunal for a formal Hearing. Based on the evidence, the Tribunal determines if the investigated member has met the Standards of Practice of the profession. If the member is found to be guilty of unprofessional conduct, the Tribunal decides what measures are necessary to protect the public from unsafe practice and determines the appropriate steps required to remediate and rehabilitate the individual nurse. All hearings were open to the public.

C-09-16

C-10-09

C-10-32

C-10-14

C-10-68

C-10-75

Criminal Charges

Clinical Competence - Multiple

Substance Abuse

Abuse - Verbal

Boundary Issues/Criminal Charges

Unethical Conduct

Agreed Statement of Facts and Admission of Unprofessional Conduct & Joint Submission on PenaltyUnprofessional conduct on all allegations



ContestedUnprofessional conduct on all allegations



Full Compliance Prior to Reinstatement: - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician - Remedial Education - Partial Hearing CostsConditions on Practice Permit if Reinstated: - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician at 3, 6 and 9 months - Random Drug Screens for 1 year - Self-disclosure of consumption of narcotic without a prescription - Supervised Practice for 300 hours to monitor medication administration - Progress report from supervisor at 3, 6 and 9 months - Disclosure of Decision to future employers for 2 years - Disclosure of Decision when seeking registration with any other regulatory body

- Caution - Remedial Education

- Reprimand - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician - Letter from a Counselor or Psychologist outlining recommendations for counseling or treatment and if treatment required updates every 6 months for duration of treatment - Partial Costs of HearingConditions on Practice Permit for 5 years: - Prohibited from calling or faxing prescriptions - Disclosure of Decision to future employers

- Reprimand - Immediate Suspension of Practice PermitFull Compliance Prior to Reinstatement: - Remedial Education - Successful completion of Anger Management workshop/program/course - Partial Costs of Hearing

- Cancellation of Practice Permit

- Reprimand - Remedial Education



C-11-55

C-10-69

C-10-04

C-11-22

C-11-59

C-10-29

C-09-21

C-11-24

C-10-71

Clinical Competence- Medication Administration

Misrepresentation

Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Theft

Clinical Competence - Documentation

Unethical Conduct

Abandonment

Clinical Competence- Multiple










- Reprimand - Immediate Suspension pending proof of medical condition - Remedial Education

- Reprimand - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician - Remedial Education - Partial Costs of Hearing - Referral to Attorney General

- Reprimand - Partial Costs of HearingCondition on Practice Permit no medication administration pending full compliance: - Fitness to Practice from Physician - Remedial Education - Disclosure of Decision to any nursing employers

- Reprimand - Partial Costs of HearingCondition on Practice Permit no medication administration pending full compliance: - Fitness to Practice from Physician - Remedial Education - Disclosure of Decision to any nursing employers

- Cancellation of Practice Permit - Conditions of remedial education to be met in addition to demonstrating qualifications in applying for reinstatement of registration

- ReprimandRequirements prior to eligibility for registration: - Letter from a Counselor or Psychologist outlining recommendations for counseling or treatment - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician - Remedial EducationConditions on Practice Permit if granted: - Supervised Practice for 300 hours to monitor administration of any narcotics - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician at 6 and 12 months - Random Drug Screens for 1 year - Self-disclosure of consumption of narcotic without a prescription - Disclosure of Decision to future employers for 2 years

- Reprimand - Partial Costs of Hearing - Remedial Education

- Reprimand- Partial Costs of Hearing- Remedial Education

- Reprimand- Partial Costs of Hearing- Fine- Remedial Education

CLPNA - 2012 Annual Report 17*The above summary of hearing disposition is for informational purposes only and is intended to be a general overview of the events only.


C-11-62

C-10-25

C-10-10

C-11-27

C-10-18

C-11-26

C-10-65

C-10-81

C-10-82

C-10-24




Unethical Conduct






Abuse - Verbal




Contested HearingUnprofessional conduct on 2 of 6 allegations





Partially ContestedAgreed Statement of Facts and Admission of Unprofessional Conduct for 2 of 4 allegationsUnprofessional Conduct on all allegations


- Reprimand - Partial Costs of Hearing - Fine - Remedial Education

- Reprimand - Fine - Partial Costs of Hearing - Remedial Education

Full Compliance Prior to Reinstatement: - Fitness to Practice Statement from Physician - Remedial Education - Fine - Partial Costs of Hearing

- Caution - Partial Costs of Hearing - Remedial Education

- Reprimand - Fine - Partial Costs of Hearing - Remedial Education

- Caution - Partial Costs of HearingCondition on practice permit prohibited from practicing in Team Lead Role pending completion of: - Remedial Education - Successful completion of customized language training program. Failure to show improvement results in requirement to complete CELBAN with a passing score

- Reprimand - Partial Hearing Costs - Remedial Education

- ReprimandFull Compliance Prior to Reinstatement: - Remedial Education

- Reprimand - Partial Costs of Hearing - Remedial Education - Supervised Practice for 600 hours to include 5 buddy shifts - Progress report from supervisor at 3 months and again at 6 months if deemed required - Disclosure of Decision to employer for 1 year

- Reprimand - Remedial Education


Newly graduating LPNs in Alberta currently complete a two-year diploma in practical nursing offered at the college level. The program provides a minimum of 1650 instructional hours including

750 hours of theoretical instruction and 900 hours of clinical / lab experience. After program completion, LPNs must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).

The following colleges are approved to provide practical nurse education in Alberta. Some colleges deliver practical nurse programs from multiple locations:

• Bow Valley College, Calgary

• Columbia College, Calgary

• Keyano College, Ft. McMurray

• Lakeland College, Lloydminster

• Lethbridge College, Lethbridge

• NorQuest College, Edmonton

• Northern Lakes College, Slave Lake

• Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat

• Portage College, Lac La Biche/Cold Lake

• Red Deer College, Red Deer

There are numerous post-basic learning opportunities for LPNs. Further education is available for specialization in restricted activities such as immunization, operating room, advanced orthopedics, and renal dialysis. Certificate programs include leadership, gerontology, wound care, palliative care, and foot care.

Education Standards Advisory Committee

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is responsible for approving all basic and specialty education programs for practical nurses offered in Alberta through the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC), a Standing Committee of CLPNA’s Council. ESAC is responsible for establishing the Standards for Program Approval and for reviewing and monitoring basic and specialty

eduCAtIon

practice programs to ensure compliance with these Standards.

Diploma Program Reviews & Approvals

The new Practical Nurse Diploma Programs proposed by Keyano College and Lakeland College were approved for implementation with the first cohort of students to be admitted in September 2012. These programs will use the nursing curriculum collaboratively developed by Keyano College, Lakeland College, Northern Lakes College and NorQuest College.

ESAC Standards for Program Approval establish a maximum approval length of three years for a new program. The Practical Nurse Diploma Programs implemented by Medicine Hat College in September 2010 falls into this category. Based on our review, the program was given a three year approval.

The Practical Nurse Diploma Programs offered by Bow Valley College, NorQuest College, Northern Lakes College and Portage College were reviewed and approved for five years.

Based on an interim report submitted by the Practical Nurse Diploma Program offered by Red Deer College, their approval was extended for a further three years.

The Northern Alberta Renal Dialysis Program and the Southern Alberta Renal Dialysis Program are post-basic specialty programs specifically designed to prepare Licensed Practical Nurses to work in renal dialysis. These Programs were reviewed and granted a five year approval.

With the addition of Keyano College and Lakeland College as stand-alone programs, the Practical Nurse Program is now offered by 10 colleges in Alberta. In addition to on-site programs, each of these Colleges may offer off-site programs through brokering or outreach programming.

Practicums and Preceptoring

Programs continue to struggle to provide sound practice experiences for students in light of the capacity issues common in most clinical areas.


Simulation laboratories and use of high-fidelity simulators are proving to be valuable adjuncts ensuring that students are better prepared to cope with the demands of busy clinical areas, thus maximizing the learning that takes place. Simulation also can be used effectively to expose students to learning opportunities in critical or infrequently encountered clinical situations. In at least one college, simulation is also being used as a remedial tool for students who encounter problems in the clinical area.

Preceptoring a PN student can be a rewarding professional experience. By acting as a role model, preceptors provide a unique and valuable learning experience for a student and assist students to make the critical transition to the graduate role. Thanks to all those who have preceptored students this year. ESAC encourages all LPNs to consider preceptoring at least one student each year.

New ESAC Chair and Final Thoughts

Pam Lammiman was appointed as Chair of ESAC in July with a six month overlap for orientation. Pam was immediately immersed in committee activities and will be a strong advocate for practical nurse education in her new role.

A review and revision of the standards for program review and the review processes will be a priority activity for ESAC in 2013.

ESAC commends the nurse educators in the PN Programs for their commitment to providing sound educational programs for students. Graduates are the future of the profession and ESAC is proud of the excellent work of Alberta’s nurse educators!

It has been my pleasure to Chair this committee and participate in the significant changes in practical nurse education over the past 13 years. I welcome Pam Lammiman as the new Chair and wish her, the committee, and all those involved in practical nurse education success in the future.

Gloria BauerChair, ESAC

Fredrickson-McGregor Education Foundation for LPNs

The Fredrickson-McGregor Education Foundation for LPNs (Foundation) is a non-profit that raises, manages and distributes education grants, awards and bursaries to CLPNA members to enhance their nursing knowledge, skills, and ability, and honor their achievements. The Foundation administers a grant program for CLPNA with proceeds from a $3 million Endowment Fund previously provided by Alberta Ministry of Health.

Education Grant Program

The Fredrickson-McGregor Education Foundation for LPNs (Foundation) approves applications for funding for courses that enhance the LPN’s current role, or that will allow them to advance into another LPN role. The top 3 courses applied for are: Immunization, Foot Care, and Executive Links One Day Seminars (i.e., Diabetes Update, How to Deal with Difficult People, Sharpening Physical Assessment Skills).

In 2012, the Foundation approved 470 applications for $187,100.92. Since the Education Grant Program began in September 2006, the Foundation has approved 2330 applications for a total of $932,250.96 in grants, and distributed 66% of the approved funds.

Operating Room Grant

The Foundation’s Operating Room Grant Program was closed in February 2012 when funding was expended. The program began in 2008 with a $100,000 grant from the Alberta Government to fund Perioperative Nursing post-basic education for Licensed Practical Nurses. From July 30, 2008 and December 31, 2011, the Foundation approved 61 grant applications and distributed $100,611.83 of approved funds. Future funding requests for Perioperative Nursing are referred to the Education Grant Program.

You do the best with what you have. My LPN education and hands-on care orientation has been

instrumental in generating the adaptability required in Africa.

Tina Wiebe, LPNCARE, Volume 26, 3rd Edition, Fall 2012

It costs nothing, takes no time, only a conscious

commitment to respectful treatment of each other and

our workforce. It’s time…

Executive MessageCARE, Volume 26, 4th Edition, Winter 2012

We believe in a personhood approach, you always see the person first – they may have a medical diagnosis, but they

are always people first.

Michelle Carew, LPNDirector of Care and Building Manager,

Lifestyles OptionsCARE, Volume 26, 2nd Edition, Summer 2012


The Continuing Competency Program (CCP) is a formal system mandated by the Health Professions Act (HPA) for assessing, monitoring, and reporting on the knowledge, skills, critical thinking

and clinical judgment by today’s professional health care provider. In our evolving health care system, professionals must continually enhance and expand their knowledge and skills to maintain a level of competence commensurate with their role. The CCP promotes ongoing safe, ethical, competent, lifelong practice, and offers today’s Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) opportunities to pursue and achieve professional growth throughout their careers. With advancements in technology and web-based learning, LPNs can participate in lifelong learning anywhere at any time.

Annual Participation

LPNs assess, maintain, and/or enhance competence on an ongoing basis using the tools of the CCP, which include the Competency Profile, Standards of Practice, and Self-Assessment Tool. Members self-reflect on their professional practice and develop learning goals for the next year through a self-directed, job-specific or desired learning outcome. Annual submission of a Learning Plan with a minimum of two mandatory learning objectives is necessary for Registration Renewal. The annual CCP process has been in effect since 2003.

The online Registration Renewal process allows members to submit a specific Learning Plan. Throughout the year, members can access their Learning Plan on a secure member profile to review and update as necessary. During annual Registration Renewal, members identify whether they completed their Learning Plan from the previous year and, if they did not, they identify why and state alternate learning.

Validation

The Continuing Competency Program Validation (CCPV) process confirms commitment to the CCP through verification of learning completed in the past two years. The CCPV provides an opportunity, through self-assessment, reflection, and/or peer review, to measure the transfer of learning into behavior and the impact the learning has on professional practice.

The 2012 CCPV launched on June 14, 2012. Approximately 20% of

eligible membership was chosen to participate (1420 LPNs). Of the selected LPNs, 15% (1089) were chosen for Basic Validation, which includes completion of the online CCPV review, and 5% (331) were chosen for Full Validation, which includes the online CCPV review and paper submission of verification of learning.

During the second year of using an online format, participation increased significantly as more members became familiar with technology and the process. There was fifty percent decrease in CCPV materials sent by mail to members without an email address.

Practice support continues for members who require support on use of the online system, as well as those who are unclear on what to report for their learning, educational activities, verification documents, and professional commitment to CCP. The increased percentage of practice inquiries related to CCPV correlates to increased CLPNA membership. Over 300 more members were chosen for validation in 2012 compared to 2011.

Overall completion results for 2012 show compliance rates on par with 2011.

While non-compliance rates rose slightly in 2012, the overall percentage in the last three years is consistent. Anyone who is considered non-compliant with CCPV at year end when their practice permit expires is not eligible for registration renewal and their practice permit is suspended until CCPV requirements have been satisfied. Members who do not complete the CCPV process and are found practicing without a valid practice permit, are referred to conduct for disciplinary action.

ContInuInG CoMpetenCy pRoGRAM

201010% member participation

(350 LPNs)


(1089 LPNs)

Complete 96.0% 97.0% 96%

Incomplete 1.0% 0.5% 0.8%

Non-Compliant 2.0% 1.6% 2.3%

Exemption 1.0% 0.5% 0.4%

Retirement 1.0% 0.4% 0.6%


(1420 LPNs)


pRACtICe

The CLPNA provides practice consultation to members, students, employers, government and other health care stakeholders. Through consultation, the CLPNA notes that LPN practice opportunities

continue to expand, with increased inquires in self-employment, immunization, clinic nursing, corrections, post-partum, neonatal intensive care, supportive living and continuing care. The Practice Department responded to 4164 inquiries in 2012, an increase of 17% from 2011 and 35% from 2010. Practice issues including continuing competence, professionalism (i.e., communication skills, workload, fitness to practice, hour requirements, etc.) and scope of practice clarity account for the majority of the inquiries.

CLPNA continues to meet web-based education requests since 2011 in addition to face-to-face professional practice sessions. Employers, managers, clinical educators and members routinely seek information about documentation standards, scope of practice, leadership, registration, accountability and responsibility. We also joined our nursing college partners for collaborative practice presentations at several joint initiative nursing projects for clarity on scope of practice, regulations and restricted activities.

In addition, CLPNA offers student orientation services through webinar to practical nursing students across Alberta prior to completing the nursing program. This education provides information on regulations, scope of practice, Continuing Competency Program, national examination and new graduate registration. These informative sessions provide students the opportunity to connect directly with CLPNA.

New Policy Framework Launched

An innovative Policy Framework developed by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) in 2012 sets a new standard in guiding Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practice in Alberta. The documents created under this Framework support the three principles of self-regulation: promote good practice, prevent poor practice, and intervene in unacceptable practice.

Four papers based on the Framework were released and more are in development. The new documents include a Practice Policy, Personal Declaration for Registration Requirements; and Supporting Documents: Duty to Report, Fitness to Practice and Incapacity, and Preventing Nurse-to-Client Transmission of Blood-Borne Virus and Other Communicable Diseases.

As required by the Framework, documents are evidence-based scholarly papers that clearly reference specific sections of legislation, regulation, by-law and case-law. Six different types of documents can be produced under the Framework depending on the type of guidance needed: Policy, Practice Guideline, Interpretive Document, FACT Sheet, Position Statement, or Discussion Paper. The project will also result in a migration of current CLPNA Practice Statements and policy documents to the new Framework.

Grant Funding for Occupational Health & Safety Projects

CLPNA received grant funding from Alberta Human Services for Occupational Health & Safety (OH & S) Program Development and Research to increase knowledge and awareness for LPNs in relation to safe workplace practices. With this grant funding, CLPNA highlighted OH & S principles and their effect on health care workers and LPNs through articles and advertising in CARE magazine. The grant also contracted a subject matter expert to speak at our Spring Conference in 2012 on the hazards associated with horizontal hostility or intimidation that nurses experience in the workplace. Lastly, a Practice Guideline for addressing co-worker abuse in the workplace is underway to further communicate an anti-bullying message to our members, managers, stakeholders and others.


CoMMunICAtIonS

TV Ads & Web Video

The CLPNA engaged in several major media campaigns in 2012 to highlight the value and role of the Licensed Practical Nurse. Two television ad campaigns and a shareable web video reinforce to the public and health care managers a strong message about the competent, committed care LPNs deliver throughout health care every day.

Each set of four television ads were broadcast for four weeks in May and the second set in November on Alberta’s GlobalTV news hours, and on US Cable Networks such as A&E, CNN, TLC, Spike and Peachtree. On GlobalTV alone, six million impressions were received during each campaign. For the November ads, the CLPNA held a successful casting call to find representative Alberta LPNs who could best articulate their passion for the profession. All ads are available on CLPNA’s YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/clpna.

“LPNs: The Practical Solution” web video is aimed helping healthcare managers understand the value of the LPN. Launched May 7 to members, employers and stakeholders, the video is available to view and share at www.clpna.com/practicalsolution.

Communications Survey

Nearly 1100 LPNs participated in the CLPNA’s members-only “5 Minute Communications Survey” in September and shared their likes, insights and hundreds of comments.

Several major insights arose from the Survey in the areas of social media, TV ads, web video, CARE magazine, and website usage. LPN use of social media continues to climb with increased use of Twitter and YouTube accounts. November’s TV ads were appreciated more than the May campaign, but most highly rated was the “LPNs: The

Practical Solution” web video. CARE magazine readership continued to be consistently high. Members were very satisfied, as well, with the CLPNA’s primary website, www.clpna.com.

Magazine, Websites, and Social Media

The CLPNA’s quarterly magazine, CARE, published feature stories on collaboration in long-term care, LPNs in leadership roles, third-world nursing, and practical nurse education by distance. The digital version of CARE is now readable on iPhone and iPad, in addition to standard computer browsers at www.issuu.com/clpna. CARE (circulation 12,000) is distributed to LPNs, LPN employers, and stakeholders on paper and online at www.issuu.com/clpna.


The CLPNA’s primary website, www.clpna.com, continues to drive communication with members, employers and stakeholders. Visits and visitors each grew by 26% over 2011.

Participation continues to increase with CLPNA via social media. LinkedIn was added to Facebook (www.facebook.com/clpna), Twitter (www.twitter.com/clpna), YouTube (www.youtube.com/clpna) and Blog (blog.clpna.com). Due to the TV ads and web video, YouTube views reached a new high.

Additional websites are maintained by CLPNA for Spring Conference (www.clpnaconference.com), the “It Says a Lot About You” media campaign (www.saysalotaboutyou.com), and the Fredrickson-McGregor Education Foundation for LPNs (http://foundation.clpna.com).

2012 Spring Conference The annual CLPNA Spring Conference brought more than 350 LPNs and other health care professionals together to focus on the leadership required to positively impact healthcare. Program highlights included the CLPNA’s Annual General Meeting, keynote and abstract presentations, an evening Celebration and Awards Banquet, a healthcare Tradeshow and Silent Auction fundraiser. The Conference was held May 2-4, 2012 at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort in Edmonton.

Highlights included Alberta’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Fred Horne, bringing greetings from the province; an arm chair discussion on policy and healthcare in Alberta with Alberta Health Services and Alberta Ministry of Health; and keynotes by authors Kathleen Bartholomew, Michelle Cederberg and Ron Culberson.


Today’s practice environments need more than professionals who demonstrate competence on entry

to practice. We need dedicated professionals who maintain their

continuing competency and ongoing desire and will to make a difference, working with a system

that has the same goals.Executive Message

CARE, Volume 26, 3rd Edition, Fall 2012


FInAnCIAl HIGHlIGHtSCOLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF ALBERTA

The complete audited financial statements are available by contacting CLPNA at 780.484.8886.


STATEMENT OF FINANcIAL POSITION

As at December 31, 2012 2012 2011

ASSETS CURRENT Cash $ 658,080 $ 728,526 Cash held for restricted funds 243.839 255,467 Short-term investments 6,117,473 4,854,161 Accounts receivable 82,718 11,858 Goods and services tax recoverable 23,031 2,610 Prepaid expenses 162,890 67,433

7,288,031 5,920,055

INVESTMENTS RESTRICTED FOR ENDOWMENT FUND 3,132,645 3,027,326 Capital Assets 480,423 553,023

$ 10,901,099 $ 9,500,404

LIABILITIES CURRENT Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 392,568 $ 249,552 Deferred grant revenue 249,791 247,332 Prepaid registration fees 3,596,165 3,223,925

4,238,524 3,720,809

LEASE INDUCEMENT 127,688 150,904 4,366,212 3,871,713

NET ASSETS Unrestricted 1,801,689 944,258 Restricted net assets Endowment Fund 3,132,517 3,027,085 Refresher Bursary Fund 1,120,257 1,103,806 Capital Fund 480,424 553,023 Operating Room Nursing Specialty Education Fund - 519 Alberta Provider Directory Fund - -

6,534,887 5,628,691

$ 10,901,099 $ 9,500,404

Approved by the Council:

President

Council member


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - GENERAL FuND AND cAPITAL FuND

As at December 31, 2012 2012 2011

REVENUES Registration Fees Active $ 3,584,613 $ 2,790,848 Out of province assessment 91,467 67,620 Initial 40,075 32,425 Late 33,420 25,140 Reinstatement 14,350 14,200 Fines 16,750 14,000 Associate 21,625 13,825 License verification 10,248 10,999 Document fees 524 2,886 National examinations 315,120 219,190 Annual general meeting 198,172 149,174 Alberta Health and Wellness grant 98,725 298,648 Foreign Qualifications Recognition grant 84,976 170,676 International Educated Nurses Repatriation grant 136,064 - Labour Market Partnerships grant 247,420 82,225 Occupational Health and Safety grant 7,603 7,500 Continuing competency profile 49,620 47,100 Program fees 34,225 29,600 Advertising 25,171 32,257 Interest income 55,329 32,417 Miscellaneous 2,245 7,920

5,067,742 4,048,650

EXPENSES Administration Marketing 142,550 5,088 Rent and occupancy costs 181,815 177,209 Office and computer 174,988 133,694 Amortization of capital assets 137,855 220,608 Bank charges and interest 87,157 76,203 Postage 40,097 32,842 Professional fees 53,993 58,902 Telephone and utilities 27,765 28,914 Consulting fees 13,825 28,876 Printing 6,232 10,751 Travel 52,089 42,715 Jurisprudence project 13,149 - Alberta Health and Wellness 98,725 298,648 Foreign Qualifications Recognition 84,976 170,676 International Educated Nurses Repatriation 136,064 - Labour Market Partnerships 247,420 82,225 Occupational Health and Safety 7,603 7,500 Personnel Costs 1,276,654 1,185,710 Cost of Services 1,499,953 1,176,586

4,282,910 3,737,147

EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ 784,832 $ 311,503


STATEMENT OF chANGES IN NET ASSETS

As at December 31, 2012

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - ENDOwMENT FuND

As at December 31, 2012 2012 2011

REVENUES Investment income $ 95,250 $ 96,932 Unrealized gain (loss) on portfolio investments 121,889 (30,144) Gain on disposal of long-term portfolio investments 16,569 47,290

233,708 114,078

EXPENSES Brokerage fee 20,692 20,016 Donation to Fredrickson McGregor Education Foundation 107,584 89,530

128,276 109,546 EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ 105,432 $ 4,532

Unrestricted $ 944,258 $ 922,687 $ (65,256) $ 1,801,689

Capital Fund 553,023 (137,855) 65,256 480,424

Operating Room Nursing Specialty Education Fund 519 (519) - -

Endowment Fund 3,027,085 105,432 - 3,132,517

Refresher Bursary Fund 1,103,806 16,451 - 1,120,257

$ 5,628,691 $ 906,196 $ - $ 6,534,887

NET ASSETS AT

BEGINNING OF YEAR

Excess of revenue

over (under) expenses

Investmentin capital

assets

NET ASSETS AT END OF

YEAR

competent - committed - care

Learn what the Licensed Practical Nurse

can do for patients, organizations and the

healthcare team.

We are the practical solution to quality care.

Why areLicensed

Practical Nursesso valuable?

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www.CLPNA.com/PracticalSolution

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