September 17, 2024 | British Columbia

The healthcare system in Canada relies on various professionals who work together to provide high-quality care to patients. Two of the most prominent roles include the nurse's profession: Registered nurse (RN) vs. practical nurse (PN).

While both professions are integral to patient care, they differ in their scope of practice, education, responsibilities, and career progression. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone considering a career in nursing, particularly for those evaluating educational programs like the Practical Nursing Diploma offered by CDI College. 

What is a Practical Nurse? 

Practical nurses, also known as licensed practical nurses in some provinces, provide essential hands-on care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. Practical nurses work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers. 

The scope of a practical nurse's responsibilities typically includes: 

• Administering medications 
• Providing wound care 
• Monitoring patient conditions 
• Assisting with personal hygiene and daily living activities 
• Recording patient information and reporting changes to registered nurses or doctors 
• Supporting patients and families with emotional and educational assistance 

Practical nurses are crucial in ensuring that patients receive timely and compassionate care, particularly in long-term care settings. They often form strong, direct relationships with patients due to their hands-on approach. 

How to Become a Practical Nurse in Canada 

Becoming a practical nurse requires completing a practical nursing diploma from a recognized college, typically a two-year program that combines theoretical learning with practical clinical experience. These programs emphasize basic nursing skills, patient care, pharmacology, and anatomy. 

After completing the program, graduates must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Examination (REx-PN) developed for the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) to become licensed to practice as practical nurses. Additionally, they must register with their province's nursing regulatory body. Licensed practical nurses currently make $29/hour.* 

Steps to becoming a Practical Nurse: 

• Obtain a high school diploma, focusing on biology, chemistry, and health-related courses. 
• Complete a Practical Nursing Diploma from an accredited institution. 
• Pass the RExPN exam to earn your practical nursing license. 
• Register with the appropriate provincial or territorial nursing body. 

Registered Nurse vs. Practical Nurse: What's the Difference? 

The distinction between registered nurses and practical nurses goes beyond job titles; it involves differences in education, scope of practice, career advancement, and compensation. 

Education 

• Registered Nurses: Must complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 
• Practical Nurses: Complete a two-year diploma program in practical nursing. 

Scope of Practice 

• Registered Nurses: RNs have a broader scope of practice. They are responsible for developing care plans, performing advanced procedures, and taking leadership roles within the healthcare team. RNs can work independently or in collaboration with doctors. 
• Practical Nurses: PNs focus on providing hands-on care and performing routine tasks under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Their scope is narrower, and they are typically involved in basic patient care. 

Career Progression 

• Registered Nurses: RNs can pursue advanced degrees and specializations (e.g., nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists). They also have more opportunities for leadership roles. 
• Practical Nurses: To transition from PN to RN, PNs usually complete an accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Some may waive part of the program due to experience. The process typically takes two to four years. 

What is a Registered Nurse? 

Registered nurses are healthcare professionals who play a critical role in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. They often serve as the primary point of contact between patients and the healthcare system, working in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and long-term care facilities.

Registered Nurses have the expertise to manage more complex patient care scenarios, work independently, and make critical decisions in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare providers. This broader scope of practice, responsibility, and education reflects this profession’s comparably high remuneration. 

Their responsibilities include: 

• Conducting comprehensive health assessments 
• Administering medications and treatments 
• Educating patients and families on health management 
• Developing and implementing patient care plans 
• Supervising and mentoring other healthcare staff, including practical nurses

Due to their extensive training, registered nurses can specialize in areas like pediatrics, critical care, oncology, or public health, expanding their career options and earning potential. registered nurses generally earn higher salaries compared to practical nurse, reflecting their higher level of education and broader scope of practice. 
 

How to transition from Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse 

For practical nurses, taking the next step in their career means transitioning to the role of registered nurse. To become a registered nurse in Canada, individuals must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years. This program covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, pharmacology, mental health, and clinical practice. 

After completing their degree, graduates must pass the (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license. Once licensed, registered nurses can start practicing in their chosen settings. 

Steps to becoming a Registered Nurse: 

• Obtain a high school diploma with strong grades in subjects like biology, chemistry, and math. 
• Complete a BSN program from an accredited university. 
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam. 
• Obtain registration with the provincial or territorial regulatory body where you intend to practice. 

Practical Nursing Diploma at CDI College 

For those interested in becoming practical nurses, the Practical Nursing Diploma program at CDI College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. 

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical placements, allowing students to gain practical experience in real-world healthcare settings. In addition to developing technical skills, students also learn essential communication and teamwork skills necessary for providing patient-centered care. 

Key features of CDI College’s Practical Nursing Diploma Program: 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The Practical Nursing Diploma program at CDI College covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-child nursing. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills. 
• Clinical Training: Students gain hands-on experience through 475 hours of clinical placements and 180-hour preceptorship in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. This allows students to apply their classroom learning in real-world scenarios, under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals. 
• Modern Facilities: CDI College provides a supportive learning environment, with access to experienced instructors, top-notch facilities, and resources to help students succeed. 
• Career Services: CDI College also offers career services to assist graduates in finding employment after completing the program. 
• Recognized: The Practical Nursing Diploma program at CDI College is recognized by the BCCNM.
• Additional Certifications: Upon graduating, students will receive valuable industry-relevant certifications, including WHMIS and First Aid Level 1. 

Graduates of CDI College’s program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and confident practical nurses, ready to make a positive impact in healthcare. CDI College’s practical nursing graduates have achieved 92% Pass Rate on the REx-PN 2023 Exam.

With this result, our students have surpassed the overall BC average of 91.68%. This success is a shining example of their hard work and the unwavering support from our instructors. We are immensely proud of our practical nursing cohort's achievements. 

The REx-PN exam plays a vital role in shaping the future of practical nursing in British Columbia and Ontario. Developed in collaboration with the BCCNM, the CNO, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this exam ensures that newly licensed nurses are well-prepared and competent to provide high-quality care. 

Current and Future Demand for Nurses in Canada 

The demand for both Registered Nurses and Practical Nurses in Canada is high and expected to grow in the coming years.** Several factors contribute to this demand. As Canada's population ages, there is an increasing need for healthcare services, particularly in long-term care and home care settings.

Both RNs and PNs play essential roles in meeting the needs of elderly patients. In order to cope with this challenge, the healthcare sector will have to expand which creates more opportunities for both practical and registered nurses. 

Additionally, Canada, like many other countries, already faces a shortage of nurses. This shortage is driven by factors such as retirements, an aging workforce, and increased healthcare demands. Efforts to address this shortage include expanding nursing education programs and recruiting internationally trained nurses. 

Another reason why practical and registered nurses are already – and will continue to be – in high demand is advancements in medical technology and treatments. Medical innovations require skilled nursing professionals to implement and manage new techniques and equipment. This trend increases the need for both practical and registered nurses who are trained in the latest healthcare practices. 

Conclusion 

Both registered nurses and practical nurses play vital roles in Canada's healthcare system, offering unique contributions to patient care. While registered nurses have a broader scope of practice and require more extensive education, practical nurses are essential in providing hands-on care and forming strong relationships with patients.

As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise in Canada, both practical nurses and registered nurses will remain in high demand, making nursing a promising and secure career choice for the future. Whether you choose to become a registered nurse or a practical nurse, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives makes this profession deeply rewarding. 

Enrol Now at CDI College’s Practical Nursing Program 

If you are interested in a nursing career but looking for a quicker path to employment, the role of a practical nurse can be a fulfilling and rewarding choice. CDI College’s Practical Nursing Diploma offers a robust program that prepares students for the demands of practical nursing while providing the knowledge and skills to succeed in this essential field. 

* https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/4383/ca 

**https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/4383/ca