Competency Profile for the Saskatchewan Association of
Licensed
Practical Nurses Copyright © Government of Alberta (Canada)
2015
Copyright and Terms of Use This material, including copyright and
marks under the Trade-marks Act (Canada), is owned by the
Government of Alberta and protected by law.
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of Alberta. For information with respect to permission or licensing
contact:
Executive Director Health Human Resource Planning & Strategy
Branch Professional Services & Health Benefits Division Alberta
Ministry of Health 10th floor, ATB Place North Tower 10025 Jasper
Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3 Phone: 780-415-2749 Fax:
780-415-1094
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ability to use this material.”
ii
Introduction
Purpose of the Profile
This Profile describes the competencies within the Scope of
Practice of LPNs in Saskatchewan.
There are many stakeholders who will use the document, for a
variety of purposes:
• It is a practical tool for use by educators to aid in the design
and maintenance of educational programs and curriculum
development;
• Licensed Practical Nurses use the Profile throughout their career
as they plan and review their professional and career
development;
• Employers and managers rely on the Profile for performance
management and appraisal, continuing education, and policy/
procedure/ role development;
• Members of the public, other health care professionals,
governments, internationally educated professionals and other
stakeholders may use the Profile to obtain guidance regarding the
practice and competencies of LPNs.
The competency profile is not intended to serve as a job
description, policy manual, or a
legislative practice document.
Living Document
The Profile is not inclusive of all potential competencies required
of LPNs in Saskatchewan and
is meant to be a “living document.” The Profile will evolve and
change as nursing practice,
environment and technology change. Over time, the Competency
Profile will be updated as
necessary.
Correction of errors;
Recognition of new uses for the Competency Profile.
Legislative Authority
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) profession in Saskatchewan is
regulated by the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical
Nurses (SALPN). The purpose of professional regulation is to
protect the public from risk and reduce harm to those a profession
serves. LPNs are regulated since the service LPNs provide can pose
a risk to the public if performed incompetently, unethically, or by
unqualified individuals.
The SALPN has been delegated the authority to regulate the
practical nursing profession by the Government of Saskatchewan
through The Licensed Practical Nurses Act, 2000.
This SALPN Competency Profile provides comprehensive detail of the
basic competencies, additional competencies, and specialized areas
of practice that practical nurses are authorized to perform and
apply. Contact the SALPN
[email protected] if you require further
clarification.
iii
The SALPN Regulatory Bylaws state the following:
19. All members shall ensure that they work within their
educational preparation, level of
competence and scope of practice and comply with the standards of
practice set out in the
Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses approved and
adopted by Canadian
regulatory agencies as of April 1, 2013.
20. All members shall conduct themselves in an honorable and
ethical manner, upholding
the values of truth, honesty, and trustworthiness, and shall
observe the standards of
conduct set out in the Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses
in Canada, approved
and adopted by Canadian Regulatory Agencies as of April 1,
2013.
Practice Guidelines and other references, such as the Competency
Profile, are provided to assist
the LPN with practicing in accordance to the Licensed Practical
Nurses Act and SALPN
Regulatory Bylaws.
a. the public to provide safe, competent, and ethical care
b. their employer to work within role descriptions and policies and
procedures
c. the SALPN to comply with the Code of Ethics and Standards of
Practice.
LPNs are responsible to ensure competence in practice;
LPNs are responsible to ensure that their nursing knowledge is
current, and that they
possess the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, critical
thinking, attitudes, and
clinical judgment to fulfill their role;
LPNs are responsible to identify when they require assistance, or
when an assignment
or situation is beyond their individual or professional scope of
practice, competency
level, education, or consultation is not available;
LPNs are responsible to ensure fitness to practice ensuring they
have the necessary
physical, mental, and emotional capacity to practice safely and
competently;
LPNs are required to maintain appropriate licensure status
o Practicing
o Non-practicing certification;
LPNs are required to enhance competence, fulfilling an annual
obligation of
continuing education;
LPNs are responsible to maintain practice hours and meet the
regulatory requirement
of 1250 registered working hours per five-year period.
iv
Competencies
After graduation from an approved Practical Nursing program and
successful completion of the
Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE), registrants are
entry-level practitioners.
They can be expected to practice in accordance with the
“Entry-to-Practice Competencies for
Licensed Practical Nurses”. The Entry-to-Practice competencies can
be found on the SALPN
website at:
http://www.salpn.com/images/Member/Entry_Practice_Comps/IJLPN_Entry_to_Practice.pdf
Entry level (Basic) competencies, taught in the basic program, are
included in the SALPN
Competency Profile and are indicated in regular text. Entry level
competencies have been
validated to be contained in the foundational Practical Nursing
program in Saskatchewan offered
by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
ability beyond that provided in the Practical Nursing program.
Competencies obtained in this
manner are referred to as Additional Competencies. The additional
competencies in the
Competency Profile are supported by the foundational knowledge base
in the Practical Nursing
program. These competencies are indicated in the Competency Profile
with grey shading.
Additional competencies obtained by the LPN must be supported by
foundational practical
nursing knowledge and applied for the purposes of providing care,
promoting health and
preventing illness to be compliant with the Licensed Practical
Nurses Act. LPNs can develop
expertise in an area of practice; however continuing education and
additional competencies
enhance competence within the LPN professional designation
only.
The individual scope of practice or individual competencies of each
LPN are unique and
influenced by nursing experience, continuing education,
professional development, attitude, and
utilization in employment. The individual scope of practice cannot
exceed the professional scope
of practice as determined by legislation.
LPNs will, in most circumstances, advance from Novice to Expert
(see Appendix) during their
practice through mentorship, work experience, and socialization in
the nursing profession.
Factors such as advances in medical technology, presentation of new
evidence in best practice,
changes in patient demographics, and promotion of lifelong
professional learning, provides
meaningful enhancements to the knowledge-base and expertise of the
practicing LPN.
Professional competencies are inter-related, therefore, no
individual section in the Profile
can be considered in isolation of another.
Specialized areas of LPN practice exist in Saskatchewan and are
encompassed within the
SALPN Regulatory Bylaws. For information regarding the specialized
areas of practice, please
reference the SALPN Practice Guidelines at www.salpn.com.
LPN competencies are applied within the LPN context of practice.
Professionals must
collaboratively work together and support all other professionals
to utilize scope of practice
appropriately, and to provide safe, competent, and ethical
care.
A combination of three distinct factors comprise the LPN context of
practice and are explained
below.
Client Factors:
1. Complexity: The degree to which a client’s condition and/or
situation is
characterized or influenced by a range of variables (e.g., multiple
medical
diagnoses, impaired decision- making ability, challenging family
dynamics).
2. Predictability: The extent to which a client’s outcomes and
future care
requirements can be anticipated.
3. Risk of negative outcome(s): The likelihood that a client will
experience a
negative outcome as a result of the client’s health condition or as
a response
to treatment.
LPNs can autonomously care for clients who are less complex, more
predictable and at
lower risk for negative outcomes. The more complex the care
requirements, the less
predictable and the higher risk for negative outcomes, increases
the need for consultation
and collaboration with other health professionals. In this
situation, the LPN provides care
in the team setting. As the need for consultation increases due to
patient complexity,
unpredictability and higher risk for negative outcomes, the
additional support must be available
for ongoing assessment and support and may be required to provide
the full spectrum of care.
Nurse Factors:
The factors that affect an LPN’s ability to provide safe and
ethical care to a given client
include experience, leadership, decision-making and
critical-thinking skills. Other factors
include the application of knowledge, knowing when and how to apply
knowledge to make
evidence-based decisions, and having the required resources
available to consult as needed.
Upon completing entry-level education, LPNs continue to develop
their knowledge and skills
as they gain experience. They also build on their education to
develop and maintain the specific
competencies required to meet the needs of clients in their areas
of practice. If an LPN changes
areas of practice, they may need to refresh competencies or develop
new competencies.
Identifying the practice expectations within these key areas can
help nurses make decisions
within the provision of care.
An LPN seeks consultation with another health care professional
when a situation demands
vi
expertise that is beyond their individual competence. Consultation
involves seeking advice or
information from a more experienced or knowledgeable nurse or
another health care
professional. The amount of consultation required is determined by
the complexity of the client,
care needs, the nurse’s individual competence and scope of
practice. The practice setting
influences the availability and accessibility of these consultation
resources.
LPNs must be clear when consulting and determine an appropriate
course of action. Unless a
decision is made to transfer care, the LPN seeking consultation
retains accountability for the
client’s care, including actions, decision making, or lack
thereof.
Consultation results in one of the following:
a) The LPN receives advice and continues to care for the
client
b) The LPN transfers an aspect or aspects of care to the
consultant, or
c) The LPN transfers all aspects of the client’s care to the
consultant.
When any care is transferred from one nurse to another nurse or
professional, the
accountability for that care must also be transferred.
Environmental Factors:
stability/predictability of the environment. Practice supports and
consultation resources support
LPNs in clinical decision-making. There may be an impact upon the
stability of the
environment when large volumes of patient turnover occur.
There is a correlation between environmental stability and the need
for ongoing consultation
and collaboration. The less available the practice supports and
consultation resources are, the
greater the need for more in-depth nursing competencies and skills
in the area of clinical
practice, decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, research
utilization and resource
management.
vii
Acknowledgement
The Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses would
like to acknowledge the
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) for their
assistance and permission to
utilize their Competency Profile. The CLPNA’s support and expertise
has been immensely
valuable throughout this development process.
The SALPN would like to acknowledge the many individuals who
participated in the
development of the original and revised competency document for
LPNs. The process involved
consultation with individuals, groups, and numerous LPN focus
groups. The participants
represented health authorities, private employers, clinical nurse
educators, nurse managers, nurse
leaders and licensed practical nurses from across the
province.
Thank you to everyone involved for the time, expertise, attention
to detail, and commitment to
creating this document. The result of this inclusive process is a
Competency Profile that will
guide LPN practice in Saskatchewan.
SALPN Contact
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
700A- 4400 4th Ave
Regina, SK S4T 0H8
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.salpn.com
Accountability: The obligation to answer for the professional,
ethical, and legal
responsibilities of one’s activities and actions and or
inactions.
Act: A written ordinance made by a parliament or legislative
body.
Acuity: The degree of severity of a client’s condition and/or
situation.
Advocate: To actively support a cause; to support others in
speaking for themselves or
to speak on behalf of a group or on behalf of those who cannot
speak for themselves.
Client: The client is the person or persons with whom the nurse is
engaged in a professional
therapeutic relationship. The client may include a family member of
and/or substitute decision-
makers for the individual client. The client may also be a family,
group, entire community or
population. In some settings, other terms may be used such as
patient, resident, or health care
consumer.
Client-Centered Care: An approach in which clients are viewed as
whole persons; it is not
merely about delivering services where the client is located.
Client centered care involves
advocacy, empowerment, and respecting client’s autonomy, voice,
self-determination, and
participation in decision-making.
Clinical Judgment: Reasoning processes that rely on critical
thinking to reflect the complex,
intuitive and conscious thinking strategies used to make nursing
decisions.
Collaboration: Working together with one or more members of the
health care team, each of
whom makes a unique contribution toward achieving a common goal.
Collaboration is an
ongoing process that requires effective communication between the
members of the health care
team and a clear understanding of the roles of the individuals
involved in the collaboration
process. Nurses collaborate with clients, other nurses, and other
members of the heath care team
in the interest of client care.
Community: A group of people living in one place, neighborhood or
district, or sharing
common characteristics/interests which bind them together, or
having common health needs. The
term community (when used to describe a client) does not mean
providing care to an individual
in the community. Nursing practice aimed at the community as a
client involves assisting
communities to identify, articulate and successfully manage its
health concerns. It is collective or
common good, instead of an individual’s health.
Community-based Nursing: Nursing care directed toward a specific
population or
group within the community, defined by the “philosophy of the
practice” rather than the
physical setting. Care may be provided to individuals or groups,
and is designed to meet
the needs of people as they move between and among health care
settings.
ix
Compassion: A multi-dimensional concept consisting of three key
elements:
recognizing another person’s suffering, empathizing with that
person’s pain, and acting
in a way to ease the suffering.
Competence: The ability to integrate and apply the knowledge skills
and judgment required to
practice safely and ethically in a designated role and practice
setting and includes both entry
level and continuing competency.
practice safely and ethically in a designated role and
setting.
Competencies: Statements describing the expected performance that
reflects the
integration of knowledge, skills, judgment, and professional
attributes required in a
given nursing role, situation, or practice setting.
Complexity: The degree to which a client’s condition and/or
situation is characterized or
influenced by a range of variables (e.g., multiple medical
diagnoses, impaired decision- making
ability, challenging family dynamics).
Consultation: Seeking advice or direction for a more experienced or
knowledgeable nurse, or
other health professional. The clients care needs, the nurses job
description, and the nurse’s
individual competence, influence both the amount of consultation
required and who to involve in
the consultations. The resources available in the practice
environment influence the opportunity
for consultation.
Context of Care: Conditions or factors that affect the practice of
nursing, including client
population (e.g., age, diagnostic grouping), location of practice
setting (e.g., urban, rural), type
of practice setting and service delivery model (e.g., acute care,
community), level of care
required (complexity, predictability, and risk of negative
outcomes), staffing (number,
competencies); and availability of other resources (practice and
consultation resources, and
stability and predictability of the environment).
Critical Thinking: Is an active and purposeful problem-solving
process requiring the nurse to
advance beyond the performance of skills and interventions and
provide care based on evidence-
informed practice. It involves identifying and prioritizing risks
and problems, clarifying and
challenging assumptions, checking for accuracy and reliability of
information, weighting
evidence, recognizing inconsistencies, evaluating conclusions and
adapting thinking.
Critical Inquiry: the process of exploring methods used to
construct nursing knowledge and
utilize evidence to inform clinical decision making.
Delegation: The transferring of responsibility for the performance
of an activity or task
while retaining accountability for the outcome.
Determinants of Health: The social, economic, environmental and
behavioral factors
that contribute to health status. Examples include income and
social status, social
x
physical environments, personal health practices and coping skills,
healthy child
development, biology and genetic endowment, health services,
gender, and culture.
Entry to Practice Competencies: competencies that describe the
knowledge skill, judgment and
attitude required of beginning practitioners to provide safe
competent and ethical nursing care.
Environmental Factors: all that is internal and external to the
person and is characterized by the
physical, spiritual, political, cultural, social, ethical,
technological and intellectual dimensions.
Individuals do not exist in insolation, but rather interact with
and relate to other individuals,
families and communities within a constantly changing society. As
such, they influence and are
influenced by the environment.
Evidence Informed Practice: Practice that is based on successful
strategies that improve
client outcomes and that are derived from a combination of various
sources of evidence,
including client perspective, research, national guidelines,
policies, consensus
statements, expert opinion, and quality improvement data.
Fitness to Practice: The qualities and capabilities of LPNs
relevant to their capacity to
practice safely. This includes, but is not limited to, freedom from
cognitive, physical,
psychological, or emotional conditions, or a dependence on alcohol
or drugs, that
impairs their ability to practice nursing safely and
effectively.
Inter-professional Team: the provision of comprehensive health
services to clients by multiple
health professionals who work collaboratively to deliver quality
care with and across settings.
Leadership: The process of influencing people to accomplish common
goals. The
attributes of leadership include self-awareness, commitment to
individual growth, ethical
values and beliefs, presence, reflection and foresight, advocacy,
integrity, intellectual
energy, being involved, being open to new ideas, having confidence
in one’s own
capabilities, and a willingness to try to guide and motivate
others.
Leadership is not limited to formal leadership roles.
Manage: To oversee; administer; run.
Monitor: Constant checking on a patient’s condition, either
personally or by means of a
mechanical monitor; ongoing measurement of performance of a health
service.
Participate: To take part in. Participation is not an independent
act; the nurse works in
partnership with others. When participating, the nurse contributes
but is not the sole provider of
the services being delivered.
Perform: To carry out a procedure. Performing occurs after the
decision to carry out a procedure
has been made.
xi
Predictability: The extent to which a client’s outcomes and future
care requirements can be
anticipated.
Predictable Outcomes: Something that is easy to foresee or
anticipate, i.e., outcomes that
reasonably be expected to follow an anticipated path with respect
to timing and nature.
Recognize: Acknowledge the existence of; identify from
knowledge.
Research: Systematic inquiry that uses orderly scientific methods
to answer questions
or solve problems.
Responsibility: The characteristics of reliability and
dependability. It implies an ability
to distinguish between right and wrong. Responsibility includes a
duty to perform
actions adequately and thoughtfully.
Scope of Practice: Health care professionals optimizing the full
range of their roles,
responsibilities and functions that they are educated, competent,
and authorized to perform.
Self-reflective Nursing Practice: The nurse purposefully recalls
and examines situations or
actions that have occurred in the past to discover its purpose or
meaning (reflection-on-actions)
and examines her/his own behavior and that of others while in a
situation (reflection-in-action).
Reasoning processes that rely on critical are also important
dimensions of the nurse’s reflective
practice, as well as the systematic use of the nursing process to
invoke complex intuitive and
conscious thinking strategies that are part of all clinical
decision-making in nursing.
Spiritual: A concept that is unique to each individual, which
depends on a person’s
culture, development, life experiences, and beliefs and ideas about
life. It enables a
person to love; have faith and hope; seek meaning in life; and
nurture relationships with
others. It offers a sense of being connected intrapersonally,
interpersonally and with a
higher power.
Stakeholder: A person, group or organization that is invested in
the practice of
practical nursing and client health care. Examples include the
public, nurses, other
health care providers, employers, and educators
Therapeutic Nurse-client Relationship: A professional relationship
that ensures the client’s
needs are first and foremost. The relationship is based on trust,
respect, and intimacy, and
requires the appropriate use of the power inherent in the LPNs
role. The professional relationship
between the nurse and clients is based on a recognition that
clients (or designates) are in the best
position to make decisions about their lives when they are active
and are informed participants in
the decision-making process.
Unpredictable Outcomes: Are client health outcomes that cannot
reasonably be expected
to follow an anticipated path with respect to timing and
nature.
xii
Unregulated Care Providers: Paid providers who are neither
registered nor licensed
by a regulatory body. They have no legally defined scope of
practice. Unregulated care
providers may not have mandatory education or practice standards.
Unregulated care
providers include health care aides, care attendants, home support
workers, community
health representatives among others.
Values: The beliefs about the shared worth or importance of what is
desired and
esteemed within the Practical Nursing profession that practical
nurses strive to uphold.
REFERENCES:
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba (2016). Entry
Level Competencies for the Licensed Practical
Nurse in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB. Author
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia (2012).
Continuing Competency Profile for Licensed Practical
Nurses of Nova Scotia. Halifax, NS. Author
Canadian Nurses Association (2012). Staff mix: Decision-making
framework for quality nursing care. Ottawa,
ON: Author.
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC (2015). Scope of
practice for Licensed Practical Nurses. Burnaby,
BC: Author.
College of Nurse of Ontario (2008). Practice guideline for the
utilization of RNs and RPNs.
Toronto, ON: Author.
College of Nurses of Ontario (2011). RN and RPN practice: The
client, the nurse and the environment. Toronto,
ON: Author.
College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia and the College of
Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia. (2012).
Guidelines: Effective utilization of RNs and LPNs in a
collaborative practice environment. Halifax, NS: Author.
Licensed Practical Nurses Association of Prince Edward Island, the
Association of Registered Nurses of Prince
Edward Island, & PEI Health Sector Council (n.d.). Exemplary
care: Registered nurses and licensed practical
nurses working together. PEI: Author.
Lillibridge, J., Axford, R., and Rowley, G. (2000). The
contribution of nurses’ perceptions and actions in defining
scope and stabilizing professional boundaries of nursing practice.
Collegian, 7(4), 35-39.
Monitoring. (n.d.) Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary(2012).
Recognize. (n.d.) Oxford Disctionaries (2016).
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2006). Client Centered
Care Practice Guideline. Toronto. ON: Author.
View the Specialized Areas of Practice Practice Guideline for more
information.
xiii
Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan – Competency Profile
Table of Contents
page
A2: Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice
............................................................................
3
A3: Professional Standards of Practice
..........................................................................................
4
A4: Professional Ethics
..................................................................................................................
5
A6: Professional Boundaries
..........................................................................................................
9
A8: Professional Development
....................................................................................................
11
D: Nursing Process
..............................................................................................
35
E2: Protective Equipment
............................................................................................................
45
E4: Client
Safety..........................................................................................................................
48
Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan – Competency Profile
Table of Contents
page
F1: Effective Communication
.....................................................................................................
52
F4: Health Teaching and Coaching
.............................................................................................
55 F5: Legal Protocols, Documenting and
Reporting.......................................................................
56
F6: Accept, Transcribe and Initiate Orders
..................................................................................
57
F7: Conflict Management
............................................................................................................
58
G: Nursing Practice
.............................................................................................
59
G3: Time Management
................................................................................................................
62
G6:
Nutrition/Hydration...............................................................................................................
65
G9A: Basic Foot Care
.....................................................................................................................
68
G10: Basic Wound Care
................................................................................................................
73 G11: Advanced Wound Care
.........................................................................................................
75 G12 Phlebotomy for the Purpose of Drawing Blood
...................................................................
78 G13: Client Centered Care
.............................................................................................................
79 G14: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
...........................................................................
80 G15: Post Mortem Care
.................................................................................................................
81
H: Respiratory Care
............................................................................................
83 H1: Airway Management
.............................................................................................................
84 H2: Oxygen Therapy
...................................................................................................................
85 H3: Suctioning
.............................................................................................................................
86 H4: Respiratory Interventions
......................................................................................................
87 H5: Tracheostomy Care
...............................................................................................................
88 H6: Chest Tubes
..........................................................................................................................
89
I: Surgical
............................................................................................................
91 I1: Surgical Nursing
...................................................................................................................
88
I2: Surgical Nursing Interventions
.............................................................................................
89
I3: Endoscopy
............................................................................................................................
91
xv
Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan – Competency Profile
Table of Contents
page
K: Neurological/Neurosurgical
.........................................................................
101
K3: Managing C-Spine
..............................................................................................................
105
L: Cardiovascular
..............................................................................................
107
M: Maternal/Newborn Care
................................................................................
113
M1: Maternal/Newborn Nursing
...................................................................................................
114
M2: Prenatal Care
.........................................................................................................................
115
M4: Assist with Managing Labor
.................................................................................................
118
M5: Assist with Delivery
..............................................................................................................
119
M6: Neonatal Resuscitation
........................................................................................................
. 120
M8: Post-Partum Care
................................................................................................................
. 123
M9: Newborn Care
.....................................................................................................................
. 125
N3: Pediatric Pain Management
.................................................................................................
131
O: Mental Health and Addiction
......................................................................
133
O1: Mental Health and Addiction Care
......................................................................................
134
O2: Mental Health and Addiction Assessment and Intervention
................................................ 136
O3: Aggressive Behavior
...........................................................................................................
139
P: Emergency Care
...........................................................................................
141
P1: Emergency Nursing
.............................................................................................................
142
Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan – Competency Profile
Table of Contents
page
Q3: Cognitive Care
....................................................................................................................
152
Q4: Dementia Care
....................................................................................................................
154
R: Palliative Care
..............................................................................................
159
R2: Physical Changes
................................................................................................................
161
R4: Post Mortem Care
...............................................................................................................
164
S: Rehabilitation
................................................................................................
165
T1: Knowledge of Community Based Care
..............................................................................
170
T2: Nursing Process and Community Based Care
....................................................................
172
T3: Health Promotion
................................................................................................................
174
T4: Client Services
....................................................................................................................
175
T6: Community Wellness
.........................................................................................................
178
T7: Clinic Nursing
.....................................................................................................................
180
T8: Case Management
...............................................................................................................
181
V1: Occupational Health and Safety Nursing
............................................................................
188
W: Medication Administration
.........................................................................
191
W2: Medication Preparation and Administration
.......................................................................
195
W3: Nitrous Oxide
......................................................................................................................
197
Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan – Competency Profile
Table of Contents
page
X3: Hypodermoclysis (HDC)
....................................................................................................
204
X7: Parenteral Nutrition
.............................................................................................................
210
Y2: Design and Delivery of Education
......................................................................................
213
Z: Peri-Operative Specialized Area of Practice
................................................ 216 Z1:
Authorization and
Standards................................................................................................
217 Z2: Knowledge and
Application......................................................................................
...........218 Z3: Knowledge and Application of Scrub
Role.........................................................................
219 Z4: Knowledge and Application of Circulating
Role........................................................
..........220 Z5: Knowledge and Application to the Anesthesia
Provider............................................ ..........221
Z5: Knowledge and Application of Pre-Operative
Phase.................................................
............224
AA:
AA1: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment in the Hemodialysis
Nursing Role...................... 228 AA2: Critical Thinking and
Clinical Judgment of the Dialysis
Client.................................. ...........230
Hemodialysis Specialized Area of Practice
................................................... 227
AA3: Initiation, Monitoring and Discontinuation of Dialysis
Treatment.............................. ...........232 AA4:
Understanding the Mechanics of Dialysis and Related
Equipment.......................... ...........233
BB:
BB1:
BB2:
BB3:
BB4: Application and Monitoring of
Traction...................................................................
............240
A: Professionalism
2 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Licensed
Practical Nurses
Act, 2000 and regulation of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
profession.
A-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of the
Saskatchewan
Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN) under the
Licensed
Practical Nurses Act, 2000:
continuing competence, investigation and discipline
establish, maintain and enforce standards of practice and code of
ethics
govern and regulate members in a manner that protects and serves
the public
provide direction to the practice of the profession
A-1-3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key components of
the SALPN
Regulatory Bylaws:
Date: January 16, 2017
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-2-1 Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of practice as outlined in
the Licensed
Practical Nurses Act, 2000.
A-2-2 Demonstrate understanding of the Licensed Practical Nurses
Act, 2000 LPN
Practice Definition:
of licensed practical nurses, for the purposes of providing
care, promoting health and preventing illness;
A-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge of the SALPN documents that guide and
interpret
LPN scope of practice.
Major Competency Area: A
4 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Canadian
Council for
Practical Nurse Regulators/Saskatchewan Association of Licensed
Practical
Nurses Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in
Canada:
professional accountability and responsibility
ethical practice
A-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles
that provide the
foundation on which the Standards of Practice were developed:
LPNs are self-regulating and accountable for providing safe,
competent,
compassionate, ethical care
in the delivery of nursing care
LPNs practice is client centered and includes individuals,
families, groups and
communities
LPN standards are broadly based and address variations in client
needs,
provider competencies, experience and environmental factors
LPN standards allow for growth in the profession to meet
changing
approaches, treatments and technologies within the healthcare
system
LPN standards encourage leadership through self-awareness and
reflection,
commitment to individual and professional growth, and promotion of
the best
possible service to the public
Major Competency Area: A
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 5
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-4-1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Canadian
Council for
Practical Nurse Regulators/Saskatchewan Association of Licensed
Practical
Nurses Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses in
Canada:
five ethical principles
o responsibility to public
o responsibility to client
o responsibility to profession
o responsibility to colleagues
o responsibility to oneself
A-4-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to align the Code of Ethics
to guide
practice and behavior with:
employer policies
legal requirements
A-4-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply ethical principles
to decision
making including:
personal beliefs and bias
6 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-4-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess and manage
ethical dilemmas
and seek assistance when necessary.
Major Competency Area: A
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 7
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-5-1 Demonstrate knowledge of legal accountability for one’s own
nursing
practice including:
o reasonable and prudent decisions
o avoiding issues of neglect or abandonment of care
arrive for work on time
inappropriate transfer/ termination of care
recognizing need for assistance or handoff of care
responsible for fitness to practice
o maintain physical, mental, emotional well being
duty to self-report to SALPN including:
o personal incapacity impairing fitness to practice
o criminal charges, guilty plea or verdict
o under investigation, subject of proceeding, discipline by another
regulator
A-5-2 Demonstrate knowledge and application of principles and
accountabilities
involved with self-regulation:
employer-work within role expectations, policies and
procedures
regulatory body-maintained standards and guidelines, ethical code,
scope of
practice, continuing competence
A-5-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to identify when assignment
of care is
beyond individual competence or outside scope of practice
including:
research evidence to guide practice
consult with inter-professional team
Competency: A-5 Page: 2
8 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-5-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply concepts of
professional
autonomy throughout practice including:
best practices and research
A-5-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to maintain confidentiality
with client,
colleagues, staff, team and organization including:
adhere to policy, procedures, guidelines, standards,
Legislation
identify breaches in confidentiality
recognize and manage risks
including:
develop and maintain personal health and wellness
provide non-judgmental, empathetic, compassionate care
establish and maintain therapeutic and professional
boundaries
support inter-professional team
Major Competency Area: A
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 9
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-6-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to effectively establish,
maintain and
manage professional boundaries including:
nurse-client, family and others
A-6-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize and maintain
appropriate
boundaries related to:
inappropriate physical contact
psychological abuse/disruptive behaviors
social media interactions
A-6-3 Demonstrate knowledge of risks associated with improper use
of social media
including:
undermine individual nursing careers
A-6-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize, intervene and
report
boundary violations of self or others.
Major Competency Area: A
10 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-7-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to maintain physical,
mental and
emotional health to ensure safe, competent and ethical
practice.
A-7-2 Demonstrate knowledge of components affecting fitness to
practice including:
addiction
cognition
A-7-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to take responsibility and
self-manage
fitness to practice to ensure client safety including:
participate in wellness activities
manage work-life balance
Major Competency Area: A
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 11
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
A-8-1 Demonstrate ability to adopt curiosity and initiative for
learning and
professional growth to facilitate transition from novice to expert
practitioner.
A-8-2 Demonstrate commitment to life-long learning through
accessing and
completing ongoing professional development including:
reflect and identify career options and pathways
attend workshops and conferences
participate in employer education
A-8-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to participate in
continuous quality
improvement and evidence informed changes to nursing practice
within the
employment setting.
A-8-4 Demonstrate commitment to participate in activities at a
local, regional,
provincial, professional and national level to promote health and
wellness
throughout the health system.
12 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
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View the Specialized Areas of Practice Practice Guideline for more
information.
B: Leadership
14 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout decision making in nursing practice.
B-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply leadership
theories throughout
nursing practice.
authenticity
collaboration
compassion/empathy
confidence
accountability
appearance
attitude
behavior
collaboration
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-1-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to model professionalism
including:
(cont’d)
self-reflective practice
work ethic
B-1-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess, reflect and
recognize own
strengths and limitations as a leader to achieve optimum personal
and
professional growth.
B-1-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assign, educate and
supervise
regulated provider/healthcare aide/unregulated provider/nursing
students
including:
ensure continuity of care
B-1-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess, influence and
effectively
manage change.
B-1-8 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to elicit support and
commitment from
others to achieve a common goal.
B-1-9 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess difficult
situations and
effectively manage conflict.
B-1-10 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to network, mentor and
support others.
B-1-11 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to follow appropriate
channels of
communication and reporting according to agency policy.
Major Competency Area: B
16 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-2-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry within a formal leadership role in nursing practice.
B-2-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply nursing care
delivery model,
policies and procedures of employer.
B-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to supervise a team and
assign client care
based on:
client needs
environmental supports
B-2-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide leadership in
establishment
and revision of goals, priorities and nursing intervention.
B-2-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to model exemplary
leadership practices
including:
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-2-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to organize and lead case
conferences,
meetings and report.
committee and task force involvement.
Major Competency Area: B
18 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry within the role of manager/administrator of an
organization.
B-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to lead and guide an
organization
including:
identify and model the vision, mission, values and goals
influence and mentor staff, colleagues, boards and others
involve staff and colleagues in decision making
lead, guide, participate in strategic planning
model leadership characteristics
organize and facilitate meetings
promote continuing competence opportunities
seek continual quality improvement
understand trends and necessary future changes
B-3-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to identify and manage
risks within an
organization including:
intervene effectively to prevent, eliminate or minimize risks
identify and address policy needs
implement education and support
involve external experts as necessary
Competency: B-3 Page: 2
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
B-3-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry in the human resource management role including:
career pathway development
team dynamics
B-3-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement prudent fiscal
management
as manager/administrator within an organization including:
align fiscal strategy with vision, mission, values and goals
assess, develop and manage budget
collect, analyze and report financial data
ensure a system of internal controls to safeguard resources
20 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
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Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 21
C: Nursing Knowledge
22 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-1-1 Identify the structures and functions of the body.
C-1-2 Describe the anatomical organization of the body.
C-1-3 Describe the cellular chemistry and organization of the
body.
C-1-4 Describe cellular functions: protein synthesis, cell division
and movement of
substances across the cell membrane.
C-1-5 Explain how cells are organized into tissue, organs and
systems of the body.
C-1-6 Identify the structure and explain the function of body
systems:
cardiovascular system
circulatory system
digestive system
endocrine system
genitourinary system
immune system
integumentary system
lymphatic system
musculoskeletal system
reproductive system
respiratory system
C-1-8 Describe the major body processes of:
homeostasis
metabolism
reproduction
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 23
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-2-1 Explain characteristics of micro-organisms and their role in
the transmission
of disease.
C-2-3 Describe and differentiate bacteria, viruses and fungi.
C-2-4 Describe the normal micro-organisms within the human
body.
C-2-5 Describe conditions for growth and transferability of
micro-organisms.
C-2-6 Explain the concept of asepsis.
C-2-7 Explain the principles of disease prevention and health
promotion.
C-2-8 Describe the concept of infection prevention and
control.
C-2-9 Explain the relationship between microbiology as it relates
to pharmacology.
Major Competency Area: C
24 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-3-1 Define pathophysiology as the science of physiological and
psychological
disease processes within the human body.
C-3-2 Identify and describe pathophysiological processes
including:
acute conditions/disorders
chronic conditions/disorders
C-3-3 Identify the etiology, pathophysiology and complications of
common health
problems for all body systems.
C-3-4 Describe body responses to disease including:
carcinogenesis
C-3-6 Explain types of trauma such as:
addictions
burns
fractures
hemorrhage
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-3-6 Explain types of trauma such as: (cont’d)
multisystem failure
C-3-7 Explain common medical management in relation to
pharmacology, surgery,
anesthesia and treatments.
Major Competency Area: C
26 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-4-1 Identify meanings of common prefixes, suffixes and root words
used in
reporting and documenting.
C-4-3 Use appropriate medical terminology in reporting and
documentation.
C-4-4 Apply agency policy regarding use of abbreviations and
medical terminology.
Major Competency Area: C
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 27
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-5-1 Explain theories of human growth and development across the
life span.
C-5-2 Describe the stages of growth and development across the life
span.
C-5-3 Describe significant physical, psychological, social,
cognitive, moral, spiritual
and cultural developments across the life span.
C-5-4 Describe how factors of environment, genetics, culture,
lifestyle, religion and
maturation influence growth and development.
C-5-5 Describe the process of learning across the life span.
C-5-6 Describe the stages of death, dying, grief and the grieving
process.
Major Competency Area: C
28 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-6-1 Describe the importance of nutrition to health and
recovery.
C-6-2 Identify the functions, major sources and daily requirements
for common
nutrients including:
carbohydrate
fat
fiber
minerals
protein
vitamins
C-6-3 Identify Canada’s Food Guide and/or special dietary
requirements for
healthy and chronic conditions across the life span.
C-6-4 Identify factors that affect nutrition and hydration.
C-6-5 Identify indicators of adequate and inadequate nutrition and
hydration.
C-6-6 Describe methods to assess nutrition and hydration status
including:
body mass index
C-6-7 Describe the purpose and elements of therapeutic diets/
dietary restrictions.
C-6-8 Identify when to consult with a dietician/nutritionist.
Major Competency Area: C
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 29
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-7-1 Define pharmacology.
C-7-2 Describe the process of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
across the
life span.
C-7-3 Identify classifications, generic and trade names of drugs
and appropriate
pharmacological resources.
assessment
the rights
C-7-7 Describe effects of drugs including:
adverse reaction
allergic reaction
therapeutic effects
Competency: C-7 Page: 2
30 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-7-9 Identify common systems of measurement in medication
administration.
C-7-10 Identify formulas to calculate medication dosages.
C-7-11 Differentiate between intentional and unintentional drug use
and
dependence.
C-7-14 Identify roles and responsibilities of inter-professional
team related to
pharmacology.
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 31
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-8-1 Describe fundamentals of nursing knowledge that encompass
human caring
related to arts, science and humanitarianism including:
experiences
phenomena
processes
comprehension
content
grammar
mechanics
organization
groups and communities:
interpersonal
professional
therapeutic
C-8-4 Identify foundational concepts of personal health and
wellness related to
individuals, groups and communities including:
addictions
32 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-8-5 Describe foundations of health and wellness of self and
others across the
lifespan:
environmental
psychological
physical
social
spiritual
C-8-6 Describe determinants of health and impact on individual
health and
wellness.
C-8-7 Understand foundations of psychology in relation to human
behavior and
development across the lifespan including:
behavior
psychological health and illness
C-8-8 Understand the concept of advocacy through promotion of
wellness behavior
and practices for:
C-8-9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundations of sociology related to
social behavior
and relationships across the lifespan:
social
biological
emotional
political
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-8-9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundations of sociology related to
social behavior
and relationships across the lifespan: (cont’d)
cultural
cognitive
spiritual
C-8-10 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply foundations of
sociology to
ethical nursing practice.
34 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
C-9-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry in validation and application of research:
applicability
relevance
trustworthiness
C-9-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement best practices
and research
into evidence informed practice.
C-9-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to participate in the
involvement of
clients, families and inter-professional team in formalized
research.
C-9-4 Demonstrate ability to collaborate with research team to
plan, conduct and
evaluate nursing research.
D: Nursing Process
36 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout health assessment.
D-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess client
considering multiple data
sources including:
current status
historical information
objective data
subjective data
D-1-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to identify primary and
secondary
sources of data.
D-1-4 Demonstrate knowledge of methods of data collection and
assessment tools.
D-1-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform a holistic
health assessment:
psychosocial
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-1-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform and interpret
vital signs and
other assessments including:
blood glucose level
pulse oximetry
D-1-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to relate assessment
findings to nursing
practice.
38 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-2-1 Demonstrate knowledge related to domains addressed in
development of
nursing diagnosis.
D-2-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to differentiate a nursing
diagnosis from
a medical diagnosis.
D-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry to generate nursing diagnosis using data from comprehensive
holistic
assessment:
research and validate components of client issues and
concerns
apply nursing diagnosis framework
D-2-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate nursing
diagnosis with
client, family and inter-professional team.
D-2-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to document nursing
diagnosis and
determine expected outcomes and plan.
D-2-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to compare actual outcomes
with
expected outcomes and review and modify plan of care based on
changing
needs.
D-2-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate, consult and
collaborate
with inter-professional team.
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 39
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout planning of care.
D-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to collaborate with the
client and family
throughout planning of care.
D-3-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to develop a plan of care
based on client
needs, priorities, expectations and values.
D-3-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to anticipate potential
barriers to
achieving plan of care.
D-3-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize best available
data, resources
and evidence to develop a plan of care.
D-3-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate and
collaborate with
inter-professional team throughout planning of care.
Major Competency Area: D
40 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-4-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout implementation of plan of care.
D-4-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to collaborate with client
and family
throughout implementation of plan of care.
D-4-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement a plan of care
based on
client needs, priorities, expectations and values.
D-4-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to anticipate potential
barriers to
implementation of plan of care.
D-4-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize best available
data, resources
and evidence throughout implementation of plan of care.
D-4-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate and
collaborate with
inter-professional team throughout implementation of plan of
care.
Major Competency Area: D
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 41
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
D-5-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout evaluation of plan of care.
D-5-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to collaborate with client
and family
throughout evaluation of plan of care.
D-5-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to evaluate plan of care
based on:
client needs, priorities, expectations and values
client response to care
D-5-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize best available
data, resources
and evidence throughout evaluation of plan of care:
assess quality/effectiveness of care
determine family/social support system
D-5-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to revise plan of care
based on
evaluation.
D-5-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate and
collaborate with
inter-professional team throughout evaluation of plan of
care.
42 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
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Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 43
E: Safety
44 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry in application of nursing process throughout urgent or
emergent
situations.
E-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize, participate
and/or manage
urgent or emergency preparedness situations according to agency
policy
including, but not limited to:
bomb threat/suspicious package
cardiac arrest/medical emergency
chemical spill/hazardous material
violence/aggression
E-1-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to differentiate and rank
priority needs
in an urgent or emergent situation.
E-1-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate and
collaborate with
inter-professional team in an urgent or emergent situation.
E-1-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to evaluate response
following urgent or
emergent situations.
E-1-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage and/or
participate in
debriefing following urgent or emergent situations.
E-1-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to report and document
throughout
urgent or emergent situations according to agency policy.
Major Competency Area: E
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 45
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-2-1 Demonstrate knowledge of importance of personal protective
equipment
(PPE) and workplace safety equipment.
E-2-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to properly don, doff and
dispose of
personal protective equipment.
E-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize workplace safety
equipment
according to agency policy.
Major Competency Area: E
46 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply concepts of
infection prevention
and control to reduce transmission of pathogenic
micro-organisms.
E-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply principles of
aseptic or sterile
technique appropriate to client care.
E-3-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply principles of
routine/ standard
precautions including:
environmental cleaning
hand hygiene
point of care risk assessment
personal protective equipment
respiratory hygiene
visitor management
E-3-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply exposure
precautions according
to agency policy:
E-3-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to immediately manage and
report
incidents of exposure including:
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 47
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-3-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply best practices for
single use,
client owned and multi-client reusable medical devices.
E-3-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to prepare multi-client
reusable medical
devices for specialized cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
according to
agency policy.
48 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-4-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to maintain safety
principles that apply
to self, client, inter-professional team and others.
E-4-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to promote and implement a
culture of
safety through shared:
attitudes
goals
practices
values
E-4-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess, plan and manage
client safety
throughout care delivery including:
error prevention practices
managed risk waiver
E-4-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to accurately report and
document client
safety issues according to agency policy and Legislation.
Major Competency Area: E
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 49
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
E-5-1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Occupational
Health and
Safety Act, Regulation and Code (OH&S).
E-5-2 Demonstrate understanding and responsibility to comply with
agency policies
and OH&S Act, Regulation and Code to achieve workplace
safety.
E-5-3 Demonstrate accountability to safety of self, client and
others by effectively
contributing and adhering to safety culture:
attend OH&S orientation and training programs
recognize workplace hazards and controls
report unsafe conditions as per employer policy
report workplace incidents of injury as per Workers’ Compensation
Act
E-5-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize controls to
identify and reduce
risk of physical injury of self and others including:
hazard and exposure assessment (chemical, biological)
safe handling and use of tools and equipment
safe lifting and transferring of loads (patient, equipment)
use of personal protective equipment (footwear, eyewear, headwear,
and
hearing protection as necessary)
E-5-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize strategies to
identify and reduce
risk of psychological injury of self and others including:
employer policy and procedure
safe and appropriate responses to incidents or potential
incidents
support services available in the event of an incident involving
violence or
harassment
50 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
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Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 51
F: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Major Competency Area: F
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
52 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply verbal and
non-verbal
communication techniques to create therapeutic relationships
including:
respectful tone and manner
F-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply verbal and
non-verbal
techniques to establish effective communication with
inter-professional team
and others.
F-1-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to adapt communication
techniques to
address barriers including:
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-2-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work toward a collective
vision
through inter-professional collaboration as outlined in:
Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses in Canada
Inter-professional Competency Framework (Canadian
Inter-professional
Health Collaborative, 2010)
employer policy
F-2-2 Demonstrate knowledge and respect for role of self and other
providers in
the healthcare system.
F-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to engage client, family
and others as
partners in client centered care.
F-2-4 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles of team
dynamics
and group processes to create positive workplace environment.
F-2-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to practice effective
interpersonal
communication.
F-2-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize a standardized
communication
tool to enhance communication process such as:
SBAR situational briefing model:
F-2-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to address and effectively
manage
conflict.
54 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry in application of the nursing process throughout the
therapeutic
nurse-client relationship.
F-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to practice in accordance
with
professional Legislation, regulation, standards and guidelines of
nursing
practice.
relationship related to:
trust and respect
F-3-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to define and maintain
professional and
personal boundaries related to:
understanding interpersonal relationships
F-3-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize and address
barriers to an
effective therapeutic nurse-client relationship related to:
breach of confidentiality
Competency: F-4 Date: January 16, 2017 Health Teaching and
Coaching
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 55
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-4-1 Demonstrate knowledge of factors that influence teaching and
learning
including:
learning styles and preferences
F-4-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply health teaching
and coaching
principles to achieve effective learning related to:
goal setting
motivational practices
positive psychology
F-4-3 Demonstrate ability to apply nursing knowledge and clinical
expertise
throughout health teaching and coaching related to:
application of best practices
sharing of resources
F-4-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to develop and deliver an
individualized
teaching and coaching plan to foster client decision making,
self-efficacy and
navigation of the healthcare system.
F-4-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to evaluate teaching,
coaching and
learning outcomes.
Legal Protocols, Documenting and Reporting
56 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-5-1 Demonstrate professional accountability and responsibility to
ensure
adherence to legal protocols and documenting and reporting
guidelines.
F-5-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to ensure accurate, concise
and complete
documentation.
F-5-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to adhere to applicable
legal protocols
and Legislation affecting client.
F-5-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to adapt documenting and
reporting
according to specific practice setting requirements and agency
policy.
F-5-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to obtain informed consent
throughout
care delivery as appropriate and according to agency policy.
F-5-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage, report and
document refusal
of treatment or self-discharge.
F-5-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to appropriately report and
collaborate
within inter-professional team.
Major Competency Area: F
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Competency: F-6 Date: January 16, 2017 Accept, Transcribe and
Initiate Orders
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 57
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-6-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to accept, transcribe and
initiate orders
from authorized health professional(s) according to agency policy
related to:
electronic
phone
verbal
written
confirm accuracy and completeness
share concerns related to clients changing needs
Major Competency Area: F
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
58 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
F-7-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to recognize common sources
of conflict
in self and others including:
beliefs, values, and biases
F-7-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to intervene immediately in
urgent
situations involving conflict related to:
safety of patient(s)
safety of self or others
F-7-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to focus on the
problem/issue not the
individual(s).
F-7-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage conflict
effectively by
identifying:
problem/issue
professional(s) as required in situations of conflict.
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 59
G: Nursing Practice
60 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-1-1 Demonstrate knowledge of importance of critical thinking and
critical
inquiry to nursing practice.
G-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge of how critical thinking and critical
inquiry
influence clinical judgment and decision making.
G-1-3 Demonstrate ability to utilize critical inquiry to expand
critical thinking
through analysis, discernment and reflective reasoning related
to:
• actions
• assumptions
• beliefs
• conclusions
• ideas
• principles
G-1-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply critical thinking
and critical
inquiry throughout the decision making process:
• identify facts
• identify anticipated outcome
and Decision Making
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-2-1 Demonstrate importance of clinical judgment and
decision-making in
nursing practice and inter-personal relationships.
G-2-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to integrate evidence
informed practice
in clinical judgment and decision making:
• identify concern
• implement the plan
• alter plan to achieve desired outcomes if required
• review and suggest alternatives to policy and procedures
• reflect on knowledge gained and impact on professional
practice
G-2-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to communicate and
collaborate with
inter-professional team as necessary throughout the decision making
process.
Major Competency Area: G
62 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-3-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage time
effectively.
G-3-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to prioritize and respond
to client care
needs related to the following factors:
• emergent – immediate threat to survival or safety
• urgent – problems requiring immediate intervention
• less urgent – problems requiring non-immediate intervention
• non-urgent – anticipated problems in future
G-3-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to seek guidance and
assistance from
inter-professional team as necessary.
G-3-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess and monitor own
fitness to
practice while prioritizing care.
G-3-5 Demonstrate ability to respect inter-professional team in
decisions of
personal time management including:
• collaborating in care delivery
• limiting personal activities to personal time (social media,
texting, personal
calls)
• managing breaks effectively
• remaining until transfer of care is complete to avoid abandonment
of care
G-3-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to adapt to unexpected
demands.
Major Competency Area: G
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 63
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-4-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform admission and
discharge
procedures including:
• medication reconciliation
• advocate for client needs
64 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-5-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess client functional
status to
independently perform self-care including:
o ambulation/range of motion
o feeding/hydration
o communication (telephone, technology)
medication management
sidewalk clearing
G-5-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess client inability
to achieve
independent self-care including:
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 65
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-6-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess and provide
nutrition/hydration
by multiple routes:
• enteral
• gastrostomy
• hypodermoclysis
• intravenous
• jejunostomy
• nasogastric
• nasojejunal
• oral
• orogastric
G-6-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to insert, manage and
remove a
nasogastric tube.
G-6-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to reinsert and manage
established
gastrostomy tube.
G-6-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform basic chewing
and swallowing
assessment and manage associated client care needs.
G-6-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to administer, monitor and
regulate
Parenteral Nutrition.
Note: LPNs are not authorized to insert devices using a guide-wire
or stilette.
Major Competency Area: G
66 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-7-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage elimination needs
including,
but not limited to:
• nephrostomy: o management of including flushing o re-inserting
established suprapubic catheter
o residual urine
o suppository
G-7-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to utilize devices and
equipment related
to elimination needs.
Note: LPNs are not authorized to insert devices using a guide-wire
or stilette.
Major Competency Area: G
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 67
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-8-1 Demonstrate knowledge of indications and risks associated
with peritoneal
dialysis.
G-8-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to monitor and manage
peritoneal
catheter site.
G-8-3 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform procedures
involved in
peritoneal dialysis:
• intra-peritoneal medication administration
G-8-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to calculate weekly
clearance of urea by
client’s kidneys.
G-8-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide health teaching
and coaching
to client receiving peritoneal dialysis.
Major Competency Area: G
68 Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses,
Competency Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-9A-1 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage basic foot care
for client
including trimming and filing nails.
G-9A-2 Demonstrate knowledge of common micro-organisms of the feet
including:
• bacteria
• viruses
• fungi
• yeast
associated with foot care.
G-9A-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to assess compromised
circulation and its
effects on lower extremities.
G-9A-5 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage basic foot care
in client with
compromised circulation.
G-9A-6 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to teach appropriate foot
care to client,
family and others.
G-9A-7 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to refer client to
advanced foot care
professional(s) as appropriate.
Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Competency
Profile for LPNs, 3rd Ed. 69
These Advanced Foot Care competencies can only be achieved in their
entirety through formal education courses such as Foot Care Nursing
(NURS 1700), Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly NURS-1656), or Heel
Your Sole Foot Care, Moose Jaw, or equivalent.
Contact the SALPN if you are unsure if your education and training
have prepared you with the required competencies to provide care or
services within this higher-risk area of foot care.
A Licensed Practical Nurse will:
G-9B-1
G-9B-2
Demonstrate knowledge of:
• Human anatomy and physiology of feet • Feet, skin and nail
conditions including:
o Pathology in relation to acute and chronic diseases o Changes
related to the aging process o Microorganisms of the foot
Demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide basic1 hands-on foot
care for clients.
G-9B-3
G-9B-4 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to perform a health
assessment of the client:
• Medical history • Medication history • Physical assessment of the
lower extremeties • Risk assessment • Confidentiality • Sensory
Testing
G-9B-5 Demonstrate knowledge of complications of the high-risk foot
including, but not limited to:
• The disease process of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy,
peripheral vascular diseases, and other complex foot-related
diseases
• Care plans • Referrals • Medical diagnoses
Date: January 25, 2021
Advanced Foot Care
1 Basic refers to the basic competencies an LPN has achieved in the
practical nursing education program and as listed in Section G-9A
of this profile.
Demonstrate