Introduction

The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is one of 18 regulatory colleges governed by the Health Professions Act. BCCNM was created in September 2020 through the amalgamation of the BC College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP) and the College of Midwives of BC (CMBC). BCCNM’s mission is to regulate licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners, (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), registered ps​ychiatric nurses (RPNs), and registered midwives (RMs) in the public interest. BCCNM does this by setting standards, supporting nurses to meet standards and acting if these standards are not met.

The professional standards​​ for LPNs clarify the minimum requirements for LPN practice in any setting or nursing domain (clinical practice, administration, education or research) and provide indicators that BCCNM uses to measure LPN practice in British Columbia (BC).

LPNs meet these requirements in order to maintain ongoing registration with BCCNM.​​​

What is a standard?​

A standard is an expec​​ted behaviour against which actual behaviour can be compared.​​​

What are indicators?​​​​

Indicators are ​​used to measure the actual performance of an individual nurse. The Indicators found in this document are not written in order of importance, nor are they intended to be an exhaustive list.

BCCNM Standards of Practice Framework

The Professional Standards describe the requirements for LPN practice in BC and are part of the BCCNM Standards of Practice for LPNs Framework.

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Professional standards

Professional standards describe​ the behaviours that LPNs must demonstrate in their practice. These standards apply to LPNs in all areas of practice, for example clinical practice, education, administration and research.

Practice standards

Practice standards are a series of documents th​at set out requirements for practice and provide additional information about specific aspects of LPN practice, for example Medication Administration.

Scope of practice standards

Scope of practice standards describe th​e standards, limits and conditions related to nursing activities that LPNs are educated and authorized to perform in BC under the Nurses (Licensed Practical) Regulation.​

Assumptions

The following assumptions provide the foundation on which BCCNM developed the professional standards:

• LPNs are self-regulating professionals who are accountable for providing safe, competent and ethical care within the legal and ethical framework of nursing regulation.

• LPNs work collaboratively with colleagues in the health care system to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate quality nursing services.

• LPN practice is client-centred and includes individuals, families, groups and communities.

• LPN professional standards are intentionally broad to support LPN practice in any setting and in all nursing domains.

• LPN professional standards allow for growth to meet changing approaches, treatments and technologies within the health care system.

• LPN professional standards enco​​urage leadership, self-reflection and a commitment to providing safe, competent and ethical care.

This document sets out four professional standards for LPNs. They are:

1. Responsibility and Accountability
2. Competency-Based Practice
3. Client-Focused Provision of Service
4. Ethical Practice ​​
   

Using the professional standards

The professional standards guide and direct LPN practice. LPNs, BCCNM, employers, educators and the public all use the professional standards to support safe, competent and ethical care.

LPNs

LPNs use the professional standards to:

• Understand their professional practice obligations
• Support their continuing competence and professional development
• Explain LPN practice to others
• Resolve professional practice problems

• Advocate​ for changes to policies and practices

BCCNM

BCCNM uses the professional standards to:

• Outline requirements for LPN practice
• Assist LPNs and employers to understand LPN practice
• Assess professional performance when complaints arise

• Ad​dress incompetent, impaired or unethical practice amongst LPNs

Employers

Employers use the professional standards to:

• Develop job descriptions
• Create orientation programs
• Provide performance feedback

• Develo​p work environments that support LPN practice

Educators

Educators use the professional standards to:

• Teach practical nursing students about safe, competent and ethical practice
• Support practical nursing students to understand their professional obligations once they become licensed
• Develop evaluation tools

• Pro​vide performance feedback

The public

The public uses the professional standards to:

• Understand the role of LPNs in providing health care​
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