About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Accountability

Licensed practical nurses carry a great responsibility towards their clients

and need to be aware of their accountability in the therapeutic-client rela-

tionship. As integral members of the healthcare team, LPNs are account-

able and responsible for the moral and legal requirements for proper cli-

ent care.

Moreover, the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses

expects all its members to be responsible and accountable for all the

care that they provide.

LPNs must be vigilant and not provide or perform any activities outside

their scope of practice. For further guidance on accountability require-

ments please review the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

In the event that a Licensed Practical nurse is not accountable for the

services they provide and/or performs any activity outside their scope of

practice they may be subject to an investigation and a disciplinary proce-

dure.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Accountability

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish LPNs account-

ability standards.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Therapeutic Practical Nurse/Client Relationships

A therapeutic practical nurse‐client relationship is established and main-

tained by the LPN and the client, through the use of professional nursing

knowledge, skills attitudes and judgment in order to provide nursing ser-

vices that contribute to the client’s health and well‐being. It is the respon-

sibility of the LPN to adhere to the parameters of this relationship by en-

suring that this is a relationship that only exists to meet the healthcare

needs of the client.

There are professional boundaries which exist in order to maintain thera-

peutic nurse‐client relationships. A boundary is the point in which the re-

lationship changes from professional and therapeutic to non‐professional

and personal. Crossing the boundary means the LPN has either misused

the power in the relationship to meet their own needs, rather or behaves

in an unprofessional manner with the client. This standard applies in the

care of an acquaintance, a family member, a platonic friend or a roman-

tic/sexual relationship. For further guidance on the parameters of the

therapeutic practical nurse‐client relationship please review the Code of

Ethics and Standards of Practice.

In the event that a Licensed Practical nurse cannot meet this standard of

care and relationship then is their duty to remove themselves from this

relationship. Failure to maintain professional therapeutic nurse‐client re-

lationships may result in disciplinary procedures.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Therapeutic Practical Nurse/ Client Relationships

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish acceptable pa-

rameters in the therapeutic

practical nurse and client

relationships.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Licensed Practical Nurses and Confidentiality

It is expected that all Licensed Practical Nurses protect all the personal

information collected during the therapeutic–client relationship. Confiden-

tiality is not restricted to health information, but any information provided

by the client during therapeutic–client relationship.

LPNs can only share this information with other authorized members of

the healthcare team. Furthermore, LPNs are expected to only access

client’s information when is required for treatment. The protection of cli-

ent’s personal information must be maintained even after the therapeutic-

client relationship has ended.

LPNs will be held accountable for any information breach whether inten-

tional or not and will be subject to disciplinary procedures. For further in-

formation about LPN’s confidentiality requirements review the Code of

Ethics and Standards of Practice.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Licensed Practical Nurses and Confidentiality

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Regulate the use of clients

information

Inform other members of

the healthcare team about

confidentiality require-

ments

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Medical Administration and the Licensed Practical Nurse

The association expects that all Licensed Practical Nurses who adminis-

ter medications to have completed a comprehensive medication admini-

stration program that includes theoretical, laboratory and clinical compo-

nents. Furthermore, the association requires that LPNs meet the follow-

ing :

Maintain the required professional competencies by completing the

required hours for registration; and

Are employed in a facility that allows LPNs to administer medica-

tions.

In addition to the requirements listed above, LPNs must follow the em-

ployers medication administration policies.

Administering medications requires a high degree of accountability and

professionalism; as health professionals engaged in this activity LPNs

share these responsibilities. Making errors in medical administration can

carry serious consequences; LPNs are accountable for maintaining high

skills and consulting members of the healthcare team for clarification

when necessary.

In the event that medication administration errors are made LPNs may be

subject to an investigation and if necessary a disciplinary procedure.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Medication Administration and the Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish the educational

requirement for LPNs to

administer medication.

LPNs requirements to fol-

low employers’ medica-

tions policies.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) is the regula-

tory body responsible for setting the standards of practice that LPNs must maintain

and is responsible for their education, registration and discipline in the province.

ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing

the licensed practical nurse profession.

Professional Misconduct

Licensed practical nurses are expected to follow and maintain a high level of profes-

sional competency and to demonstrate a behavior consistent with the professional

requirements of the practice. Failing to meet these standards can result in a discipli-

nary procedure and in some cases suspension and/or revocation of license. For fur-

ther guidance on the behavioral LPN expectations please review the Code of Ethics

and Standards of Practice.

Some examples of professional misconduct include but are not limited to:

Committing any type of abuse of any type (verbal, emotional sexual and/or

physical) towards a client or a coworker;

Engaging in client abandonment (for specific definition of what constitutes aban-

donment please read the position statement regarding this topic);

Performing theft of any item from a client, coworker or employer;

Breaching confidentiality (for specific definition please review the confidentiality

position statement);

Consuming mind altering substances while at work;

Using or creating false documentation;

Influencing a client in regards to their last will and testament or any other legal

documentation;

Abusing your position for personal gain;

Being convicted of an indictable offence;

Representing oneself as licensed practical nurse without proper registration

Failing to report a coworker’s misconduct; and

Being found guilty of professional misconduct in another jurisdiction.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Professional Misconduct

Position Statement Objec-

tives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsi-

bility to adhere to the

Code of Ethics and Stan-

dards of Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the

LPN’s scope of practice.

Define professional mis-

conduct within the LPN

practice.

Outline consequences for

professional misconduct.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Self-employed licensed practical nurses

A therapeutic practical nurse‐client relationship is established and main-

tained by the LPN and the client, through the use of professional nursing

knowledge, skills attitudes and judgment in order to provide nursing ser-

vices that contribute to the client’s health and well‐being.

The parameters of this relationship do not change if the licensed practical

nurses is self-employed; LPNs are still expected to consult and work in

collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.

Moreover, in order to maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship;

self-employed licensed practical nurses are expected to create and ad-

here to a job description created in conjunction with the client or if neces-

sary with their family. It is of upmost importance that the tasks described

in the job description are within the LPN scope of practice.

In the event that the LPN performs duties outside of their scope of prac-

tice they will not be covered by ANBLPN liability insurance and may have

to face disciplinary procedures. For further guidance on the parameters

of the therapeutic practical nurse‐client relationship please review the

Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Self-Employed Licensed Practical Nurses

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish acceptable prac-

tice standards for self-

employed licensed practi-

cal nurses.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Maintaining Competency and the Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses are a integral part of the healthcare team and

they play a crucial role in care delivery. To maintain their role in the

healthcare team; LPNs need to ensure that they have all the professional

competencies necessary to maintain a level of excellence in their day-to-

day practice. This can be achieved through a variety of sources including

in-service workshops, formal course work, informal learning opportunities

and annual meetings.

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses expect and

requires that its members achieve the required standards of practice by

maintaining an active registration, meeting the hourly requirements and

continuing education. More specifically, LPNs are legally and ethically

bound to maintain their nursing skills in the Code of Ethics and Standards

of Practice.

In the event that a Licensed Practical nurse cannot meet this standard of

practice it may result on disciplinary procedures.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Maintaining Competency and the Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish the requirements

for maintaining profes-

sional competency in the

Licensed Practical Nurse

practice

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Advanced Competencies for the Lice sensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses are a central part of the healthcare team and

they play a crucial role in care delivery. LPNs graduate from their basic

education with a specific set of competencies. They can pursue further

education and acquire advanced competencies through a delegation

process or through competencies development. More specifically LPNs

must be:

Appropriately educated to perform the competency including the-

ory, laboratory and clinical components and these skills must be

acquired from a credible provider such as ANBLPN or an accredied

college ; and

Supported by their employer through job description amendments

and/or a unit/practice area policy specifically supporting the LPNs’

advanced competencies.

It is also expected that the LPN will perform the advanced competency

(es) frequently in order to maintain their skills. In the event that a Li-

censed Practical nurse cannot meet this standard of practice it may result

on disciplinary procedures.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Advanced Competencies for the Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish the requirements

for acquiring, maintaining

and practicing advanced

competencies.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) is the regula-

tory body responsible for setting the standards of practice that LPNs must maintain

and is responsible for their education, registration and discipline in the province.

ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing

the licensed practical nurse profession.

Transcribing

Transcribing orders involves reading the physician’s order sheets and carrying out the

necessary actions in order to deliver the required treatment. Orders transcribed can

include medication, operative, diagnostic and laboratory orders and other medical ac-

tivities.

LPNs must adhere to facility policies regarding the transcribing of orders. This should

include who is authorized to accept verbal and telephone orders, who is responsible

for validating the order (Register Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse) and how they

should be documented. It is expected that any LPN transcribing a physician order will:

Question and clarify any order that is not clearly written, or appears out of the

ordinary. This may include seeking a second opinion from a colleague or con-

tacting the physician for verification.

If multiple orders are listed on a chart, all of the orders will be read before tran-

scribing with stat orders being processed first.

Sign off, by initialing by each order as it is transcribed.

Verify for a second time that all orders have been transcribed and processed as

appropriate.

Avoid documenting an order when a physician is present to write the order.

If transcribing a medication, ensure that it contains the medication name, dose,

route and frequency of administration.

Notify the RN/LPN of a new medication order transcribed on the Medical Ad-

ministration Record.

When the medication arrives on the unit, check it against the original physician

order for accuracy.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Transcribing

Position Statement Ob-

jectives:

Clarify relevant points

for the Licensed Practi-

cal Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ respon-

sibility to adhere to the

Code of Ethics and

Standards of Practice

Inform other members

of the healthcare team,

and the public about

the LPN’s scope of

practice.

Define LPNs’ transcrib-

ing responsibilities

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Abandonment of Care

Licensed practical nurses carry a great responsibility towards their clients

and need to be aware of the therapeutic-client relationship responsibili-

ties. Abandonment of care occurs when the LPN leaves the client assign-

ment without transferring client care and/or communicating information to

an appropriate caregiver.

In order for abandonment to occur the LPN must have established a

therapeutic-client relationship and severed that nurse‐client relationship

without giving reasonable notice to the appropriate person (e.g., em-

ployer, supervisor) so that arrangements can be made for continuation of

nursing care by others. Specific examples of abandonment are:

-Leaving abruptly, in the absence of a reasonable explanation, without

giving the employer or supervisor adequate notice for replacing the LPN.

-Leaving without reporting to the oncoming shift.

-Accepting a client care assignment and then leaving without notifying

the appropriate person(s).

-Sleeping (during an unscheduled break).

If a Licensed Practical Nurse is suspected of abandonment of care they

will be subject to an investigation which may lead to a disciplinary proce-

dures.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Abandonment of Care

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Define what constitutes

abandonment of care.

Outline the consequences

for abandonment of care.

Provide guidance regard-

ing LPN obligations when

transferring the care of a

patient to another LPN or

health care provider

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Foot Care

Licensed practical nurses can acquire the necessary skills to provide ad-

vance foot care in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, hospi-

tals, long term care facilities, clients homes and/or private practices. It is

the responsibility of the LPN to ensure that they possess all the neces-

sary advanced competencies to assess clients’ needs and to provide the

required foot care treatment. LPNs acquire basic foot care skills during

their basic program but require additional education to provide advanced

foot care.

In order to provide advanced foot care LPNs have to complete a

ANBLPN accepted program. In order for a program to meet ANBLPN re-

quirements, it must contain a comprehensive curriculum which includes

theory, laboratory and clinical practice components.

After completing an accepted program, LPNs are required to inform the

ANBLPN about their intention to provide advanced foot care services and

are responsible for submitting the credentials that demonstrates their

ability to perform these services.

Practicing without the required credentials is against the Act and may

lead to an investigation which in turn may result in a disciplinary proce-

dure.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Foot Care

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Inform other members of

the healthcare team, and

the public about the LPN’s

scope of practice.

Assist employers on utiliz-

ing LPNs effectively in the

healthcare environment.

Establish the requirements

for acquiring, maintaining

and practicing advanced

competencies in foot care.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) is the

regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice that LPNs

must maintain and is responsible for their education, registration and discipline

in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to quality ethical care by

regulating and enhancing the licensed practical nurse profession.

Self-reporting Criminal Offences

Licensed practical nurses are expected to follow and maintain a high level of

professional competency and to demonstrate a behavior consistent with the

professional requirements of the practice. As such LPNs are required to self-

report to Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses if they have

been charged with, have pleaded guilty to, been convicted, or found to be

guilty in or out of Canada, conviction under the following acts: the Criminal

Code (Canada), the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (Canada) and other

legislation as prescribed in the regulations

LPNs are also required to report if they have been found guilty in a disciplinary

procedure in another jurisdiction, have had a licensing sanction imposed , and/

or is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary process in another jurisdic-

tion

Self-reporting is an obligation that applies to both initial licensure and annual

registration renewal. Once an LPN self-reports, the Association may require

the member to fully disclose the facts or circumstances of a conviction.

The severity of the offence, its relevance to practice, as well as, the applicant’s

ability to demonstrate successful remediation, or rehabilitation will be as-

sessed.

The decision whether to proceed to a disciplinary hearing, will depend on all of

the circumstances of the case. Failing to disclose such information or falsifying

registration forms may be ground for professional misconduct which in turn

may also result in a disciplinary procedure.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Self-Reporting Criminal Offences

Position Statement Ob-

jectives:

Clarify relevant points

for the Licensed Practi-

cal Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ respon-

sibility to adhere to the

Code of Ethics and

Standards of Practice

Inform other members

of the healthcare team,

and the public about

the LPN’s scope of

practice.

Define LPNs responsi-

bility to self-report

about criminal offences

Outline consequences

for professional mis-

conduct.

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.

About ANBLPN

The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN)

is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards of practice

that LPNs must maintain and is responsible for their education, registra-

tion and discipline in the province. ANBLPN ensures the public’s right to

quality ethical care by regulating and enhancing the licensed practical

nurse profession.

Social Medial

For the purpose of this position statement, social media is defined as the

use of the internet to post or publish information and/or participate in con-

versations. Social media includes, but is not limited to, websites; social

networking; online forums; chat rooms; texting/instant messaging; blogs;

wikis; file sharing (video and audio), and; virtual worlds.

The same confidentiality requirements that apply in other forms of com-

munication apply to social media. It is expected that all Licensed Practi-

cal Nurses protect all the personal information collected during the thera-

peutic–client relationship and only share this information with other au-

thorized members of the healthcare team. Furthermore, LPNs are ex-

pected to only access client’s information when is required for treatment.

The protection of client’s personal information must be maintained even

after the therapeutic-client relationship has ended.

LPNs will be held accountable for any information breach whether inten-

tional or not and will be subject to disciplinary procedures. For further in-

formation about LPN’s confidentiality requirements review the Code of

Ethics and Standards of Practice.

ANBLPN Position Statement

Social Media

Position Statement

Objectives:

Clarify relevant points for

the Licensed Practical

Nurse profession.

Remind LPNS’ responsibil-

ity to adhere to the Code of

Ethics and Standards of

Practice

Regulate the use of social

media in the LPN practice

Ensure public’s right to

quality ethical care.