Registered Practical Nurses (both Canada and US)

Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health and to help patients cope with illness. Nurses work with patients in hospitals, in doctors' offices, and in nursing homes. They work in public health facilities such as government agencies and schools. They also take care of patients in their homes as they recover from illness or accidents. Nurses have a large variety of tasks they can perform. However, the work setting usually determines their daily duties. Most of our clients are most concerned about nurses that work with seniors, so here is a list of what nursing home nurses perform:

Nursing home nurses manage the health care of residents. They spend much of their time on administrative and supervisory tasks. For example, they write care plans, and supervise registered practical nurses (RPN's/LPN’s) in carrying them out. Home health nurses provide prescribed nursing care to patients in their own homes. They also instruct patients and their families how to perform necessary procedures. Some of the duties of a RN are to:

• Observe patients and monitor vital signs using computerized equipment.
• Record patients' medical information, vital signs, and progress.
• Discuss cases with doctors and other medical staff.
• Advise and consult with staff about ways to prevent infection.
• Write and manage care plans for patients.
• Give patients treatments and medications.
• Maintain stock of supplies.
• Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Prepare patients and assist with exams.
• Perform routine laboratory and office work.
• Supervise registered practical nurses and aides.
• Contract to provide nursing care to patients at home.
• Provide health care, first aid, and shots in schools, clinics, and community agencies.
• Develop health programs. Teach the public about topics such as health education, disease prevention, childcare, and nutrition.
• Refer patients or students to community agencies. Work with agencies to assist patients.

• It is important to ensure that the nurse is a practicing nurse. To practice as a nurse in Ontario, an individual must be registered with CNO (College of Nurses Ontario ). Only those currently registered with CNO can use the title "nurse," "registered nurse" or "registered practical nurse." These titles are protected under legislation and can only be used by members of CNO.

Registered Practical Nurses/ Licensed Practical Nurses (RPN/LPN)

A registered practical nurse/licensed practical nurse performs nursing duties such as:

• Taking blood pressure and other vital signs
• Apply aseptic techniques such as sterile dressings
• Ensuring infection control
• Monitoring nutritional intake
• Administer medication, observe and document therapeutic effects
• Monitoring patients progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of health care team
• Provide safety and health education to individuals and their families.

Difference between a RN and a RPN/LPN:

Main differences between a RN and a RPN/LPN

• Only a RN can give intramuscular injections and intravenous injections.
• An RN can do a thorough assessment of patient history and conditions whereas an RPN/LPN can only do a basic assessment.
• RN's cost more because they have more theoretical knowledge and can give more details about patient's diagnosis, treatment and care. Insurance companies usually only pay for RNs.

Personal Support Workers/Certified Nursing Assistants

A personal support worker/certified nursing assistant is a qualified staff that who comes to your home and helps with various care such as:

• Personal hygiene care such as washing and bathing, mouth care, hair care, preventative skin care, routine hand or foot care
• Transferring or positioning into chairs, vehicles or beds
• Dressing and undressing
• Assistance with eating
• Assistance with toileting
• Escorting to appointments
• Companionship
• Helping with all daily living skills

Personal support workers/certified nursing assistants are the most common services used for those who need everyday help at home or in a nursing home. Many clients who work on the weekdays will hire a PSW/CNA to help take care of their loved ones when they are at work or unable to be at home for a certain time. For patients who do not need to take medications or shots and are not critically ill, a PSW or CNA are the most ideal and affordable.