Continuing Competency

NEW Entry Level Competencies 2012-2017

Entry Level Competencies 2012 – 2017 in PDF format (942 kb)

Continuing Competency

This document describes the competencies expected of an entry-level licensed practical nurse in Nova Scotia.  These competencies describe the education, knowledge, skills, ethical nursing care in a variety of settings to clients of all age groups.  Through achievement of identified competencies, practical nurse graduates will be able to function within the role of the beginning practitioner while maintaining practical nursing practice standards.

Licensed practical nurses are responsible and accountable for their own actions and are required to function within their own level of competence and educational preparation.  However, licensed practical nurses through formalized training may expand their knowledge base and/or competencies.  Note: These entry level competencies do not reflect the additional competencies gained by licensed practical nurses through experience, continual learning, post graduate education and/or advanced learning opportunities.
 
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia reviews and updates the entry level competencies for LPNs every five (5) years, in conjunction with exam competencies for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam.  The exam competencies are a smaller subset of the ELC competencies required by CLPNNS. These ELC come into practice in 2012.

The LPN Act states that the regulatory body "must establish a continuing competency program" (CCP) and "applicants renewing for a license to practise must complete the requirements of the CCP in accordance with the Regulations". The CCP is a formal system of assessing the ongoing knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgement of a professional practitioner. CCP promotes safe, competent and ethical practice, and identifies opportunities to pursue and achieve professional growth throughout a professional's career. Ultimately continuing competence contributes to public protection.

Enclosed here are the documents, you will need to demonstrate that you have met the CCP requirements for annual license renewal.

1. Guide to Continuing Competence Program

2. LPN Continuing Competence Program (CCP) Self Assessment Tool

3. Continuing Competency Program Learning Plan

4. Frequently Asked Questions about the Continuing Competency Program