Professional Development Links

Medication Self Assessment

Download the Medication Self Assessment dcoument in PDF format.

CLPNNS supports ongoing education and professional development. The links below connect to websites, documents or resources that can support LPNs in their everyday practice.

The Licensed Practical Nurse Resource Network (LPNnet)

LPNnet is a co-operative venture between Steppingstones and various LPN Colleges / Associations. The purpose of this initiative is to learn more about how electronic information technology can be used to support and assist LPNs with their competency maintenance and professional development programs.

Our focus here on LPNnet is with two important components. The first is our Test and Quiz Centre. For the individual LPN, this Centre provides a useful learning tool and also assists the nurse to identify areas where refreshment / updating of knowledge may be required. The aggregate data will be used by the LPN Colleges / Associations to identify areas where e-Learning modules or educational programs may be required.

The second component is our e-Learning Centre. Here we will provide access to a variety of e-Learning courses for nurses. The LPN practitioner has a convenient and cost-effective source of learning modules to achieve her professional development objectives. The Colleges and Steppingstones get critical feedback and gain important experience on how to best design, produce and deliver e-Learning modules for Licensed Practical Nurses.
Access the LPNnet web site.

PLEASE NOTE: Programs, quizzes, tests on LPNnet DO NOT satisfy the requirement for mandatory upgrading for Medication Administration or Physical Assessment. They are for self-learning professional development purposes only.

The Learning Nurse Resource Network

The Learning Nurse Resource Network is all about informal nurse learning, continuing education and professional development. This Learning Nurse website provides an independent, free and safe resource for nurses to assess, maintain and enhance their professional competence. This site is similar to LPN net, however focuses on information for RNs and LPNs.

Access the learning nurse web site.

PLEASE NOTE: Programs, quizzes, tests on LPNnet DO NOT satisfy the requirement for mandatory upgrading for Medication Administration or Physical Assessment. They are for self-learning professional development purposes only

Interprofessional Patient Safety Competencies

The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and facilitate implementation of ideas and best practices to achieve a transformation in patient safety. We envision safe healthcare for all Canadians and are driven to inspire extraordinary improvement in patient safety and quality.

We invite governments, health organizations, leaders, and healthcare providers to join us and use the evidence-based tools and resources we develop and provide. Together, we can inspire, learn, apply, and improve the quality of care for patients, residents, and clients.

The Safety Competency Framework can be viewed at their web site or download the Safety Competencies PDF.

Eight Picker Principles of Patient-Centered Care

The Picker Institute is an independent non profit organization dedicated to advancing the principles of patient-centered care. In cooperation with educational institutions and other committed entities and individuals, Picker Institute sponsors awards, research and education to promote patient-centered care and the patient-centered care movement

The Eight Picker Principles of Patient-Centered Care originated with the Seven Dimensions of Patient-Centered Care, whose development was traced in the 1993 ground breaking book Through the Patient’s Eyes. Using a wide range of focus groups—recently discharged patients, family members, physicians and non-physician hospital staff—combined with a review of pertinent literature, researchers from Harvard Medical School, on behalf of Picker Institute and The Commonwealth Fund, defined seven primary dimensions of patient-centered care. These were

Like patient safety, in a show of support and acknowledgement for the Eight Principles of Patient-Centered Care,  CLPNNS has taken the unique step in ensuring that the essence of these principles are woven in and throughout the new Standards of Practice (2011) and Code of Ethics (2011) for LPNs in Nova Scotia.

The Principles can be found on this web site.

National Research Council/Picker Canada

Patient-centered information specific to Canada

Access NRC/Picker Canada at their web site.

Institute of Safe Medication Practices

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), based in suburban Philadelphia, is the US’s nonprofit organization devoted entirely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. ISMP represents over 30 years of experience in helping healthcare practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process. The organization is known and respected worldwide as the premier resource for impartial, timely, and accurate medication safety information

Access the ISMP website .

Access ISMP’s list of High Alert Medications.

The list changes from time to time, so access it often. LPNs and employers should be aware, that LPNs cannot administer any medications listed on ISMP High Alert Medications in Intravenous form. LPNs may administer medications on the list in other routes (oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous) if consistent with their employer policies and scope of practice.

About The PDF Format

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