Licensed practical nurse

As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you are an integral part of a multidisciplinary health-care team, providing care for patients and clients in a variety of settings. You play a critical role in the frontlines of patient care and your advocacy ensures that patients receive quality and continuity of care. Working independently and collaboratively, LPNs coordinate care for patients with varying complexity and recognize when consultation with other health-care professionals is required.

Licensed practical nursing in B.C.

  • Consult with other health-care professionals, including doctors and registered nurses
  • Monitor patient progress
  • Provide nursing care to stable patients
  • Take vital signs
  • Collect specimens
  • Take steps to control infection
  • Manage patient diets
  • Give medication and record its effects
  • Apply sterile dressings
  • Provide care before and after an operation
  • Check on respiratory and intravenous therapy
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  • Meet the registration requirements set out by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
  • Complete a License Practical Nurse program recognized by the BCCNM
  • Be eligible to write or have already passed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (REx-PN)
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  • Hospitals
  • Primary care clinics
  • Extended care facilities
  • Rehabilitation centers
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  • The publicly funded health authorities in B.C. offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits
  • Wages: $32.84 – $44.96 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2024)
  • Paid Vacation Time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment
  • Pension Plan
  • BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Extended Health Care
  • Dental Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plan
  • Other Benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves
  • Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available for many nursing jobs. Please speak with health authorities directly for more information
  • Additional incentives may be available for rural and remotely located employees
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Licensing

To work as a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in British Columbia, registration from the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is required.

Learn more about licensing in B.C.

Financial support 

Get settled sooner and get ahead faster with the many bursaries, incentives, and loan forgiveness programs available to trained healthcare workers to help you make your move. British Columbia has several incentives in place to support your transition into the province and your new workplace or community. 

Learn more about available financial support