Licensed practical nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide ‘hands-on’ care to people of all ages. They work in hospitals, clinics, and care homes. LPNs work with doctors, registered nurses, and other team members to support patients’ health, safety, and comfort.

About licensed practical nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for people who are sick, injured, or need help with their daily health needs. They check vital signs, give medicine, and help with personal care like bathing or dressing. LPNs work with doctors, nurses, and other health care staff to make sure patients receive the right care.

  • Consult with other healthcare 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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To practice as a licensed practical nurse in British Columbia, you must meet the registration requirements set out by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Please note that registration processes are different depending on where you’ve been trained. 

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  • Hospitals
  • Primary care clinics
  • Extended care facilities
  • Rehabilitation centers
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Health authority employers 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  
  • Defined Benefit Public Pension Plan (Municipal or Public Service 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 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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Canadian nurses with insufficient recent practice hours may need to meet to take a competency assessment. They might also need to take training before being able to get their registration re-instated.

  • Visit the BCCNM website for information on how to re-instate nursing registration.  
  • Bursaries may be available for eligible Canadian nurse applicants seeking to return to practice. For more information, please visit Nursing Jobs BC.  
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B.C. news for licensed practical nurses

Helping more nurses practice in B.C., faster

Too many barriers have prevented many nurses from entering or returning to work in the health-care system. Removing these obstacles means more nurses can work in the field they love, and people in B.C. can get better access to the health-care they deserve.

Learn more about helping more nurses practice in B.C., faster

Supporting international nurses into B.C.’s health system

To meet the increasing demand for nurses in British Columbia, the Province is making it easier for eligible internationally educated nurses (IENs) to enter the province’s health system so they can support British Columbians’ health-care needs sooner.

Learn more about how B.C. is supporting IENs