There has been a high demand for nurses worldwide for decades due to an aging population. However, the demand for nurses skyrocketed during the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic and has continued to soar higher. According to the Canadian Nurses Association, there will be a shortage of about 60,000 nurses in Canada by 2022. The Government of Canada predicts that new job openings for registered Psychiatric Nurses and Registered Nurses in Ontario could hit 191,000 by 2028.
It also predicts that there will be about 154,600 new job seekers to fill these vacant positions, leaving a large number of vacant positions. If you wish to take advantage of these surplus job opportunities for nurses, you must understand the various kinds of nurses. Here are the different types of nurses in Canada to choose from.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPNs)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses are trained as health care generalists, making them capable of helping patients with all kinds of health conditions. Typically, an RN will be responsible for monitoring patients’ symptoms, recording medical history, and administering medication. The RN also monitors the treatment progress and helps the healthcare team as needed.
To become a Registered Nurse in Ontario, you need to have a four-year nursing degree from a reputable Canadian university. You also need to pass the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination. This examination is available three times yearly and is set and administered by the Canadian Nurses Association. The only exception is in Quebec because it has its own examination.
To practice nursing in Canada, RNs must be registered in the territory or province where they intend to work. The requirements for registration include meeting the nursing competencies stated through their nursing regulatory bodies. An RN’s average annual salary depends on experience and geography. For instance, the average hourly rate in Alberta is $38.50 per hour, while in Ontario, it is $33 per hour.
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
A registered practical nurse is also one of the types of nurses in Canada. Interestingly, RPNs are called Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) outside Ontario, but their roles remain the same. RPNs are responsible for providing health education. They also care for patients with less complicated health needs. RPNs work in teams when working with other health care providers like RNs and physicians.
The task of an RPN could include documenting patients’ symptoms and progress, taking blood pressure readings, changing bandages, and administering medication. The RPN would also check and cross-check patients’ health care plans. When comparing duties, it’s obvious that there’s a difference between RN and RPN. However, they often work together to deliver adequate healthcare to patients.
You must complete a two-year practical nursing diploma from a reputable and accredited college to become an RPN. You must also pass Canada’s national licensing exam. Again, Quebec is exempted because it has its own examination. The average annual salary for an RPN depends on geographic area and experience. However, it ranges from $41,000 to $63,000 on average.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs are Registered Nurses with advanced education. An NP can comprehensively assess patients, diagnose them, and initiate treatment accordingly. NPs also have the training and authority to prescribe therapeutic interventions and medications. In fact, NPs order and interpret diagnostic tests. The responsibility of an NP is to focus heavily on health promotion and disease management by teaching patients about preventing disease and healthy living. They also often collaborate with RNs and LPNs.
You must be a practicing RN who has completed an advanced diploma or a two-year Master’s degree in nursing to be an NP. You will also need to spend two years in nursing before pursuing an NP role. However, it’s not a requirement in many provinces or territories. Once you have completed your program, you can now register with RN staffing agencies as an NP. On average, NP earn between $62,000 to $117,000. Their average earnings are dependent on geographic area and experience.
Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPNs)
Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPNs) shouldn’t be confused with Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). Registered Psychiatric Nurses focus primarily on mental health issues, including addiction. Their responsibility is to care for patients with mental illness. RPNs work in acute care psychiatric units and on community mental health teams.
However, limited states in Canada regulate and educate psychiatric nurses separately from RNs, NPs, and LPNs. Currently, only British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Yukon regulate and educate RPNs as a separate profession from RNs, NPs, and LPNs. Nurses are encouraged to specialize in addiction and mental health fields in areas where RPNs are not regulated. You must have a diploma or degree from a psychiatric nursing program to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. The psychiatric program often lasts for two to four years. You must also pass the RPN Canada examination. RPNs typically make an average salary of $70,400 yearly.
No matter the type of nurse you need for your healthcare organization, you can trust us at Global Health for all Inc to help you source, hire, and place them. We’re a seasoned nursing staffing agency providing permanent and temporary staffing assistance to all types of healthcare organizations. We also provide our clients with detailed assessments to help them with careful planning. Contact us now to book an appointment with our agents.