For the past several years, WeRPN has been a strong advocate for modernizing the existing regulatory framework governing RPN scope of practice to deliver improved access to timely care and better reflect current RPN knowledge and experience. Today, we are one step closer to realizing this important goal.
After years of advocacy from WeRPN, we’re thrilled that the Ministry of Health has listened to the feedback from Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and directed the College of Nurses to move forward with important changes to RPN scope of practice by June 2020.
The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) is committed to supporting excellence in healthcare. Today, RPNAO was very encouraged by the release of the Long Term Care Home Public Inquiry Final Report and the recommended actions put forward by Commissioner Gillese.
Everyday throughout Ontario, RPNs provide direct care to thousands of patients across a wide range of healthcare settings. With an estimated 43,000 RPNs currently practicing, Ontario’s RPNs constitute the second largest group of regulated health professionals in our health care system, and about one third of our province’s nursing workforce. In some sectors like long term and home care, RPNs make up even larger proportions of the nursing workforce.
The Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long-Term Care Homes System has a mandate is to inquire into the circumstances that allowed Elizabeth Wettlaufer, a former Registered Nurse, to commit eight murders, four attempted murders, and two aggravated assaults while working in Ontario’s long-term care homes.