Sprott-Shaw Community College’s Practical Nursing program will prepare students in the rewarding career of health care. With the aging population, Health Care and Health Care Providers are one of the hottest career opportunities available. Practical Nursing is one of the quickest growing segments in healthcare. They provide nursing care for patients under the direction of physicians, nurses, and other health team members. In other provinces this occupational group may be referred to as licensed nursing assistants, registered nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants or registered practical nurses.

Licensed practical nurses (LPN) provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respirations. They distribute medication to patients, treat bedsores, prepare and give injections and enemas, apply aseptic dressings, insert catheters and perform other personal treatment. They help patients with bathing, dressing and personal hygiene. They feed them, keep them comfortable and care for their emotional needs.

Outside the ward, licensed practical nurses observe patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They may collect samples from patients for testing and perform routine laboratory tests.