Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) - Answers 2 year college diploma; provides direct patient care for
stable patients in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and community health; limited to predictable health
conditions.
Registered Nurse (RN) - Answers 4 year BScN degree; handles complex patient care, critical thinking, and
decision-making; works in hospitals, ICU, ER, community health, and mental health; cares for unstable
patients.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Answers RN + Master's or NP program; diagnoses, prescribes meds, orders
tests, and manages chronic diseases; works in primary care, specialized clinics, and hospitals; can work
independently or with physicians.
Hospitals - Answers Provide acute care for patients (emergency, surgery, ICU, maternity, mental health)
with 24/7 medical treatment, surgeries, and specialized care (cardiology, neurology, oncology).
Long-Term Care (LTC) & Nursing Homes - Answers Serve elderly individuals and people with chronic
illnesses or disabilities; provide daily personal care, medication management, rehabilitation, and
palliative care.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) - Answers Serve the general public and underserved populations
(low-income, newcomers, Indigenous communities); focus on preventative care, chronic disease
management, and mental health support.
Primary Care Clinics - Answers Provide services for individuals seeking routine check-ups, treatment for
minor illnesses, and chronic disease management; include health assessments, vaccinations,
prescriptions, and referrals.
Home Care & Assisted Living - Answers Support seniors, individuals recovering from surgery or illness,
and people with disabilities; offer nursing care, physiotherapy, and personal support (bathing, meal
prep, medication reminders).
Rehabilitation Centers - Answers Assist patients recovering from injuries, strokes, surgeries, or
addictions; provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and addiction recovery.
Mental Health & Addiction Services - Answers Support individuals with mental health disorders and
substance use issues; provide counseling, crisis intervention, therapy, and detox programs.
Palliative & Hospice Care - Answers Care for terminally ill patients; focus on pain management, end-of-
life care, and emotional and spiritual support.
Staffing Shortages - Answers A trend affecting Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) due to insufficient
staffing levels.
, Expanded Scope of Practice - Answers A trend where RPNs are given more responsibilities and duties in
patient care.
Aging Population - Answers A demographic trend impacting healthcare services and the demand for
nursing care.
Technology Integration - Answers The incorporation of technology into healthcare practices, affecting
nursing roles and patient care.
Mental Health Awareness - Answers An increasing recognition of mental health issues and their impact
on patient care.
Regulatory & Legal Challenges - Answers Issues related to the laws and regulations governing nursing
practice.
Work-Life Balance & Burnout - Answers Challenges faced by nurses in managing their professional and
personal lives, leading to stress and burnout.
CNO Code of Conduct - Answers Guidelines for nurses to provide safe, compassionate, competent, and
ethical care.
Promoting Health and Well-Being - Answers An RPN educates patients about disease prevention, such as
teaching a diabetic patient how to monitor their blood sugar levels.
Promoting and Respecting Informed Decision-Making - Answers An RPN discusses treatment options
with a patient, ensuring they understand and can ask questions.
Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality - Answers An RPN follows privacy protocols by securing patient
records and sharing sensitive information only with authorized individuals.
Promoting Justice - Answers An RPN treats all patients fairly and equitably, advocating for vulnerable
populations.
Being Accountable - Answers An RPN takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, such as
reporting any errors or near-misses in care. They also seek help when needed and participate in ongoing
education to improve their skills and stay up-to-date on best practices.
Fitness to Practice - Answers Ability to perform nursing duties competently, safely, and ethically, without
impairment (physical, mental, emotional).
Duty to Provide Care - Answers Ethical and legal obligation to provide care to patients within scope of
practice, ensuring safety and quality.
Person-Centered Care - Answers Focus on patient needs and values.
Professionalism & Accountability - Answers Demonstrate responsibility and ethical behavior.