NUPGE celebrates role of licensed and registered practical nurses during National Nursing Week

"Licensed and registered practical nurses play an important role in keeping our health care system running effectively and ensure patients receive care with dignity and respect," says James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

Ottawa (09 May 2012) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is proud to recognize the critical role licensed and registered practical nurses play in the health care system during National Nursing Week.

Every day, LPNs and RPNs are taking on new roles and responsibilities within the scope of their professional practice, often without the corresponding recognition for being an essential member of the modern nursing and health care team.

In a recent national meeting in British Columbia, LPNs and RPNs members met to discuss the significant challenges to their profession and to health care in Canada. In particular, members discussed the ongoing Health Accord negotiations and agreed that "in order to strengthen the delivery of health care in Canada, a new Health Accord must encourage health care employers to utilize all health care workers to full scope of practice, particularly Licensed and Registered Practical Nurses; this would help to improve the quality of care and to ensure the cost effective delivery services."

"Registered and registered practical nurses play an important role in keeping our health care system running effectively and ensure patients receive care with dignity and respect," says James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "As a society, we need to thanks and recognize these tireless professionals who step up with competency and compassion at every turn."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE