Skills, Education and Experience

• excellent communication skills
• strong problem-solving skills
• good observation skills
• ability to handle high levels of stress associated with emergencies and medical conditions
• ability to cope with the emotional aspects of working with the sick, injured and terminally ill, as well as patients’ families
• must be able to work well in a team
• ability to follow strict guidelines to prevent infection and injury
• patience and self-control

Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising

To work as a licensed practical nurse you require:

• completion of a recognized college or vocational program specifically for LPNs
• successful completion of the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN)
• registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives

More information:

This occupation is regulated in British Columbia.

To work as a LPN in British Columbia you must be registered with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

For more information on registration see:

If you were educated as a nurse outside of Canada you may be eligible to register as a licensed practical nurse in British Columbia.

This involves the following steps:

• apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
• submit the required documents in order to complete an assessment of your education and nursing practice
• demonstrate English language proficiency
• complete a criminal history record search
• you may be asked to complete a competency assessment of your nursing knowledge and practice through Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS)
• successfully write the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN)

For more information see: