Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Industry Overview
There is a need for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) across B.C. The province’s growing and aging population will continue to increase future demand.
Job opportunities are higher in regions with more long-term care facilities or larger hospitals such as Metro Vancouver, Victoria, and the Okanagan.
You may find new openings for LPNs in specialty areas, such as emergency and paediatric wards, and operating rooms. LPNs are taking on increased responsibilities to provide better patient outcomes and to improve the use of nursing staff. The range of options for LPNs has expanded to include mental health, community and pharmacology studies.
Your job prospects may be better if you complete an immunization certification course and the leadership post certificate course.
Job Outlook in BC
Licensed Practical Nurses
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021 to 2031:
| Region | Employment in 2021 |
Average Annual Employment Growth | Expected Number of Job Openings |
| Vancouver Island | 2,040 | 1.5% | 1,020 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 5,740 | 1.7% | 2,380 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 2,220 | 1.6% | 810 |
| Kootenay | 460 | 0.5% | 110 |
| Cariboo | 540 | 0.2% | 110 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 120 | 0.3% | 30 |
| Northeast | 170 | 0.7% | 50 |
You can learn more about working in BC from the following sources:
Types of Employers
Licensed practical nurses work in many settings including:
- hospitals
- nursing homes
- extended care facilities
- rehabilitation centres
- doctors’ offices
- clinics and community health centres
- community hospices
- private residences
- educational facilities
Salary
The median salary for licensed practical nurses working full-time in BC is $58,397 a year.
You may belong to a union. This means that your wage rates and benefits are negotiated by union representatives on your behalf.
In addition to your salary, full-time LPNs usually receive benefits, such as paid sick days, vacation time, and dental coverage.
Job Bank Canada provides hourly wages for Licensed Practical Nurses in BC regions:
Source: Job Bank Wage Report (Search Licensed Practical Nurse)
Working Hours
You typically work 8- to 12-hour shifts, usually on rotation, including weekends, evenings and holidays.