LPNs have a professional and ethical duty to report any unsafe, unethical, or harmful behaviour that could put client safety at risk or compromise the integrity of the licensed practical nursing profession. This includes but is not limited to, unsafe care due to incompetence, unethical conduct, intentional harm, care delivered under the influence (a level of impairment that affects an individual’s judgment, coordination, or ability to function safely), or care provided by someone experiencing poor mental health or otherwise being unwell. Timely and appropriate reporting is a key part of upholding safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice.

To help LPNs feel confident that they know how to identify and report unsafe behaviours and practices, CLPNS will be issuing a series of targeted communications. The first duty to report communication can be read here. LPNs should also know that if they are personally experiencing health or medical conditions that are or may impact their own practice, they can self-report to CLPNS through this self-report tool.