Historically, LPN regulators, including the CLPNS, have defined the LPN scope of practice through competency profiles, which list many, but not all, of the specific skills and activities performed in practice.

However, these profiles quickly become outdated, as the scope of practice cannot be fully captured by a static list. Competency profiles do not adequately reflect the evolution of LPN practice and the changing needs of the healthcare system.

The CLPNS will archive the Competency Profile effective December 31, 2025. Currently, Saskatchewan is one of only two provinces in Canada that still maintains a Competency Profile. To support a smooth transition, LPNs and employers will be provided with resources to support their understanding of LPN practice in Saskatchewan.

We want to hear from you regarding this change. Please take a few moments to fill out our brief survey on the removal of the Competency Profile and share your feedback:

In Saskatchewan, the LPN scope of practice is not defined by a checklist of skills and tasks, but rather by the education and training required for licensure. This framework is grounded in the Entry-Level Competencies, which establish the foundation for what is expected of new LPNs. These competencies reflect the evolving nature of LPN practice and are informed by the needs of the healthcare system and the employment role of LPNs.

The Licensed Practical Nurses Act, 2000, and CLPNS Bylaws clearly outline the educational requirements for licensure, while the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics provide guidance on the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed in day-to-day practice. This approach supports the evolving and dynamic nature of LPN practice, ensuring that LPNs are prepared to meet the diverse needs of the individuals and communities they serve.

The employment role of LPNs significantly influences their practice. These roles are guided by client needs and supported by employer policies and procedures, which outline the LPN’s responsibilities within specific practice areas. Given our distance from individual practice areas, we cannot provide guidance at that level of specificity. Employers and LPNs working directly in those practice areas are best positioned to assess the day-to-day realities and determine what is appropriate within the context of the environment. This approach promotes flexibility and responsiveness in LPN practice while ensuring client care is delivered in a safe, competent, and ethical manner.

LPNs have foundational knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan. They practice in a wide range of areas and apply evidence-informed practices to ensure safe and competent care delivery.

When clients experience changes in their health condition, LPNs use their knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to assess the situation, implement appropriate interventions, and take necessary actions to ensure client safety. They coordinate care delivery and collaborate with clients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure continuity of safe care.

Collaboration and communication are foundational components of safe and effective LPN practice. LPNs have a professional responsibility to recognize when a client’s care needs exceed their education, training, or individual competence, and to seek appropriate support. This may involve consulting with colleagues, engaging with team members, or initiating discussions with employers to clarify expectations or obtain guidance.

Once the Competency Profile is archived, LPNs and managers will continue to have access to several foundational resources to understand the scope of practice, roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of LPNs. These resources include: 

The Licensed Practical Nurses Act, 2000:  

• This legislative framework provides a legal framework to regulate LPNs and provides a broad definition of LPN practice. 

• Under the Act, “practise as a licensed practical nurse” means to provide services, within the education and training of licensed practical nurses, for the purposes of providing care, promoting health and preventing illness. 

Standards of Practice for LPNs:  

• Set the minimum expectations for LPN practice and serve as a framework to guide professional conduct. They establish benchmarks for performance, accountability, and the delivery of safe, competent, and ethical care. 

Entry-Level Competencies (ELCs):  

• Outline the foundational knowledge and skills required for entry-level LPN practice, which are embedded in the curriculum of practical nurse education programs.  

• Are informed by the evolving needs of the healthcare system and LPN practice.  

• Distinguish the expectations of new graduates from those of experienced practitioners, supporting the development of competence over the course of an LPN’s career, entry-level and beyond-entry-level competencies.  

Code of Ethics for LPNs:  

• Provides the ethical values and responsibilities that LPNs uphold and are accountable for. It also informs the public and employers about what they can expect from LPNs in practice.  

Together, these documents provide a clear framework that supports safe, competent and ethical LPN practice.  

If you have any questions regarding archiving the competency profile, please email practice@clpns.com for more information.