News from the CLPNBC

Nominee Statements

All nominees were invited to submit a brief statement outlining their strengths and how they would benefit the Board. They were also asked to indicate their support of the College's mandate. Although the Bylaws do not require it, the opportunity to submit a statement is afforded so that LPNs not familiar with a particular candidate may make a more informed decision.

The statements have been reproduced as received and appear in alphabetical order, by district:

DISTRICT #1 - LOWER MAINLAND

Marion Anderson, LPN
I have been an LPN for close to thirty years. I currently work at Surrey Memorial Hospital in the Surgical Daycare Unit. I am committed to my profession and continue to find it an exciting, rewarding career. I have been involved with the College for over two decades supporting LPNs and I continue to be a strong advocate for safe, competent practice with the respect that we deserve.
In the mid 90's I participated on various informal committees for the BC Council of LPNs. We worked on presentations to the Health Professions Council promoting LPN scope of practice. It transitioned from the BC Council of LPNs to become the College of LPNs BC in 1996. I was on the Discipline Committee and a member of a Disciple Tribunal and a member of the Quality Assurance Committee.
If I become a board member, my vision is to support the College Board by ensuring our website is a professional resource, easy for registrants and the public to use. I want to support the board in moving forward by ensuring CLPNBC completes an "Advance Competency" document. This has been a long standing goal for me that I believe is needed for public safety.
I have also been Newsletter Editor and Recording secretary for LPNABC. I was recently awarded the CLPNBC "Award of Distinction" for 2010. I was honoured to accept this award for my support of LPN practice. Please vote for me.

Kim Barrett, LPN
No statement submitted.

Barb Eagle, LPN
For the last twenty-nine years I have enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Since graduating from Alberta Vocational Centre Practical Nurse program, most of my nursing experience has been in acute care. Over the last five years I had the opportunity to serve the registrants and public as a Nursing Practice Consultant with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of British Columbia. I have recently returned to practice at Langley Memorial Hospital and have also completed a term as Clinical Instructor in one of the local Practical Nurse programs. If elected, I feel that my years of nursing experience and my understanding of provincial and national nursing issues would make me a valuable contributor on the Board.

Baljit Lail, LPN
Baljit Lail has worked for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority for the past twenty years. Her work experience includes working in acute care of Richmond Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the areas of medicine, surgery and the cardiac unit. After becoming interested in the education field she attended Simon Fraser University and obtained a masters degree in the field of education. For the past four years she has worked for Richmond Community in the role of Education Coordinator. In this role Baljit works with interdisciplinary teams which include Registered Nurse, Case Managers, Rehab staff and LPNs that work as Home Support Supervisors. Baljit has provided education to Richmond Community on special projects such the SAIL (fall prevention project) and the introduction of LPNs to the Home Care Nursing Department.

My Past Experience as Board Director:
I would like to thank the CLPNBC and registrants for allowing me the opportunity to serve on the board of directors from 2008 - 2009. It was my pleasure to work with the board and develop a learning curve in the areas of leadership, nursing regulation and coming to understand the commitment of the college staff in working with LPNs for the protection of the public through safe, competent, and ethical practice. It would give me great pleasure to be elected to the board of directors and continue with this work

Steven Roth, LPN
It has been an interesting twenty years with many changes along the way. The opportunities LPN's face today and tomorrow will create an exciting future I am looking forward to be a part of. This leads me to wonder what part I can play. What I know is that I will be involved; I will do what is needed to up support the college and we will continue to grow in our practice. Thank you.

Tania Zepeda Escobar, LPN
I graduated from Vancouver Career College in 2005. I was lucky enough to be hired as a full time float at Burnaby Hospital soon after my graduation. I was told by the manager, that her decision was made when I was honest, and admitted to not knowing the medical terminology she was referring to. This assured her that if need be I would corroborate with other team members, before putting my patient's care at risk. This taught me very early on, that the CLPNBC mandate was a great tool to follow, to achieve the best service and maximum safety to the public we relate with.
I no longer float but settled in 3B medical. I am part of the Medication Safety Quality Control Committee (MSQCC), where I have learned how my colleagues and I can enhance our quality of practice for an optimum patient care. I consider my experience as a float to be a great strength to contribute to the board, as I can collaborate on how to enhance patient safety throughout the hospital setting. The MSQCC has trained me to be a strong liaison for my colleagues and other interdisciplinary team members. Now I would love the opportunity to be part of the board to serve as a liaison between my LPN colleagues and the Board, to enforce and establish the standards of practice and professional ethics as set out by the College's mandate; and also to contribute to new and better strategies to aid CLPNBC assist the role of LPNs in the BC health care system.

Also read the Voting Rules before mailing in your Ballot. Here

DISTRICT #2 - COAST ISLAND

Michaela Ally, LPN
I graduated from VCC in 1991 and have practiced for more than 20 years in Lions Gate Hospital.
My strong belief is that LPN practice has to grow and expand and keep on expanding. It is rewarding to be able to see how far we have traveled as LPNs with our profession. From the time where we were not allowed to open patient/chart. And look at us now! I was a CLPNBC Board member between 1996 and 2004 and also served on the Enquiry Committee . My husband and I relocated to Vancouver Island to retire in 2000. I have joined Nanaimo Regional General Hospital followed by extended/multi level care as LPN Team leader. In 2004-2009 (2006 Federal Parole Board) was appointed to the BC Parole Board. It gave me the opportunity to further improve my skills in conducting hearings, work with relevant legislations mandate - Public Protection. In 2007 I joined Academic Team with Discovery Community College and it is an honour to be able to pass my knowledge to new students. It is rewarding to be able to influence new generation/s in our ever changing healthcare.
As a mother of a blended family of 5 with 8 grandchildren it is an honour to be considered for a new challenge - position of Board Director /CLPNBC.

Debbie Janz, LPN
I have been an LPN for thirty-four years and have worked on all floors at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. I consider myself a competent experienced nurse. I am proud of our profession and would like to be more directly involved as a Board Member. By representing District 2, Coast- Island and being more hands on, I feel I would have greater insight into what the Board does and be able to bring some of my own ideas to the table. I believe we are a valuable part of the health care team and our presence is important. I have spent time at the college this past year. I was involved in the proof-reading of the LPN exam questions and have also been an invigilator for the last two national exams in Nanaimo. I believe safe, competent and ethical practice is important while working within the LPN Scope of Practice. I support the College's Mandate and will do everything I can to represent us.

Sylvia Neden, LPN
Since graduating from Vancouver Island University (Malaspina University/College) in 2002, I have taken additional training in Palliative Care, Wound Care, Nuu-Chah-nulth Culture in Health Care, Mentoring, Leadership, plus certificates in Gerontology, Mental Health, Healing Touch and Foot Care. I have worked in long-term care at Trillium Lodge and Westhaven Residential Care Facility, acute care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, and presently at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) on Medical/Surgical and Psychiatric units. With all of these experiences I have grown to appreciate the diverse nursing practice that LPNs provide.
I have had the opportunity to address issues in Agriculture, regional sustainability, food safety plus LPN safe competent practice, advanced practice, communication, leadership, education and mentorship, provincially. Through this opportunity I have gained insight as to how Government articulates and functions. I spent three years on the CLPNBC Education Committee, advocating for LPN baseline competencies. I have presented resolutions that addressed LPN concerns to the CLPNBC AGM plus attended every AGM since 2002. I currently participate on the Practice Council at WCGH and collaborate interdepartmentally to improve nursing practice. A highlight to my practice is: annually perceptoring an LPN student. I feel my experience, skills and knowledge will help me to serve on the CLPNBC Board. My goal on the College Board is to maintain Safe Practice with changes in health care delivery and to assist with transition development of Advanced or Specialty Practice within the CLPNBC mandate.

Barry Phillips, LPN
I would ask you consider me in the election to the Board of Directors to our College for the following reasons. I am a nurse practising at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria with 22 years experience, in medical/surgical/geriatrics/emergency nursing. I was a member of the interim board of the College (the transition when the CLPNBC was designated as our regulatory body). During that time, I chaired the Legislation Committee which drafted our Bylaws. In the past, I have held a director's position on the Board which included the position as Vice Chair. I bring this vast experience to the position.

I believe strongly that LPNs play a vital role in the delivery of health care in our province. It is important that our role be strengthened and we become a key stakeholder in the decisions being made on what LPNs can offer in their professional practice to those who come under our care.

Our College, as its main goal, the mandate of protection of the public. The CLPNBC has to take a prominent role in our professional practice. When it does, and working with our government, not only our patients/clients are protected, but the practice of the registrants is also strengthened. I would ask that you elect me to be a member of board to ensure that direction is secured and the future of LPNs within the province is strengthened and recognized as a member of the family of nursing. Thank you for your support.

Shelley Trimblett, LPN
My name is Shelley Trimblett, and I have proudly been a LPN for 23 years. I graduated as a Registered Nursing Assistant in Calgary, Alberta and then received my BC license in 2000. I have loved my profession from the day I decided to become a Nurse.
In September, I am running for election to continue the important work now in progress. My passion has always been to move the profession of LPN's forward and I can proudly say I was part of the team for The Practice Guidelines and Entry Level Competencies, which were major milestones for the present Board. I want to serve as your elected representative to pave the way for LPN's now and in the future, sharing our vision for safe, competent and ethical care.
I also act as one of the many Presiding Officers for PN exams and currently sit as the Chair of the CLPNBC Registration Committee. I have completed my Provincial Instructors Diploma and I am currently enrolled in the Health Services Administrator Course at Vancouver Island University.
I work as an LPN and General Manager of We Care Home Health Services - Comox Valley. My position consists of client care to business development. I also sit as the B.C. Representative of the We Care National Human Resources Committee, reviewing and developing Human Resources Policies and Procedures for employment and retention of staff.
I respectfully ask that you consider voting for me as your Vancouver Island representative.

Also read the Voting Rules before mailing in your Ballot. Here

DISTRICT #3 - CARIBOO/PEACE RIVER

No vacant office for 2010.

DISTRICT #4 - OKANAGAN

Virginia Gerbrandt, LPN
It has been my privilege and responsibility to serve the Public and our Profession as a Licensed Practical Nurse on the CLPNBC Board of Directors for one term. I am seeking re-election for another term of office.
As a member of the Board during the past three years, I have supported the mandate of the College and have upheld the values of Accountability, Responsibility, Ethics, Competence, Adaptability and Collaboration.
In addition to Board responsibilities, I have and continue to serve as a member of the Inquiry Committee and am very committed to the protection of the public through the safe, competent and ethical practice of its Registrants.
As a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1978, I have enjoyed employment in a variety of health care provider roles. My work history includes; Hospital Extended Care and Rehabilitation Units; Developmental Centre work with Mentally Challenged Adults; Infant stimulation with Developmentally delayed children; Residential Care Facilities; Assisted Living and Home support settings; Home and community Care Nursing; and my current employment in Education as an RCA/CHC Instructor. I bring the professional development, knowledge and experience I have gained in my practice to my position of the CLPNBC Board.
In addition to certificates to support my full Scope of practice, I have obtained a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) at the Penticton region Hospital, as well as a certificate in Palliative Care through Okanagan College in Kelowna.
I look forward to continuing to serve faithfully in my duties as a member of the CLPNBC Board. Thank you to the electorate of District #4 for your consideration of my re-election.

Sharon Henderson, LPN
I graduated from Okanogan College in March of 1980. I have worked continuously since then as a LPN. During my thirty years of nursing I have worked in many areas including; extended care, palliative care, day hospital and day care, acute care medical and am currently working on an acute care surgical ward. I have perceptored many students over the years as well. I have seen many positive changes in the role of the LPN. We have gone from basic bedside nursing and simple dressing changes to head to toe assessments, complex wound care, IV therapy and medication administration to name a few. It has been challenging to meet each change positively as our scope of practice and level of education increases. There are so many opportunities for LPN's now. Such as home care nursing, immunization clinics, jobs in the OR and in emergency and so many more.

If elected to the Board of the CLPNBC I will strive to uphold the standards set by the College. I feel that it is very important for us as LPN's to continue to learn and increase our knowledge and skills so that we can better serve the public in a safe and competent manner. In closing I want to say that I am proud to be a LPN and will continue to embrace the challenges as they come.

Helen Sather, LPN
I started my career in nursing in 1980 when I graduated from Okanagan College as an LPN. I have worked at Penticton Hospital since graduating in many areas of nursing. In the last 6 years I have been working in the areas of Dialysis and Arthritis research. I have taught the Unit Clerk program at Okanagan College for 3 years and have also set up and managed an Infusion clinic for people with Arthritis. I currently sit on the OH&S committee. I have seen many changes to our profession. One of the first things I learnt about nursing is that you have to be flexible and open to new ideas. I have always felt that ongoing education is critical to our practice. Nursing is a profession where we touch people's lives in many ways and as key members of the health care team; LPNs bring the expertise and knowledge that result in a positive health outcome for the public. I would like the opportunity to work with the board representing the Okanagan region to that end.

Also read the Voting Rules before mailing in your Ballot. Here

DISTRICT #5 - KOOTENAYS

Scott Monteith, LPN
Hi my name is Scott and I'm applying to be on the Board of the CLPNBC. I graduated from my program in December of 2005 from The College of The Rockies in Cranbrook B.C. I was mentored from some of the best nurses from the East and West Kootenay's, which I am truly grateful for. After I finished my course I applied at Kootenay Boundary Regional, where I landed my first job on the surgical ward. Since then I've had the opportunity to work through-out the hospital (surgical, medical, paediatrics, maternity and emergency) I've also strived to continue my learning by taking some post LPN courses which include, The Critical Thinking course from VCC, and the Immunization Course. I found these courses essential for my learning to build upon my basic competencies.
Also since graduating I've become more comfortable in my basic skills, I've been able to mentor and orientate new LPN's to the medical/surgical floors. This has created a good solid base for me to build on my skills as an LPN.
To be on the College Board I believe will be a great opportunity for me to further understand the role of the LPN. Thanks to the people that nominated me, I hope to serve everyone to the best of my ability.

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Voting Rules

� A registrant may only submit one ballot.

� Return envelopes without a registration number and district in the top left hand corner will not be counted.

� Any ballots post marked later than Wednesday, 18th August will not be counted.

� Only original, unaltered ballots will be counted.

� Ballots with markings other than an "X" in the appropriate box will be considered spoiled.

� When the ballot is received by the Election Return Officer, the registration number entered on the front of the return envelope will be checked against a list of registrants and then the envelop will be destroyed.

� All votes will be counted anonymously.

BYLAWS

7. Election Procedure:
(1) The Registrar must prepare and mail to each registrant an election ballot not less than 60 days prior to the expiry of the term of office.
(2) Each registrant will be entitled to one ballot and may cast one vote for each member to be elected on such ballot. A ballot must not be counted unless it is received by the Registrar at least 30 days prior to the expiry of the term of office and is contained in a sealed envelope.
(3) The person receiving the most votes for each position is elected.
(4) In the case of a tie vote, the Registrar must determine the successful candidate by random draw.
(5) The Registrar must supervise and administer all board elections and may establish procedures, consistent with these bylaws, for that purpose.
(6) In the event of any irregularity or dispute with respect to any nomination, ballot or election, the Registrar will be the sole arbitrator thereof, and his or her decision is final.
(7) Where the number of nominees is less than or equal to the number of positions in an electoral district the Registrar will declare the nominees to be elected by acclamation.
(8) Where the number of nominees is less than the number of positions in an electoral district the Board will appoint registrants as available.
(9) A recount must be requested within 10 days of the receipt of the final results of the election.
(10) A recount will only be performed where the difference between the votes received by the two leading candidates for a position is at least 5% or less of the total votes cast in the district.
8. Election Results
As soon as possible following the counting of ballots, the Registrar shall,
(1) notify each candidate of the results of the election and of the procedure for recount;
(2) not authorize destruction of the ballots prior to 31 days after the announcement to the candidates of the results of an election or recount;
(3) notify all members of the results of the election and provide the names and biographies of the members elected or acclaimed to the Board by publishing the information in the next issue of the College publication.

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What's New

May 2010 - Important Notice The CLPNBC is currently transitioning its leadership and is pleased to announce that Patricia McDonald has been appointed to lead the College as Interim Executive Director during this time. Elaine Baxter, Senior Practice Consultant, will be providing support for practice initiatives and staff development. Pat has been with the College for five years as Director of Regulatory Services, including Registration, Inquiry and Discipline, so is well placed, with Elaine Baxter's collaboration, to take on the role of steward; overseeing operations and continuing to streamline services to both registrants and stakeholders, and at the same time building on the College's strong foundation.

The Board of Directors has selected an Executive Search Team to recruit a new Executive Director.

May 2010 - Student Debt Load Article The Globe and Mail has published an article about student debt load that may be of interest to those considering educational options for becoming an LPN. Here is the link to the article:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/career-college-students-crushing-debt-costs-taxpayers-millions/article1555629/

Associated documents - click to download

FraserHealth letter_Nov302009.pdf (Approx 27K)

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Latest information about immunization/vaccination

Update on On-Line Immunization Course

The CLPNBC is now moving to "decommission" the print-based immunization course and is working in conjunction with the BCCDC to re-establish the on-line course that was offered to LPNs for a short period last Fall. The on-line course will be the only accepted immunization program for LPNs. The approximate date for implementation of the on-line access is September 1, 2010. While we realize that some of the colleges currently offering the print-based course have plans for Fall intake, please note that these will be the final print-based course offerings that CLPNBC will recognize. The CLPNBC will provide certificates of completion by exception only.

Please visit the website frequently for further updates.

Immunization and Scope of Practice for Nursing Professions

In order to maximize surge capacity across the Province and ensure each practitioner is working to full scope of practice in the Prevention and Treatment of Influenza Like Illness, the Ministry of Health Services has produced a document to clarify Scope of Practice for BC Nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses). Below is an extract pertaining specifically to LPN's. The entire document can be found here.

LPN's

Immunization
Under the Nurses (Licensed Practical) Regulation, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have authority to administer intramuscular and subcutaneous injections within their knowledge, skill and ability. These activities must be carried out under the direction of a physician, nurse practitioner or the supervision of a RN.

In order to provide immunizations, LPNs must adhere to the standards, limits and conditions established by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC (CLPNBC) which include following decision support tools established by the BC Centre for Disease Control. These decision support tools can be found at: http://www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/comm-manual/CDManualChap2.htm

The limits and conditions are:
� LPNs must have successfully completed an immunization course approved by the CLPNBC
� LPNs may only administer immunizations to clients four (4) years of age and over

LPNs are responsible to assess and determine whether a specific client is eligible to receive an immunization(s) and are accountable for their decisions. LPNs are responsible for consulting with and/or seeking clinical guidance from an RN or physician who must be in the same facility as the LPN administering the immunization.

Antivirals
LPNs may administer antivirals for prevention purposes with an order from a physician or nurse practitioner.

LPNs may dispense or administer antivirals for treatment purposes with an order from a physician or nurse practitioner.

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LPN access to CRNBC library

LPN access to CRNBC library extended for 2010

LPNs from across the province are eligible to access the College of Registered Nurses of B.C. (CRNBC) Helen Randal Library online or in person to borrow books, videos, journals, and audiotapes. Users also have round-the-clock access to the library through www.crnbc.ca/library/

The service is being provided to current LPN registrants in line with the CLPNBC's goals of encouraging lifelong learning and supporting the continuing competency requirements of the profession.

CRNBC library is located at 2855 Arbutus Street, Vancouver and is open Monday to Friday from 0930 to 1630. Services include:

a diverse nursing and allied health collection of books, videos, print and online journals, oral-history audiotapes, and biographical files
CRNBC online catalogue of books and videos
CINAHL database for nursing journal articles
request articles held at CRNBC Library
walk-in services include study space, access to Internet workstations, and photocopier
out-of-town service includes mailing books and videos within the province, and faxing/mailing articles
reference librarians are available to help with research questions, as well as to provide orientation and bibilographical instruction services
inter-library loans for copies of journal articles from other libraries (charges may apply)

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Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance

Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance has again been included, at no extra charge to all registrants. Since 2006 all current registrants have been covered by the CLPNBC. All PNs in BC have the same coverage along with their colleagues in six other provinces.

This insurance replaces the Errors & Omissions insurance provided by the LPN Association of BC to its members and allows for coverage of all practicing registrants whether they are members of the Association or not.

This coverage is provided as an annual benefit to all registrants in compliance with the Health Professions Act, and the CLPNBC Bylaws.

The CLPNBC joined a consortium of LPN regulatory organizations from across Canada to obtain the most cost-effective insurance. The consortium purchasing the insurance includes: the College of LPNs of Alberta, the Association of New Brunswick LPNs, the College of LPNs of Nova Scotia, the College of LPNs of Manitoba, the Saskatchewan Association of LPNs, and the College of LPNs in Newfoundland & Labrador.

The group insurance policy is brokered by Lloyd Sadd Insurance Ltd. and is carried by Encon Group Inc. A link to the Certificate of Insurance is at the bottom of this page.

The policy has been revised to now provide a maximum of $2,000,000 CAN per member in Errors and Omissions Liability Coverage, to a total of $20,000,000 CAN in the agregate shared limit for all members per policy period.

Coverage features:

* penal defence reimbursement of $25,000 per member for any criminal charges relating to a practice situation. This reimbursement is applicable only in criminal cases where the registrants are found not guilty. If they are found guilty, there is no reimbursement for the costs of their defence.

* expenses at trial, pre-trial, and discovery, to a maximum of $250 per member per day

* retired members and supervised students

* no retroactive date

No coverage is provided for cases of proven abuse or sexual misconduct.

You can view the current policy below under "Associated Documents".

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Errors & Omissions Insurance
Policy No. SRD365853
Encon Insurance Managers, Inc
Policy Period: Jan 1, 2010 to Jan 1, 2011
Contact: Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers
17413- 107 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1E5

(780) 483-4544

Associated documents - click to download

Errors_Omissions Insurance 2010.pdf (Approx 21K)

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