Effective December 1, 2025, NSCN has established a regulatory framework for registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs).
RPNs are a separate and distinct nursing designation within the profession of nursing. The regulatory framework does not include the development and approval of an RPN education program at this time.
Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) are a separate and distinct nursing designation within the profession of nursing. RPNs study from the same body of nursing knowledge as other nursing designations. Their entry level education has a comprehensive focus on mental developmental health, mental illness and addictions while integrating physical health care.
In Ontario, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are known as registered practical nurses (RPNs). Registered psychiatric nurses and registered practical nurses (Ontario only) are different designations of nurse.
No. The introduction of RPNs does not change the legislated scope of practice of other nurses.
LPNs and RNs are educated to practice across many practice settings (including mental health and addictions) and RPNs are specifically educated to practice in the mental health and addictions settings. RPNs share competencies with LPNs and RNs and work in collaboration with each other. LPNs and RNs can continue to practice in mental health and addictions settings, with no expectation that they become an RPN.
There are eight approved RPN education programs in Canada, spread across the western provinces. As of December 1, 2025, RPNs can be registered and licensed to practice in Nova Scotia.
The current regulatory framework in place for RPNs in Nova Scotia does not include the development and approval of an RPN education program at this time.
Yes. In addition to Nova Scotia, RPNs are regulated in six provinces and three territories across the country: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
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