FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has completed its review of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) job classification, which was announced in June.
The purpose of the review was to determine whether the work of LPNs remains a good fit within the Operational Category and Patient Services group, where the job was classified when it was first established over 50 years ago.
“The review demonstrates that the duties and responsibilities performed by LPNs has evolved significantly over the years,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “There are more than 1,700 LPNs who play a critical role in the delivery of health services in New Brunswick. It is important to us that their job be properly classified.”
The review, led by the Department of Finance and Treasury Board, has determined that the LPN job is no longer a good fit within its current occupational category and group. Given the common interests between the LPN and registered nurse (RN) professions, the LPN job classification will be reclassified within the Nursing group effective Oct. 8. This is not unprecedented, as both professions are in the same bargaining unit in several other jurisdictions across Canada.
Finance and Treasury Board will now work with the New Brunswick Nurses’ Union to finalize an agreement for the transfer of LPNs to their new group from their current Patient Services group represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
07-10-21