Pros
AHS offers unionized positions through AUPE, which means: Standardized wage grids Shift differentials (evenings, nights, weekends) Paid vacation Pension (LAPP – Local Authorities Pension Plan) Extended health and dental benefits LPNs at AHS can work in: Hospitals (med-surg, ER support roles, obstetrics, mental health, etc.) Long-term care and supportive living Public health clinics Home care Rural health centres LPNs in Alberta have one of the broadest scopes of practice in Canada, which includes: Starting IVs Administering many medications (including some IV meds) Wound care, assessments, chronic disease management Opportunities exist for leadership roles (charge LPN, team lead), specialty training, or bridging to RN.
Cons
Overworked and undervalued workhorses of our employer(s) High Workload and Staffing Challenges Rigid Scheduling and Shift Work (many 12 hours schedules with Nights, weekends, holidays rotation schedules) Limited Upward Mobility (Compared to RNs) Work-life balance suffers due to short staffing, leading to emotional and physical strain from this grueling career. Top paid longservice LPNs will earn significantly less than a newly graduated RN despite nearly identical scopes of practice on the nursing floor.