The provincial regulatory bodies that make up the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada are:

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
201, 9711 – 45 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T6E 5V8
Tel: (780) 434-7666
Fax: (780) 436-4165
E-mail: crpna@crpna.ab.ca
Website: http://www.crpna.ab.ca

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia
Suite 307-2502 St. Johns Street
Port Moody, BC V3H 2B4
Tel: (604) 931-5200
Fax: (604) 931-5277
E-mail: info@crpnbc.ca
Website: www.crpnbc.ca

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba
1854 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3J 0G9
Tel: (204) 888-4841
Fax: (204) 888-8638
E-mail: crpnm@crpnm.mb.ca
Website: www.crpnm.mb.ca

Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan
2055 Lorne St.
Regina, SK S4P 2M4
Tel: (306) 586-4617
Fax: (306) 586-6000
E-mail: rpnas@rpnas.com
Website: www.rpnas.com

Education Background

Canadian Registered Psychiatric Nurses are educated in the four western provinces. They receive their basic education in psychiatric nursing at the diploma or baccalaureate level – with special educational focus being placed on psychiatric and mental health issues and care delivery.

For many years, students have been able to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from Brandon University in Manitoba. Post-diploma programs for RPNs have also long been available in both British Columbia (Advanced Diploma & Bachelor of Health Sciences – Psychiatric Nursing) and Manitoba (Bachelor of Science in Mental Health).

The RPNC supports the movement towards Baccalaureate as entry to practice for the profession of psychiatric nursing in the future. In the ongoing development of the profession of psychiatric nursing, the movement towards degree preparation ensures that RPNs are well positioned to respond to the changing needs and demands of the work environment, and are fully prepared for expanded roles in the delivery of health services.

Unique Abilities

RPNs work in challenging clinical and treatment environments and in interdisciplinary team settings. They need to continually exercise sound judgment in making decisions and solving problems to meet clinical challenges and the health care needs of patients.

With their specific education and experience, RPNs are skilled in patient assessments; planning programs for their clients; and implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of the plans with the clients.

Many RPNs provide crisis and treatment intervention on a daily basis. They must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to be effective as therapists capable of compassion and empathy, and in exercising tact and diplomacy while counselling and providing treatment to patients.

Their education provides the knowledge and skills required for those responsibilities.

Working In Partnership

RPNs represent the single largest group of health care professionals in the mental health field. RPNs are on the front lines, working as key members in an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals.

They provide care and services in hospitals, facilities and communities, and are at the heart of care delivery to patients.

RPNs work in full partnership with psychiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, pharmacists, managers, community agencies, law enforcement professionals and social service providers.

Making a Difference Across Mental Health

RPNs are employed in a broad range of settings that provide challenging and exciting opportunities for those interested in health care or a career in the mental health field. They work as staff nurses, managers, counsellors, clinical specialists, team leaders, supervisors, chief executive officers, executive directors, faculty, researchers, case managers and consultants in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Registered Psychiatric Nurses Providing Leadership

Many of Canada’s most experienced RPNs are actively involved in leadership roles in the country’s health system.

These RPNs play key roles in strengthening the delivery of mental health services by serving as team leaders, supervisors, senior administrators and decision makers – bringing valuable psychiatric nursing perspectives to their leadership roles and clinical settings, and helping to sustain and improve mental health care.

As well, many RPNs play an invaluable role in the education of students. Experienced RPNs serve as mentors, preceptors and role models. The insight and skills they share ensure the psychiatric nurses of tomorrow are better prepared for this dynamic profession.

A Rich Tradition of Providing Care

Decades of service by Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) have resulted in a respected and honoured legacy – a record of providing high standards of skilled and compassionate care.

For over 80 years, Registered Psychiatric Nurses have been an indispensable part of Canada’s health care system. RPNs have been educated in and focused on mental health care since the 1920s. There are over 5,000 Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada.

Psychiatric nursing is recognized as a distinct health care profession throughout western Canada and many other countries – a profession that is growing and adapting to meet the changing needs of patients and our health care system.