A Career as a Nurse Can Take You Anywhere
Nurses work with other members of the health care team to care for people, groups, and communities in many different settings.
Depending on where they work, nurses do different things – they encourage healthy living, help people avoid injury and illness, and care for those who are sick.
There are three types of nurses in Manitoba – registered nurses (which also includes nurse practitioners), registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses.
Registered nurses (RNs) complete a four-year program and earn a Bachelor of Nursing. Their education prepares them to provide care in a variety of practice areas.
Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) complete a four-year program and earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. Their education is more focused on mental health, addictions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Both RNs and RPNs are eligible to complete a Master of Nursing degree in one of four different areas of focus – Research, Education, Clinical, or Nurse Practitioner. Nurse practitioners are able to autonomously diagnose and treat illnesses, order tests, prescribe medications, and perform certain procedures.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) complete a two-year program and earn a Diploma in Practical Nursing. Licensed practical nurses have a narrower scope of practice than RNs and RPNs but work autonomously to provide patient care in a number of settings.
Role Requirements
- Nurses are exposed to high-pressure, fast-paced and mentally demanding situations
- Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet
- Nurses work in different environments, including hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and community health centres
- Nurses work a variety of shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Skills and Abilities
Empathetic and Compassionate
Active Listener
Team Player
Problem Solver
Educational Programs
Assiniboine Community College
Brandon University
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (offered at Brandon and Winnipeg campuses)