Since the 1920s, Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) have been an indispensable part of Alberta’s psychiatric and mental health services delivery system. In the last 80 years, RPNs have built a record of providing high standards of skilled and compassionate care for persons with a medical, mental illness or emotional problems.
There are over 5,500 Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada, with approximately 1,400 RPNs practicing in Alberta. Psychiatric Nursing is recognized as a distinct health care profession in Canada and many other countries – a profession that is growing and adapting to meet the changing needs of individuals, families, groups and communities as well as the health care system.
Registered Psychiatric Nurses form the largest single group of mental health professionals in Alberta.