Three hundred licensed practical nurses from across the country came together

Unity is our greatest strength

The Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Reykjavík City, Landspítali Hospital and Framvegis – Center for Continuous Education organized the event together. "It was really wonderful to see these parties working together to organize this event. It's fantastic for us licensed practical nurses to see this commitment to collaboration. We also know that unity is our greatest strength," says Sandra B. Franks, chair of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association of Iceland.

A platform to highlight one of the country's largest healthcare professions

Sandra says days like this matter greatly for creating a shared professional vision within the profession. "The system has sometimes had this attitude that we're 'just' licensed practical nurses. I hope that with such an excellent conference we can elevate the profession and highlight the core nursing work that we licensed practical nurses provide, which is tremendously important. Gradually, we hope to shape public understanding of our work in society. Too many people don't realize what licensed practical nurses do in their jobs."

She says the distinction between licensed practical nurses and registered nurses is often unclear, especially for those receiving services. Essentially, licensed practical nurses bear the brunt of direct patient care, as they work most closely with people, while registered nurses handle care plan coordination and maintain relationships with other healthcare professionals. "Both roles are important.“

Additional education in physical therapy important for career development opportunities for licensed practical nurses

Supporting career development for licensed practical nurses is one of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association's key priorities, and Sandra says a tremendously important step was taken when the University of Akureyri started offering diploma programs for working licensed practical nurses. The association had long advocated for this program, as it encourages more people to choose licensed practical nursing as a lifelong career. "The next step is for healthcare institution managers to create appropriate positions for people who take on this additional education."

Increased unity a great cause for celebration

The Licensed Practical Nurse Day program was, as mentioned, extremely diverse. Before noon, speakers addressed effective home nursing, malnutrition in older people and projects from the Grief Center. After noon, speakers discussed the professional program mentioned earlier that leads to a diploma degree for working licensed practical nurses. Topics also included competency standards for licensed practical nurses, cultural sensitivity, pressure sore prevention, use of welfare technology and the importance of positive communication.

Four opening addresses were delivered at the start of the day. Speakers included Sandra B. Franks, chair of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Eygló Ingadóttir, project manager representing Landspítali Hospital, and Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir, chair of the Welfare Council, representing Reykjavík City. Health Minister Alma Möller also addressed the conference by video, as she was on an official visit with Iceland's president and could not attend in person.

Too many people don't realize what licensed practical nurses do in their jobs."

All speakers agreed on the importance of licensed practical nurses within the healthcare system, especially now when patients with more complex health problems are increasing, requiring more intensive care and increasingly demanding tasks. Licensed practical nurses, who make up the second-largest group in the healthcare system, work in close contact with people and face challenges in many ways, including communication skills, emotional strength and physical endurance. All speakers celebrated the increased solidarity among licensed practical nurses, who are increasingly fighting for professional recognition, better working conditions and improved workplace environments.