Research evidence about Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and from RPNs is gaining traction in the literature.
Why is this important for RPNs?
Literature sources are a vital tool so that nurses are able to access current research used to guide best practice, enhance patient care, and inform policy and nursing programs.
Findings from a 2014 literature review found only one RPN-focused publication that was published by WeRPN (formally RPNAO) titled ‘It’s All About Synergies: Understanding the Role of the Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario’s Health Care System’. As nurses continued to face challenges of role ambiguity, conflict, and role confusion, WeRPN advocated for increased representation of RPN’s in the literature and RPN engagement in research-driven literature. By 2022, a scoping review of the literature found the number of RPN publications had increased to 18 (linked here).
With more than 59,000 RPNs working in Ontario, it became urgent to raise greater awareness of our nursing category. The small increase of 17 RPN-focused publications over eight years remained insufficient to capture information and research-driven evidence about the role of RPNs and issues that matter most to RPNs. WeRPN endeavoured to increase available information about the vital role of RPNs on key research priorities forged through consultations with RPNs and the broader health, education, and research communities.
Impact of RPNs in Research
Since 2021, the WeResearch Infrastructure was established to lead, sponsor, partner and contribute to research in order to generate increased representation of RPNs in the literature. Acknowledging RPNs for their professional knowledge, skills, and experiences, WeRPN opened opportunities for RPNs to build capacity and capabilities in research and advocated for RPNs to engage as members of a research team, as research participants, research advisors and collaborators and to strengthen the relevance and impact of the research findings.
Relationships between researchers, organizations and RPNs have been reported to be beneficial for all those involved in the study and have helped to strengthen the impact and relevance of the research findings. RPNs have reported increased confidence in their practice and felt more empowered as professional advocates and contributors to research. Researchers have expressed appreciation for the expertise and insights of the RPNs on their team. The growing engagement of RPNs in research and translating research findings has had a significant impact on the number of available RPN literature sources. To help RPNs, organizations, educators and health leaders access literature about RPNs, WeRPN developed a new library and made it publicly available in May 2025.
WeRPN eLibrary
The WeRPN library is a central repository for RPN inclusive publications, presentations and other resources. RPNs have contributed to these research-driven literature sources as research participants, members of the team, and with authorship contributions. Today there are more than 79 RPN inclusive/focused literature sources, with 36 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. We expect this upward trend of RPN research-driven literature to continue with the growing collaboration between RPNs, organizations, and the broader research community.
The library has basic and advance search functions to help provide a user-friendly experience for locating key literature sources about the latest research findings and innovative approaches for RPNs.
Within the library you can find information about scholarly research publications, professional articles, briefs and commentary reports. Research presentations of key findings and recommendations and evidence-informed resources.
RPNs can access scholarly literature (peer-reviewed) to learn about the methods and methodological approaches to research, ethical conduct for human research and full study details.
RPNs seeking an overview of key findings, recommendations and impact of research can search for reports, briefs, posters, webinars, videos, and infographics to help stay up to date on the latest research.
RPNs Advancing Research Literacy
Nurses are accountable for staying current with trends and evidence that support best practices in patient care. The WeRPN Library is a valuable resource, offering insights about RPNs from RPNs themselves and research partners dedicated to breaking down barriers and raising awareness of the profession.
Read the bi-monthly WeResearch Newsletter to remain current about research opportunities, ongoing research studies, and watch for upcoming publications that will be added to the WeRPN library.
As an RPN, it’s encouraging to see more of our peers contributing to research by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and expertise. Expanding RPN-focused research provides nurses with more accurate and relevant information about our profession. This inclusive body of literature strengthens guidance for clinical practice, work roles, policies, and care services, helping to advance our profession as a whole.
Jen Calver, RPN, MHSc, GPNC(c)
