Health Leadership & Learning Network, York University
healthcare continuing education

RPN/LPN Leadership & Communication Skills for Practice
Program Description
Leadership in healthcare doesn’t always come with a title. Whether you’re coordinating care, supporting new staff, or managing complex conversations, strong communication and clinical judgment are essential for safe, effective nursing.
This program helps RPNs/LPNs step into leadership — right where they are.
Built by nurses for nurses, this course gives you the tools to lead with confidence, handle difficult situations, and strengthen your impact on care teams and residents. You’ll learn how to build trust, communicate under pressure, and advocate clearly — all while staying grounded in scope of practice and professional standards.
Why Take This Program
• Build practical communication skills you can use right away
You’ll learn how to communicate clearly — even in high-pressure situations — by developing listening, feedback, and trust-building techniques you can apply on your next shift.
• Learn how to manage conflict and lead in tough moments
Through real-world scenarios and simulations, you’ll practice de-escalation, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting — skills every RPN/LPN needs when navigating challenging conversations with colleagues, clients, or families.
• Feel more confident in your scope and decision-making
You’ll strengthen your ability to make sound clinical decisions within your scope of practice, delegate effectively, and maintain professionalism in ethically complex situations.
• Contribute to a stronger team and safer workplace
This course helps you grow into the kind of leader who builds trust, supports team accountability, and helps create a respectful, high-performing culture — no matter your title.
• Grow your leadership mindset, one step at a time
Whether you're supporting new staff, coordinating care, or mentoring informally, you’ll learn how to lead in ways that support retention, collaboration, and quality care — at the bedside and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
Duration/Time Commitment
3 hrs/day over 5 days online
Fully Online - Live Instructor Led sessions
In addition to class time, one (1) hour of self study time per course day
Program Outline
What You Receive
Requirements for Enrolment
RPN’s/LPN’s who are
• Currently working in long-term care, community health, acute care, or other team-based settings
• Supporting onboarding, training, or daily coordination
• Looking to strengthen their leadership and communication skills
• Nurses interested in contributing to a stronger workplace culture and improved team performance
This program is offered in English. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the language requirements. You may be asked to demonstrate language proficiency.
Current Term and Sessions
Fall 2025
Winter/Spring 2026
Winter/Spring 2026: Feb 19, 20, 26, 27, Mar 5
7am - 10am MT each day
Summer 2026
Fee:
$950.00
plus 5% GST
The course fee includes instruction and course materials only
Need to Renew Your Membership or Become a member in the AAN
Tuition Funding for Nurses
If you are registered as an RN or NP in Alberta, you can apply to ARNET for a tuition grant. See the link here for more information and how to apply.
Note: CHEN does not administer this funding. Consult the link provided for information