REGISTERED NURSES & GRADUATE NURSES
The difference between a Graduate Nurse and a Registered Nurse is that although both have undertaken the same training and education, the R.N. has maintained annual licensing, practise and registration through the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia, whereas the Graduate Nurse (for varying reasons) has not maintained this status. Nurses often give up their registration in order to stay home and raise a family. Later they may choose to return to hospital work or seek employment in the Home Health Care field where they are not required to be registered with the RNABC. Licensed RN's are required only when working with clients receiving intravenous medications, injectable narcotics or tracheotomies. In all other circumstances, a Graduate Nurse is fully qualified to give care.