LPN/aide

[GERINRS]

Hello. I would like some honest input about my situation. I am a LPN who took a job at a nursing home that I used to work at, as an aide. I am a new LPN but I am one, regardless. I was oriented to the charge nurse position but have recently been working the floor as an aide. Aides are wonderfull, don't get me wrong, I was an aide for 7 years before becoming a nurse. That is not what I went to school for, though. I am to work as the charge nurse, occassionally, but most of the time I am an aide plus the charge nurses' footwork: med passer, and tube feeder. Well, today I didn't go in. I still have my job, as an agency nurse as well. I felt taken advantage of and used. How many other LPNs are used as aides? I personally can't see some of the nurses I work around, even think of helping a res. to the bathroom, let alone, work the floor as an aide. Am I being a snivelling baby or do I have the right to complain and stand up for myself?:confused

[OneChattyNurse]

Hello...I know in Iowa, with the shortage of staff, this does seem to be a problem. I would suggest spaking to your DON anx explaining to her that you don't mind helping out once in awhile, but you accepted the LPN position. If they cannot give you the LPN/charge hours you were promised (if this was the case) then you will have to resign to find a position that better suits your needs. If they really need you they will find a way to accomodate what you request. The only way they will keep using you as an aide is if you let them!!! I would be firm but respectful. If they can not offer you the hours you want, I would seek out another job. There are plenty of LPN positions open(at least here anyway)

Good luck to you!!!!

Shari

[Slowone]

You are defnately NOT being a baby! You furthered your eduacation for what is essentially a carreer change. There is a big difference in what an aide and LPN do. Likewise RN vs. LPN.

My advice would be to go to your supervisor and tell her what your concerns are and ask for an LPN job description. Go over it with her/him.

of course all nurses have an obligation to high patient care standards, no matter what the duty may be (shower/change incontinent pad...etc.) But that should not be your primary focus in your job anymore. Now it comes down to nursing care, you are no longer "assisting" the care, your job is to direct that care.

You know as well as we all do that good aides are hard to come by and I'm sure the supervisor knows that as well and is reluctant to lose you in that role, but you need call her on it in a professional and calm manner.

In the end it is up to you, if you are not doing what you want to be doing and what you went to school for, then perhaps a new enviroment is what is needed,.... you'll know.

Good luck to you.

[nur20]

I agree 100% !!!!!!!!!... PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE .......................... GERINRS..I am planning to develop a new website or prehaps a newsleter,geared exclusively to L.P.N.'s. May i please have your input as to what you would like to see in it and what would be of great benefit and interest. Please e-mail me . Thank you!!!