http://www.amda.com/caring/october2004/lpns.htm
I know I have my share of debates when it comes to scopes of practice but this article is really off base! I guess after reading this article I agree with some of the other posters who have called for LPNs to become certified in some speciality areas. I guess I saw all the bickering between levels of nursing but I never realized until reading this article how little some really don't understand what LPN's do. When I did long term care as an LPN I was often the only nurse in the building (on night shift). I think the person writing this may need to follow an LPN one day on the job. While I have argued that RN's do have a greater knowledge base (at least I learned more with my generals and nursing courses), I certainly have had a new light shed on what LPN's are up against. I had been in my own little homecare area so long that I did not realize how much the LPN practice is misunderstood to other healthcare professionals and the public. I always felt that I was very capable to care for my patients--what I thought was the biggest problem in LTC was the lack of help.
Karen