How to handle lazy LPN's on the team

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morte, LPN, LVN

7,015 Posts

here at AN, we have been through this use of the possesive before. I suped today, I had 72 patients, three nurses and 6 aides, and yes they were all mine. perhaps it is regional?

SCSTxRN

258 Posts

Specializes in Psych.

Morte,

I'm thinking the same thing.. must be regional - they're all my staff... I have their back, I address issues, and they also say, "Hang on, let me get my RN for you" ... I belong to them too. I'm the one they come to with problems, and I'm the one who addresses problems between them - although I often feel like they're running to mommy to solve intrapersonal problems. I digress...

I would address it with the LVN - directly. I don't make people guess if I have an issue with the way they're performing - ever. That shows issues with your supervision, if you are her supervisor, as much as with her performance. Someone else addressed it well - if you see her sitting - not charting - and there's a call light going off, ask her - Can you get that, or should I? Breaks have to be vetted with the other nurse, anyway, to keep the patients covered.

Outside of the shift - off of the floor - if supervising is your job, address it more directly. "I have documented ___ ___ and ___. According to the LVN job description at our facility, you are responsible for ___, ____, and ___. Is there a reason you are not ____?" Document her response, write a short note and have her sign it. Send it to your manager.

Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.
The LPNs might not "belong" to anyone; but the RN does delegate to the LPN

And some of them don't seem to understand this. I don't know if they are not taught this in school or what. An RN has to prioritize and delegate. If that makes them feel like the RN is passing "lesser work" off on them I'm sorry, but certain things cannot be delegated and in order for the RN to have time to do those things they have to ask the other staff to help them.

CherylRNBSN

182 Posts

Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

First, the title of your post was am unfortunate choice of words.Second, as team leader, you simply say (IF they are sitting around), "I need you to..."I work w a fabulous group of LPNs and Aides; we cover one another. I always recognize their contributions, and they appreciate mine. I don't really have this problem. But if I did, a simple " I need you to..." will suffice. They will then have to explain why they cannot, or do the task.I don't really understand the issue here...

Nurse ABC

437 Posts

I agree that laziness can come from any type of healthcare provider-it just so happened that on our floor it's a few of the LPN's esp one in particular. Our LPN's pass meds, do dressing changes, tube feedings, and help out the rest of the team. My problem is when they are not doing their job and I'm the one ultimately held responsible if my patients don't get their meds, dressing changes, bed baths, or whatever they're supposed to have from anyone. It all falls on me. I don't like telling people what to do. I feel like if they were hired for a position they should be responsible enough to do it without someone having to ask or prompt them. That's why I called it laziness. I know of several LPN's that work their butts off-it's just that most aren't on our floor. I also know of lazy RN's and aides but once again most of them aren't on our floor. This one particular LPN has already been spoken to by our nurse manager which is why I'm suprised she's not doing any better. I think I will speak to her directly and let her know she's being watched and people are noticing what she's doing and if there is a reason she's not pulling her weight. She's pregnant and uses that a lot as an excuse. If that doesn't work then I will take it to the nurse manager. Thanks for your advice and no offense to anyone.

CherylRNBSN

182 Posts

Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

I will say one thing I have noticed: the aides won't answer calls on their breaks. So they call the RN, even if I am taking lunch at 3pm. And I stop eating, to take a pt. to the bathroom. B/c I am ultimately responsible for care. Can't say "No". So I get your point, OP.Hang in there, you will figure it out.

BrandonLPN, LPN

3,358 Posts

I understand where the OP is coming from. On her floor, it just so happens that the laziest staff tend to be LPNs. I can accept that. On my unit (LTC) the laziest staff is undoubtedly the RN staff. I spend five hours busting my butt passing meds to 49 people before I can sit down. She, on the other hand, has time for multiple smoke breaks and spends plenty of time on the Internet to boot. It sounds to me like your LPNs have too much down time and need to be delegated more tasks. Even though I'm "below" my RN, I "delegate" the floor's treatments to her on a regular basis.

Nurse ABC

437 Posts

I know,I know-I worded it badly. I wasn't thinking or trying to offend any LPN's. If that happened to be an RN or an aide I probably would've worded it that way which wouldn't have been any better! I'm just frustrated and I have flat out asked them if they could help me out. Some of the "co-workers" will either roll their eyes, sigh, and make a huge deal out of getting up or they will flat out say they are too busy even though they've been sitting their laughing and talking for the past half hour. It's not just me-other personnel have told me these certain ones do not pull their own weight and to not expect much help from them. It's been going on long before I ever showed up. I jump in and help anyone who asks even if I'm busy. I've never had to deal with this whole song and dance of getting someone to do their part without offending them.

taramb7263

52 Posts

statement: I agree with the comment of not showing possession of any coworker, you are a team and pt satisfaction is the ultimate goal.

question: Most places allow you to assess but based on my knowledge, an lpn is an lpn not liscensed in assessment or such hence the RN and the NCLEX and the degree. (and i know most lpns are capable and some with much experience)this is not to insult any lpn:)by state board standards lpns are not trained to assess and teach. the rn should always reassess, which yes, some new grads may know less but ultimately the RN is responsible for you and the aides. When push comes to shove its her @#* on the line. I find it is alway a battle of "well, I think I know more" Just work together and do your job and worry about yourself and your patients. Don't waste negative energy on the BS work together and remember why you chose to walk into a facility and take care of another human being.

LTCNS, LPN

623 Posts

Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

I've been fortunate to work in *some* LTCs where teamwork is understood. Others? Not so much. In the better homes everyone jumps in and "just does it." OTOH, I hear "he/she is not my patient" all too often and that crawls all over me. That is one of my biggest pet peeves. I cannot stand that!

BrandonLPN, LPN

3,358 Posts

In LTC, we LPNs *do*assess each and every shift. It is silly to pretend otherwise. Sometimes I work with no RN and am the only nurse. So OF COURSE I assess. People try to come up with absurd word games like "data gathering" but it is the SAME thing.

Fiona59

8,343 Posts

I work in Canada. Under my own license and insurance. Assessment on my patients be it admission, or discharge is my responsibility.

The Charge Nurse is the only RN who can delegate to me just as she is the only person who can delegate to an RN.

I have been Charge Nurse in another facility. In LTC we are the Charge Nurses.

It's a lousy job and not worth the entire $1.25 responsibility pay.

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