ONE RN PER SHIFT, the rest LVN and TECHS.

This seems to be happening every where! In our facility, we did not hire LPN's until we couldnt recruit or retain any RN's because the CEO would only authorize part-time/no benefit positions. Then the bright idea came to post 6 PT, No bene jobs for LPN's. We got em' but the turnover rate is astronomical and the Lonely RN is overworked with everything that's not within the scope of practice for an LPN. In our state, LPN's dont call Doc's, obtain or write or note orders, dont do assessments or develop care plans and they look to the RN license for critical thinking skills to make tough decisions. Basically, they are a tech with license to administer meds, most everthing else is diverted to the RN. It's tough to run an acute inpatient psych unit under these cirumstances. The day shift has more licenses than the off shifts, but I can see this happening on days as well as our RN's retire or exit for other reasons.