37 LVN's "DOWNSIZED" - how's that for a shortage!

[kharitinova]

I recently learned that LakePointe Medical Center in Rowlett TX called all their LVN staff into a meeting and LET THEM GO - ALL OF THEM!!! Something about downsizing! Sounds like getting rid of their LVN staff!! Plain and simple. Mind you some of these LVN's have been there for over 10 years, 2 in particular are smarter than most of the RN staff, there or anywhere else. (Don't ask why they didn't go back to school, we know that is not easy when raising a family, trying to make ends meet, etc)

This is a TENET facility, so I am sure these LVN's won't be the last cuts. It is hard to imagine letting staff go when there is such a shortage going on and such focus on nurse/patient ratio, the high occurance of errors and overworked, underpaid nurses.

I would much rather be staffed w/ LVN's than work short, pay agency or have management tell me there are pleny of nurses aides to help.

LVN's and RN's beware!!! This could happen to a hospital near you soon!!! Naturally all comments are welcome!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm an LVN in the DFW area, so I hope no one takes offense.

When people refer to the nursing shortage, they are typically referring to a shortage of licensed RNs, not LVNs.

In addition, I'm convinced there's no true nursing shortage. There's only a shortage of nurses who would willfully get abused from all angles, step into dangerous working conditions, and receive so much disrespect for mediocre pay.

The pay rates of RNs and LVNs in DFW would be significantly higher if a nursing shortage truly existed. There's a critical shortage of orthodontists, so they are paid an average of $350,000 yearly. There's no shortage of nurses, so most of us suffice with a middle income.

In addition, it is becoming popular for hospitals across the nation to rid their units of LVNs. They are hoping to "look better" in the arena of public opinion by featuring an all-RN staff to fluff pillows, handle customer service requests, get screamed at, and fetch ice water while trying to safely improve patient outcomes.

[loricatus]

Is this place going for magnet status? It seems that things like this happen whenever a facility starts thinking about going Magnet.

When will those administrative idiots ever learn what it takes to provide good patient care?

Just a subtle reminder: Patient education begins at the bedside & patients deserve education related to ALL aspects that involve their care :wink2:

[joeyrr71]

I work for Davita doing dialysis in Houston, TX. had been a dialysis tech for 16 years, currently in the RN program. Davita is changing their policy in august that LVNs cannot be IN CHARGE anymore. Currently LVNs charge, pass medication, and do direct patient care. LVNs will be doing patient care only. It is just sad that LVNs have to go through this drama because some LVNs love to be in charge. Also many of the Houston Medical Center hospitals are not hiring or letting go of LVNs, for example, MD Anderson Cancer Hospital and many others. :-(

[kharitinova]

To "THE COMMUTER" WOW!!! What a great take on things! I never looked at it that way. As for customer service "requests" the other morning we got in trouble because 2 patients complained to administration that we didn't have any coffee made at 0530. Didn't tell them that we are too busy getting AM labs (there is no phelbotomist (sp?) on -no need, the nurses can do it), Vital signs and finishing the incredible amount of paperwork that is now required (don't get me started on that).

To "LORICATUS" Believe it or not this hospital received the Texas "Nurse Friendly" designation in the fall of 07 and proudly announce that on their website. The entire "Nurse Friendly" thing is a crock as many employees are too scared to give their true opinions on the survey, even though they say it is confidential, they still think administration will track bad comments back to them and they will loose their jobs!!!

Thanks for both of your comments!!!

[RN1989]

AMEN on the nurse friendly crock! My facility was trying for it when I was management. The CNO had this unique way of twisting everything to sound good to the surveyors.

Concerning Lakepointe, I am wondering if they are working on things to try and compete with the new hospital in Rockwall. That new hospital is a threat, and now that Forney is going to get a new hospital also.....could be Lakepointe is trying to "one-up" everyone else by saying they have an all-RN staff or something. I find it odd that they would be able to afford getting rid of the LVNs. Something is going on....small hospitals like that don't just do this for kicks.

[PrettyPillz]

There is something up with Lake Pointe. I worked agency out there a few years ago. And they were "always" short of nurses. Maybe they are trying to compete. And they are definately not nurse freindly.

[labelle]

I hate when they just just let go of staff especially with no notice.

one of the Trisun healthcare facilities just let go of nurses with no notice at all,

can you imagine today you have a job, hrs later you are jobless????

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I hate when they just just let go of staff especially with no notice.

one of the Trisun healthcare facilities just let go of nurses with no notice at all,

can you imagine today you have a job, hrs later you are jobless????

Which Trisun facility let go of nurses with no notice?

[labelle]

Lonestar in grapevine

[tejas-nurse]

Just gives those us yet to get into nursing school the incentive to go directly for the BSN.

[Iam46yearsold]

In the DFW area, most hospitals are either all RN or just not hiring LVNs and allowing LVNs to phase out. Its the way of things to come all over. LVNs to work in LTCs and Drs offices and such. It is sad but it is happening. I remember one LVN fondly, Daisy Mae and yes that was really her name. She taught me so much a long time ago. She is long dead now. The world is sadder without her here.