?About LPN supervisors in LTC

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

The LVN supervisors at my workplace are responsible for everything that occurs at the facility, whether or not they were present in the building at that time. I know we're practicing in different states, but I personally would not want to assume any responsibility over the work and actions of other nurses. We all know that some nurses are excellent, some are okay, and others are totally sloppy. As a supervisor, I'd be worried about the sloppy nurses who don't follow through with anything. In addition, it's a prudent idea to accrue at least 1 to 3 year's worth of experience before accepting a supervisory position in LTC.

Good luck to you. I wish you the best!

Simplepleasures · Dec 16, 2007

Hi everyone, I am a new LPN and I work in LTC. I have been at this job 3 months and they want me to be the PRN 3-11 supervisor. I said yes at first because they said they would train me. Someone from another board told me to be cautious and not do it because I need more experience and they didn't think it was legal or in my scope. Currently there are 2 RN that work on the shift but they might be leaving and they don't want to do it. There is a full-time LPN that is doing it now but she has been ther 20+ years. I guess my question is, Is this acceptable and tell me why it is not. I'm not going to take it because I just got off the BON website and read the scope of the LPN and it says that I cannot supervise an RN. Give me your opinions. I just got my licenses and don't want to lose them. TIA

May be legal, but is it SAFE?

kukukajoo, LPN · Dec 16, 2007

I wuold be curious as to why the experienced RNs do not want the job. What do they know that you don't know about it?

If it says you can't supervise RNs then I would be very cautious at this place. Sounds like you are being set up for a fall or they are taking advantage of your lack of experience.

Hope all turns out oaky.

NurseKatSteeZ · Dec 16, 2007

Hello. I'm an LVN at an LTC as well. I only work part time due to babysitter matters and schooling. I have only been a nurse for 16 months. A few months ago, I was scheduled as an orientee to the shift supervisor. Mind you, I work the 3-11 shift also. Since then, I've been a supervisor for atleast once to even a few times out of the days I work in a month. I do supervise an RN on our shift too. Now you got me thinking about the whole 'is this legal?' thing. I want to browse the BON website, but don't even know where to look. If any fellow california LVN's may know anything of this, please let me know. I don't want to be doing a job that is not legal or is dangerous to my license which I worked very hard for. Thank you. Goodluck and happy holidays to all.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Dec 16, 2007

In Massachusetts, an LPN cannot supervise an RN. But, I have 2 LPNs who supervise on the weekend. We called them something different and no one seems to mind. They have years of experience and do an excellent job. I am available by phone 24/7 so if there is ever a problem, they call me. I wouldn't take the job with only 3 months of experience,however.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

I have worked in LTCs that had LPN supervisors. LPNs cannot supervise the nursing practice of RNs. This means you can't supervise their actual work with patients and how they make decisions involving the care of patients. However, you can supervise them as employees of the facility in regard to them following personnel policies and the rules of the facility. So, yes, you can supervise. Non-licensed personnel (administrators) can also supervise RN employees where it pertains to facility policies and facility rules, but NOT their nursing practice with regard to actual patient care.

If I were you, I would take the position. It would be a marvelous opportunity for you to learn leadership skills. You would be primarily supervising the nursing practice of the CNAs. However, you will also need to know the facility policies and procedures and be the person to not only enforce them, but be a consultant with the charge nurses on them. You would also, most likely, be involved in disciplinary issues. Where there might be any wrong doing by an RN in her nursing practice, your role would primarily be to document the facts as you know or observe them for the DON to take action. You will also need to know employee rules (fire safety, attendance rules, what behavior is and isn't appropriate on the facility property--that kind of stuff). An RN who is taking 2 hour lunch breaks can be disciplined by an LPN supervisor because they are breaking a facility rule, not violating the state nursing law. You might also be asked to give a written disciplinary warning to a RN who has called off too many days of work and violated the attendance policy. This would be within your scope as a supervisor.

When I was in supervision and management you can't imagine the paperwork that was involved. It is one thing to verbally tell people what they are doing wrong. However, what many staff are not aware of is that this has to be followed up with written documentation. And, that is where the supervisors and managers come in.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2007

i have been a nursing supervisor the majority of my ltc nursing career . the thing here is you need more experience with handling situations that may arise and believe me there are some situations that can arise in ltc. you need to be completely comfortable with all your skills and be up to par with the facilities policy and procedures. if i were you i would skip it this time around , get more experience then take it later...cause it will be available later i guarantee it.

hi everyone, i am a new lpn and i work in ltc. i have been at this job 3 months and they want me to be the prn 3-11 supervisor. i said yes at first because they said they would train me. someone from another board told me to be cautious and not do it because i need more experience and they didn't think it was legal or in my scope. currently there are 2 rn that work on the shift but they might be leaving and they don't want to do it. there is a full-time lpn that is doing it now but she has been ther 20+ years. i guess my question is, is this acceptable and tell me why it is not. i'm not going to take it because i just got off the bon website and read the scope of the lpn and it says that i cannot supervise an rn. give me your opinions. i just got my licenses and don't want to lose them. tia

NC Girl BSN · Dec 18, 2007

Thank you everyone for all your honest opinions. I talked to my boss yesterday and told her that I didn't feel ready for the job and if she would consider me at a later date when I learn more about how LTC is managed, all the policies and procedures, and paper work etc. She said that it was fine and she was glad that I came to her about it.

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Dec 18, 2007

It felt good to be considered, didn't it? I would've advised getting more experience before taking a supervisory position and I'm glad to see that you're holding off. It's a good career move, though, and you'll get lots of good experience by doing it so I hope the opportunity comes your way again.

noc4senuf · Dec 23, 2007

Ido have LPN's in a charge role in my facility. They are called In-House Charge (IHC) not supervisors. The role makes them responsible for what goes on in the building as a whole, not for the nursing judgements of an RN. All nurses are trained for the IHC role after having been employed with us for the minimum of 6 months. This gives them time to find out the workings of the facility and the policies and procedures.