Any BC RN's out there

fergus51 · Oct 11, 2003

Well, the fact that I am now a former BC RN should give you a hint about how I feel:)

Heather56 · Oct 13, 2003

jellybean1

you wrote "Just wondering what your thoughts are on what is happening with the government/health authority plans to replace/displace RN's."

HMMM

would that be what is happening this week, last week or next week. Things seem to change as fast as the names and areas in each health authority!

My concern in the area I work is the serious lack of direction in job descriptions. We work with the Most Responsible Nurse designation but also have LPNs on the ward. They are being encouraged to expand their scope of practice although to what extent no one really seems to know. I was an LPN before continuing on to be a RN and am not trying to put anyone down. Realistically, though, as the LPNs are encouraged to do more it's my job I see going out the window and I am not about to just passively let that happen.

The government and health authorities are, on one hand, looking at more ways to get new nurses into the field with various programs. On the other hand they seem to be decreasing the number of RN positions by bringing in LPNs. Interestingly no-one seems to be working on more ways to get new LPNs in the field. On our unit we often work short because no-one is available to replace a LPN off on sick leave or vacation and we are discouraged from calling in an RN because it's an LPN position.

Anyway, that's my rant and, that said, I still wouldn't live anywhere else so I guess I'll just deal with it. Also past experience has shown me that alot of the problems we have are pretty much found right across Canada.

JellyBean1 · Oct 13, 2003

I'm with you on all of that. We've already been told that we are out the door in 1-2 years max. Course like you say that is the plan for the week. I think it all comes down to there is a supposed shortage of RN's in the acute care setting and that is where they are trying to force us back to. Problem is that many of us will do other things before returning to acute care. That tactic may not be so helpful. I never did want to work in a hospital. I think it would be helpful if the public was educated on what is happening. They seem to hear only one side of the story but not what is actually occuring. Like you I'm not putting down any LPN's. They do work well alongside the RN. However the health authority now is trying to make them in charge and take over, forget working alongside. As ever, the public will suffer.