Are you an LPN?

World Canada

Published

You are reading page 2 of Are you an LPN?

IrishErin

256 Posts

Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

I'm currently working in an ED in Ontario as an RPN.

Fiona59

8,343 Posts

Serious question.

If LPNs can work in CC/Semi-CC areas whats the point in RNs existing? Geez, nursing is so fragmented.

Novo, we know you are in year two of the degree programme. Perhaps this is a question you should be asking an instructor.

Back in the 70s when a high school classmate went into a BScN programme that was starting up (we still had hospital and community college RNs then) she was told the degree was for RNs who saw themselves in management or research a few years down the road. The degree was never intended to be for bedside nurses.

Perhaps you could do a research paper on it. CNA and CNO have had some interesting discussion on the future of nursing over the years. There is a goldmine of info out there if you google.

Look at it from an LPNs point of view. I work in a specialty area along side RN coworkers who did a two year hospital programme or community college programme. When I did my PN programme it was a two year course of work that was the old RN course. Our job is exactly the same, apart from I cannot be Charge. Yet they make $50/hr opposed to my $34. What makes these RNs who have done no academic upgrading since the 1980s worth more than an LPN or a the same as a degree holder?

Now that's a can of worms nobody wants to go near.

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

What's the point of RNS? Some days I wonder myself. When the Colleges enforced the degree program as entry to practice, the thought was that RNS would move towards education, research and management.

This is the trend for RNS whether we like it or not. You'll see fewer RNS and more LPNS working the floors. Eventually, more LPNS will be replaced with health care aides when the HCAS become regulated.

Novo

246 Posts

@Fiona

I questioned this during a seminar. The explanation was that the healthcare profession was moving towards a standard of higher education, OT/PT were cited, but I can rattle off a number of HCP that are at the diploma level. The prof went onto stay that she wouldn't be surprised if the entry to practice for a beside RN would be a masters. I was a bit skeptical to say the least.

What's the point of RNS? Some days I wonder myself. When the Colleges enforced the degree program as entry to practice, the thought was that RNS would move towards education, research and management.

This is the trend for RNS whether we like it or not. You'll see fewer RNS and more LPNS working the floors. Eventually, more LPNS will be replaced with health care aides when the HCAS become regulated.

I wonder how this will work. The ratio of LPN to RN in Alberta is approximately 1:3. Correct me if I'm wrong. There are only so many management, education and research positions. Either layoff's or a huge reduction in enrolment for programs would be expected.

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

RNS will end up getting laid off or subjected to casual positions only, which is already happening everywhere. Unless you have a certain number of years of experience and added certifications, it will be quite challenging to find work.

Also realize that the school is selling a product. It isn't the responsibility of the schools to ensure their grads have jobs. Eventually enrollments will decrease when more grads aren't finding sustainable work.

Fiona59

8,343 Posts

Novo, I've worked shifts where there are 8 scheduled nurses. Usually 3LPNs, 5 RN (including Charge). But when there have been illnesses, no float pool staff, and staff on vacation, it's been 6LPNs and 2 RNs. On an acute care floor in a major Edmonton area hospital. No patients were harmed, no staff were working out of scope.

The unit I currently work is considered a specialty. We are usually a 50/50 split of L and R nurses. For some reason known only to the unit manager the higher acuity patients usually wind up with an LPN despite us pointing out that they belong to an RN.

It's called getting value for the healthcare dollar.

Specializes in NICU.

I agree with everything that was said...this is the trend. I do the exact same job as the RNs on my floor...no matter the acuity of the patient. This being said, I am returning to school because I want to work in critical care and teach one day. There are still many areas in Ontario that RPNs are not working (I know it is different in other provinces), and I don't want to limit myself.

My fear is that by the time I finish my degree RPNs will be moving into critical care areas and I will have spent all that time and money for nothing.

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

If you want to teach then you will need your RN and eventually a Masters at minimum because that's the trend for instructors now. In fact, many institutions require a PhD.

Trishrpn80

272 Posts

Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

I love being an RPN but where i want to go and do things i need to get my RN's. Eventually i would like to teach.

I have worked and know nurses who work in various areas. It will be a while yet until RN's are pushed off the floors. Personally i dont worry about the future and prefer to live in the here and now. Who knows if i will be a nurse in 10 yrs. life is an unexpected journey

Oh yea i am an rpn in ontario i currently live in the middle of nowhere with no rd access in a small hospital..

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

I think there will always be RNS needed for charge positions or clinical educator positions on all the floors, but every year we're going to see fewer RNS. Why not? Any possible cost savings measures will be taken.

queenb13

14 Posts

I am a PN in ontario, i work on a forensic assessment unit.

wow that sounds so fascinating!

queenb13

14 Posts

I am a new graduate RPN who after much searching found a job at a hospital working in day surgery!

+ Add a Comment