Being the "only RN" in the building.

[Spikey9001]

I currently work at a LTC that is staffed by primarily LPN's. I graduated last year and began working here at the beginning of this year. My base pay is about $5 less an hour than what I think it should be based off what local hospitals and other LTC facilities pay. Also, I get a $2/hr bonus so my actual base pay is even lower.

I currently work on the med cart and do not want to supervise until I get more experience. I've recently noticed that they use LPN supervisors and when I asked, they said "because you're the RN in the building." I don't know EXACTLY what this means but it comes off fishy to me.

I was contemplating asking my DON for a raise based off of that fact. Is it justified?

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

Thanks for these clarifications guys. I specifically wanted to be on the med cart because I didn't want supervisory responsibilities. Like some posters mentioned earlier, I want to be responsible for "my" assignment, not the entire facility. And because sometimes I'm the only RN in the building, I'm expected to do things that are out of the scope of my job, but not practice such as mixing IV meds, responding to other nurses emergencies and doing admissions while on the med cart, something the supervisor usually does.

I have thought of supervising, but I feel as though I need to know the ins and outs of doing the med cart and associated tasks with it first.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Thanks for these clarifications guys. I specifically wanted to be on the med cart because I didn't want supervisory responsibilities. Like some posters mentioned earlier, I want to be responsible for "my" assignment, not the entire facility. And because sometimes I'm the only RN in the building, I'm expected to do things that are out of the scope of my job, but not practice such as mixing IV meds, responding to other nurses emergencies and doing admissions while on the med cart, something the supervisor usually does.

I have thought of supervising, but I feel as though I need to know the ins and outs of doing the med cart and associated tasks with it first.

I would most definetely clarify this. If you are a med nurse, then yes, I can see that mixing IV meds would be part of that job. But the responding to emergencies--because that is what you all do to assist? Or are you then responsible for the outcome ie: sending the patient out? Lots of people respond to a rapid response or a code in acute care, and doesn't mean they are expected to take a supervisory role in the situation, but by all means clarify this, and what your role is to be. Same with admissions. Is it because they want you to become familiar with the process? Classically, if you take an admission (which may be policy) that is your patient until such time as you report off.

If you make assignment, check on LPN's and CNA's work progress, deal with all of the orders, the decisions on emergencies--then I would say you are "charge" whether your intent is to be or not.

Best to clarify what it is your role is.

[Tired nurse]

Please give those hard working LPNs the respect they deserve, but let's face it they get usually thrown the keys and told to get to work. While the RN runs out the door when told all the work for 30 or more people is on them.

 

[Tired nurse]

I work as a travel LPN rarely do I ever see an RN on the floor, matter of fact the only RNs are usually managers and they are also travelers who are supposedly on call but never reachable. Not even LPNs want to work on staff for regular wages,the job is impossible to many residents and always short staffed.

 

[Tired nurse]

This whole conversation is a joke I have worked all over as a travel nurse most LTC facilities donnot even have an RN except the DON and they never work the floor. They make the LPNs do all the nursing work 1 nurse may have 30-60 ill sick old people and 1 CNA! This is how most places are running. These places are  a disgrace and hospital readmissions rates are high, 1 nurse simply cannot take care of these high acuity pts. I as an LPN I am simply not trained for pts coming out of ICU to a nursing home! For gods sake these facilities are simply not built for hospital pts. Pts have to share a room there is no wall suction or O2 no supplies for trachs I could go on and on! Wait times are very long, no meal choices, no unit secretary, no one helps with admissions or discharges. Hospital pts coming for rehab are much younger than the LTC pts and  a lot of times they bully the old people! And are rude aggressive often yell, and abuse staff physically and verbally. This is why no one wants to work there! Forget about this RN crap they are not even a significant numbers of them in LTC to even matter!  The LPN is the LTC nurse there is no RN on site to consult  and simply donnot have a choice but to manage on their own! And that of course is why LTC gets by doing this! Because the ANA has totally tried to discredit the LPN so they can try and force all nurses to be RNs. Every RN I train doesn't want to work at the bedside they all act like they are to good to touch a pt.! What good are they! So LPNs in LTC hold your heads high you are the only nurses in most LTC be proud and keep the good fight for your pts. Hospital nurses simply have no idea how hard a job it is and how high acuity pts are driving even the most devoted staff away! It makes me want to cry because the elderly are being mistreated and neglected not on purpose by staff but because there is no staff and management thinks it is OK because less staff means more money for  corporate who could care less about residents or staff!