Can Lpns work in the Med surg unit in hospitals?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2014

Ah, didn't know you were in Canada when I posted.

Well good luck to you :)

CanadianGirl79 · Jul 23, 2014

Yep, as an RPN I work in L&D. :) Different role than an RN, but still L&D!

Fiona59 · Jul 23, 2014

Yes of course they can. Unlike the US, the scope of PNs is expanding all the time. RPNs/LPNs are being hired in almost all areas now. We are now able to access PICC lines and the rumor is IV push is going to be added to our skill soon.

I'm able to IV push in Alberta. Did the course, did the certification. Will never use it on my unit. People I know who work general surgery never use it either because it's just not time effective on our patient base.

Fiona59 · Jul 23, 2014

I've worked post partum. It's not what you think it will be. The work load is huge. Double paperwork because Mum and babe are each considered a patient. You really have to enjoy teaching and be able to referee disputes between assorted parents v. grandparents, grandma v. grandma, possibly baby daddies showing up.

The hospital I work in is a major high risk delivery centre and the beds are never empty. Mums unless they are sections rarely stay longer than overnight. My friend recently gave birth at 2100 hours and was discharged at 1000 the next day. One shift I remember having ten mums and 12 babes. Twins can ruin your day.

Most of my class wanted to work post partum but after placement time there few still wanted to.

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2014

Lots of LPNS in all areas of our hospitals :)

Fiona59 · Jul 23, 2014

Oh, and one other thing, my hospital system divides Medicine and Surgery into two different areas. You work either medicine or surgery.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2014

Oh, and one other thing, my hospital system divides Medicine and Surgery into two different areas. You work either medicine or surgery.

Same here. We have surgical floors and medical floors (thank goodness - I do NOT enjoy medicine. Although we do get medicine overflow from time to time.)

Also, Canadiangirl...I am interested to hear about your role in the L&D. I've never heard of an RPN around here in that area (not in my hospital system)

Fiona59 · Jul 23, 2014

I've heard of LPNs in L&D in smaller, rural hospitals. Never met one though.

Does not appeal to me at all!

LabellaRN · Jul 23, 2014

For sure they could, during my placements I have seen many of them on medsurg units and the only way you will tell they are RPNs is by checking their name tag because they honestly are just as good as RNs in my opinion.

loriangel14, RN · Jul 24, 2014

I'm able to IV push in Alberta. Did the course, did the certification. Will never use it on my unit. People I know who work general surgery never use it either because it's just not time effective on our patient base.

Yeah it's like my PICC certification. We very seldom have a patient on our floor with one.

NextGenRPN · Jul 27, 2014

I am in Ontario and work at a hospital and here we have RPNs in med surg, ive been pulled over a couple times to work there as well, where are you going to school?