Do Practical Nurses Suffer When Economy Tanks?

[mamaonamission]

For the past two years I've monitored hospital Job Postings in the Greater Toronto Area, to see which hospitals hire RPNs on a regular basis. I've noticed over the past month or so that Practical Nurse positions are dwindling at a rapid rate, which RN positions remain steady/or even increased. Does this make sense? At the hospital I work at in Toronto (as a ward clerk) I was told by a nurse that RPN positions are the first to go during hospital cutbacks. I would have thought it makes more economical sense to hire RPNs over RNs since they are paid less.

If you have any opinions on this, please feel free to share.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

In the US they do, when things are good the LPN are given the jobs the RNs do not want, when the economy is tight the RNs are now willing to take these positions.

In the US, LPNs are the back bone of long term care and are unappreciated. As a former LPN instructor I know that the LPN program is rigorous and comprehensive. In my opinion LPNs often don't get the appreciation they deserve. I am wondering if this is the same for Canada?

[Fiona59]

Hmm. Most of us LPNs are unionized. So they can't just "get rid" of us when finances are restricted. If anything we are utilized to full scope, to save the cost of the expensive RNs.

Could it be that there is simply no turn over of LPNs at your facility? I've seen times when the float pool was the only job available. Full time positions are usually the most desired but many prefer part time and pick up extra shifts to cover the hours. I work part time because it suits my life (I know I'm guaranteed xhours/pay period) and pick up extra shifts when I feel like it.

In the last decade, I've never seen a LPN terminated for financial reasons. I've seen positons "frozen" BUT patient nurse ratios have to be maintained.

[caliotter3]

Just wanted to pass on an anecdote. When my employer employed layoffs after being bought out by another company, those who were laid off were LVNs, not RNs.

[Fiona59]

But Caliotter, the vast majority of health care facilities in Canada are publicly owned or funded and unionised. There are some privately owned LTCs and DAL facilities up here but they are also heavily unionized.

I don't just see our unions standing by and permitting their membership be decimated by businesses.

When there were healthcare cutbacks in the 1990's both RNs and LPNs were let go from active treatment and both unions have long memories.

[caliotter3]

Thanks for pointing that out Fiona. Strangely enough, the employers that I worked for where there was a union, had their own methods of dealing with employees that skirted the power of the union (and it was not a secret). I'm glad to hear that the union is more beneficial for workers in Canada.

[linzz]

I will take a stab at this question. In Ontario, hospital utilization of RN's or RPN's really depends on the hospital. In tough times, some hospitals will let RPN's go and some will let RN's go. I would go on the ONA website and you will see that RN's get laid off too. I think though, as an RN it will be far easier to obtain and keep a full time hospital position. If the hospitals don't get any extra $$, come budget time, I think it will make for a lot of layoffs and at your hospital, both the RN's are RPN's are worried about layoffs this spring. At the present time, the economy in Ontario is in a bit of a tailspin.

I am concerned as I plan to try to start my RN in the fall if all goes well but yet I worry that if things continue, it could be a real challenge to get enough hours.

[linzz]

In my area, as far as I know, all nursing homes, almost all retirement homes and all hospitals are union. All employees must join the union and pay dues.