Does any Rns who work in a hospital have LPNs assigned to them?

lovehospital · Mar 27, 2009

I could only dream of 1RN 1LVN and a CNA per 10 patients... In our facility it is not uncommon on the med-surg floor to have 2RN's 4LVN's and 1CNA per 40 patients. The RN's split the floor and each takes 20 pts and the LVN's have 10 pts each with the CNA doing vital signs and assisting whenever and wherever they can... depending on how many patients are on Q2hr vitals, Q4hr Vitals and Q8hr vitals as to how often the CNA is available to assist with toileting, bathing and assisting the patients with ADL's, then the duties fall upon the Nurses LVN's and RN's to make sure the patients are medicated and cared for. I know that there are different ratios in different areas of the hospital and we are not full all the time but here lately we have been having between 35-40 daily and it is taking a toll on the staff, they do not staff by acuity they staff by number of patients.. and our acuity level has been high lately... several nights I have had 3-4 patiens recieving blood or blood products, 12hr post op knees, hips and shoulders all requiring Q2hr neuro checks and scheduled pain meds, add to the mix 4-5 resp Isolation patients, 2-3 contact Isolation patients and this is just in my 20 alloted patients the other RN has a similar mix of patients.... but I am hanging in there until I can get some expierence under my belt, I am a new RN just licensed Dec 31 2008. I have 11 years as a paramedic so it has helped me alot on the nights we are really under the pressure as I am used to working under pressure but not for 12 hrs straight... usually as a medic I at least got a few min to just collect my thoughts before I was going again..I know I went on a rant but as far as having a LVN assigned to me.. no we most certianly work side by side.... as co-workers...

That is why am a fan of small hospitals,ideally with computer charting,do such exist? :nurse:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 27, 2009

The pendulum swings back and forth on the topic. When I started as an RN, we had several LVN's on our Pediatric floor. They then phased them out only to later realize "oh we really need them". I do have to wonder why anyone would be an LVN or LPN? You basically work your butt off, don't always get the recognition, and definitely never get paid enough unless you are an antique . By the way, my best friend is an LVN, and she is the BEST nurse I have ever worked with.

Some of us become LPNs because of long waiting lists and extreme competition for RN programs. Others like myself just do not find becoming an RN that interesting. I don't want to be charge, don't want to be the first line person to be beseiged upon and I much prefer more predictable tasks. I believe that both titles work their buns off and neither are really recognized or appreciated for what they do.

mommyX2 · Mar 27, 2009

I am not assigned an LPN but I work as a team with an LPN and we have a CNA assigned to patients but not to our team.

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Mar 27, 2009

pagandeva~

I see the flip side of this. As an LPN I've only been able to work LTC and there I've functioned as charge and the "go-to" whipping boy. I just want to take care of patients, not charge or have my name called over the PA system numerous times in a shift; that's why I'm becoming an RN.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2009

Do any RN's on this forum have LPNs assigned to them and do all of you have a nursing assistance tech?

No. The LPNs where I work take their own patient load. I did this when I was an LPN.

CNAs where I work are assigned to rooms, not to nurses. I think they should be assigned to nurses, but until staffing changes their way of doing things, that is not likely to happen.