Fired all the LPN's

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

And again---why does nursing sit on its collective hands and let others take power over us? Why can't WE be the "powers that be" who determine the fate of our careers?

LOL. Ahem, cough. Thats for another thread, but eerily related to this thread at the same time.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

I think that we are getting lost a buit in the RN vs. LPN nonsense, and it is nonsense.

These nurse were treated very badly. However, when someone is offered the opportunity to get the RN for free, while working p/t at f/t pay, and is guaranteed a job at the end of it, I faily to sympathize with either the inability to read the proverbial writing on the wall or the extraordinary lack of ambition. If you don't want to up your licensure, fine. But don't moan when you are now out of a job. Again, given those specific circumstance.

Moogie · Sep 21, 2009

And again---why does nursing sit on its collective hands and let others take power over us? Why can't WE be the "powers that be" who determine the fate of our careers?

LOL. Ahem, cough. Thats for another thread, but eerily related to this thread at the same time.

Why? You said yourself that the "powers that be" are doing something by firing LPNs. I'd like to know why nurses cannot control their own destinies.

And yes, there is a definite subject drift here---the original post was about the mass firing of loyal employees who were given little notice and NO OPPORTUNITY to go on for more education if they wanted to keep their jobs. If some nurses do not wish to take advantage of educational opportunities offered by their employers, that's their decision. But, does that in any way justify the actions of this particular employer? I think not.

Do please post a link to the "other" thread. Then again, there have also been a TON of threads by LPNs who complain of being put down by RNs. Isn't it time to quit fighting and actually DO something constructive?

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 21, 2009

I'm in Wisconsin, and about the only place that an LPN can get a job is in LTC or home health. Same thing in Minnesota. The hospital I work at stopped hiring LPNs several years ago, and even the classmates I had in nursing school couldn't work as LPNs while they finished their RN degree.

I work in LTC as my primary job, and there were a lot of sour grapes as the fabulous LPNs--who did my orientation--and have worked at this facility for years now me as their charge nurse because I finished my degree. It was hard, co workers who were friends became icy and stabbed me in the back. I was upfront from day one when I started and simply said "I'm working on my RN." A lot of the ice has melted but there are several who it was literally like flipping a switch the day my name tag changed and said "RN". I had questions about what my pay raise was, and things like "well go talk to your CHARGE nurse" whenever any issue would arise on the floor--prior to this, these nurses had no problem handling the issues that they now would send to me.

It sucked :-( We shouldn't be setting up an LPN vs. RN culture, however for me, living in the midwest, it didn't make sense to stop at my LPN. I did truly use it as a stepping stone to the RN, because I wanted more opprotunities than this area offers LPNs. Look like it's spreading. I read the link to the article, I my heart goes out to those nurses. They deserve a lot better than that.

If this is indeed going to become the pattern for LPN/LVN employment, that is, these nurses will not be working in acute care hospitals but will be utilized in LTC, LTAC, home health and clinics, then perhaps practical/vocational nursing education needs to change to give more clinical experience in those areas and less---perhaps observation or shadowing only---in settings that do not and will not employ LPNs and LVNs. If hospitals don't want to hire LPNs then perhaps practical/vocational nursing students shouldn't have clinicals in the hospital setting; instead, the could hone their skills in LTAC, in which they WILL get many opportunities to learn and practice technical and time management skills. It seems to me that hospital training for a nurse who will never get the chance to work in a hospital is a waste of resources---why not do more clinicals in environments that actually DO hire LPNs and help the students learn skills they will actually USE on the job? Plus, it would be good for the potential employers because they could hire students who are familiar with their particular facilities. Sounds like a win-win solution for everyone.
BTW, I also know of a magnet facility that went to an all-RN staff. The LPNs who left were given generous severance pay with benefits; some were given early retirement. Those who stayed went were required to go back to school to become RNs; the facility was fairly generous in offering flexible hours and tuition reimbursement. That is the decent way to treat employees.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

I think that we are getting lost a buit in the RN vs. LPN nonsense, and it is nonsense.
These nurse were treated very badly. However, when someone is offered the opportunity to get the RN for free, while working p/t at f/t pay, and is guaranteed a job at the end of it, I faily to sympathize with either the inability to read the proverbial writing on the wall or the extraordinary lack of ambition. If you don't want to up your licensure, fine. But don't moan when you are now out of a job. Again, given those specific circumstance.

Yes, there are more tactful ways to handle letting people go. Especially ones who have been loyal to you. This hospital most definitely will have egg on its face when the economy improves.

I was going to say exactly what you said, concerning the "proverbial writing on the wall". I think the writing is on the wall concerning the future of LPN licensure. I think it has been for some time. The level of denial going on about it baffles me.

linzz · Sep 21, 2009

Here in Canada, the LPN program is now two years and a knowledge of doing admits, discharges and indepth assessments among many other things is expected.

However, very, very few hospitals offer to pay for upgrading to an RN status and none will pay a nurse for full time work, while working part time. It this was offered, I am pretty sure that there would be no problelm getting people interested as the only way to obtain an RN now is to do a four year full time program as the BScN is now required for RN licencesure.

In some ways, U.S. citizens are very fortunate. JMO.

fridayannelpn1974 · Sep 21, 2009

No one has ever told me that being an LPN is a stepping stone to being an RN. I'd like to see that in writing! Certainly my school never said so and I have always been told by my employers that the LPN is an essential part of the team. Since I am 55yr old and prefer not to become an RN - I INTEND TO "SQUAT" ON MY LICENSE and retire. I HAVE gone back to school and have my private investigator's diploma and have taken steps to insure I will be able to make money in my retirement - but NOT as a nurse. By the way, in the state I work in, I make as much money in a nursing home as most of the RN's who work here in the hopspitals. :yeah: Can't wait to start a new career! I can't believe "some" nurses STILL treat other nurses so badly. It's been going on forever. Thank you! to all of the LPNs, CNA's, NP's, RN's, and MD's who for the most part have treated me with dignity and respect for my judgement and work ethics. Nay sayer's :down:

caliotter3 · Sep 21, 2009

The writing was on the wall when I first became involved with nursing 40 years ago. I was told this by nurses already working in the field; I was told this in nursing school; and I read about this in the literature. I really find it difficult to feel sorry for people who feel that they have been "blindsided". I truly was blindsided when I got laid off once. But the blindsiding was that they would lay off productive workers in favor of nurses who slept on the job. After that my eyes were opened all the way.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

When I went to school for Practical Nursing all of the hospitals in this area were hiring LPN's. Of course in this downturn things have changed. I think that if LPN's may have a hard time finding certain jobs, but LTC is always in the need for LPN's. I would love to go back and get my RN, but where I work that's not possible at the moment. I know many Rn's even some with BSN's that cannot find a job as they have no experience. Things are tough for all nurses right now. There is no safety for any nurse regardless of education. The local hospitals have also laid off RNs. Hopefully things will change around someday soon for all of those who are out of work. :nurse:

MedSurgeMess · Sep 21, 2009

I think that any facility that would do this is one to watch out for.....next they will fire ADNs in favor of BSNs, or whatever.....the management at this place sucks to the worst degree!

linzz · Sep 22, 2009

I think that any facility that would do this is one to watch out for.....next they will fire ADNs in favor of BSNs, or whatever.....the management at this place sucks to the worst degree!

My thoughts, exactly!

ANurseWannaB · Sep 30, 2009

I live in Northeastern, Pa. I am glad now that I have decided to go for my RN rather than LPN. It was a tossup for quite a while--but not anymore after hearing this.

I just think it is horrendous the way they just tossed those LPNs out without regard to anyone but themselves. They will be in my prayers.