LPN Day Shift Supervisor?

[Karynica, RN]

I work for a LTC facility. I haven't been there long. I was talking to the

7p-7a RN who works on the unit where I will be working and she told

me day shift has an LPN who is charge. There are RN's working the

day shift and this LPN is considered charge over them?? How can that

be when the Illinois Nurse Practice Act specifically states that an LPN

is only in charge of nurse aides??

I understand that the LPN is a very good nurse, except for the fact

that the RN orientating me found SEVERAL mistakes made by that very

LPN. These were med errors written in the wrong residents charts and

doctors signing off on these in the wrong charts too.

Anyone have any thoughts? And no I don't have anything against LPN's.

:) :)

[dulcemorena]

No, usually the LPN is charge over the CNA's

[Midwest4me]

Someone has made a mistake; RNs supervise LPNs as well as CNAs. IF an LPN is actually crazy enough to TAKE that position, I imagine he/she will soon be transferred to a different position with the explanation by the DON of: "Sorry, there was a misprint---the position calls for an RN not LPN".

[BethulieRN]

The LPN is putting her license in jeopardy if ever an adverse situation occurs that makes the patient suffer.

[FLArn]

Not sure about anywhere but FL, however LPN's can manage the scheduling, paperwork, and all other aspects of "running" the unit with the exception of managing the practice of the RN's on the unit. So technically she would be managing the "unit" only. Also in most instances, the LPN in such a position has to be in the process of obtaining her RN. That was the explanation in the HR manual when I researched just this practice in the SNF where I was working at the time (approx. 6 yrs. ago).

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

LPN's cannot supervise RN's.... a LPN can supervise other LPN's or CNA's ... but cannot supervise a RN.... the BON would have a cow if they knew this was happening..

[morte, LPN, LVN]

this has been discussed here before.,,,the LPN can sup/charge whatever....doing all the administrative stuff...scheduling etc......the only thing she/he cant do is actually supervise the clinical practice of the RNs

[Schmoo1022]

Two of my supervisors are LPN'. I am an RN

[sheilagh]

I have worked the unit desk,and yes I am an LPN. As previously stated,I handled all the desk responsibilities(admits,discharges,orders,assignments,etc)but if a clinical question came up I would refer it to the house R.N supervisor. Often a veteran LPN is giving the desk as she/he is familiar with the docs,protocol,and how the place runs,as opposed to a newer hire R.N.

Titles rarely were an issue as generally we were a cohesive team,and often the other staff were thrilled they didn't have to handle the families and docs.

So,no you don't have an LPN supervising R.N's. You have an LPN running the desk,being part of the nursing team so you have more time to give excellent nursing care.

Smiles:yeah: