Research Project, Please Respond!!!!

Mrs.May · Dec 1, 2000

1)I have been a RN for 6 mths. Was a LPN for 6 years prior.

2)I feel that LPNs share some (most) of my duties.I realize that your question was only to respond if I have been a RN for over a year,but my LPN duties count for the prior 6 mths.

3)not sure how to answer

4)My role as a RN is more of a supervisor to the direct care staff.

5)I do not have a problem with LPN doing the dutied they have a licence to do. (Maybe

I shouldn't be your prime example for your research due to being a LPN prior to becoming a RN) This is a very touchy subject to some nurses. The LPN is capable of more than they are given credit. They are not going to take the RNs job from them. Everyone is needed to help provide pt. care. The LPN has a licence and is capable of performing the duties given.I know when you look at the training the LPN course and think only 10-12 mths. This is full time & not like college full time. They go from 8A-3pm m-f The clinicals are 8hrs not 1/2 days. It is an intense training-- I feel they are prepared !!!!

[This message has been edited by Mrs.May (edited November 30, 2000).]

MissCheevusRN · Dec 1, 2000

1. How long have you been a RN?

RN 4 years, I was also an LVN 2 years, EMT 4 years, OR Tech 3 years and a Naval hospital Corpsman for 7

2. If over a year, do you feel that some of your duties have been handed over to LPNs?

My work area is solely RN's and NA's do transporting and supplies

3. Why do you feel that this has happened? I know the trend is cost cutting

4. If so, how has this affected your role as a RN? It hasn't

5. Do you feel that this shif in duties affects overall patient care and how?

6. What do you feel are the main differences between an RN and LPN?

The legal aspects of accountability first and foremost. Also as an LVN I didn't really see the big picture I do now as an RN

7. Do you feel that LPNs have enough training to do the jobs that they are beginning to perform? I don't know

I hope that helps

Soon to be RN already LPN · Dec 1, 2000

1) I will graduate ADN in 14 days woohoo. Have been an LPN since 1992

2)unable to answer

3)if RN duties are handed over to LPN's, it's because the duties have been properly delegated, the facility has respect for what the LPNs are able to do, or the RNs are so overworked & their facility is granting their requests for help

4)I would think delegation of SOME duties would allow Rn more time for assessments, etc

5)Hopefully for the better

6) Management & assessments

7)depends where they are working, if meds(no IV), treatments, Foleys, etc, then I don't think it's a problem. I got ALOT more techinical skill experience in LPN school. In the 3 semesters of RN program, only 1 IM, 1 Foley, a few dressing changes. In LPN school, I did so much more, ng insertions, tons of Foleys, lot more intense dressing changes, tons of IM & subq's. I think techincally, LPNs have it, management the RNs have it.

HappyNurseMom · Dec 1, 2000

1. How long have you been a RN?

2. If over a year, do you feel that some of your duties have been handed over to LPNs?

3. Why do you feel that this has happened?

4. If so, how has this affected your role as a RN?

5. Do you feel that this shif in duties affects overall patient care and how?

6. What do you feel are the main differences between an RN and LPN?

7. Do you feel that LPNs have enough training to do the jobs that they are beginning to perform?[/b]

I have been a nurse for 7 years (CRRN for 5)and yes some of my duties have been handed off to LPNs. The reason behind this happening on the unit I work on is that we are only staffed with 2 RNs a shift, 2 on nights so the work load shifted to allow for more responsibility to the LPNs. This shift allows for the RN to be able to complete assessments and direct the care instead of actually performing all the tasks of that care. It allows me to be able to focus more on pt education, discharge planning and advancing the rehab program of my pt. The LPNs that I have encountered do seen to have the skills and training to provide excellent care in the setting that I work but of course this is dependent on the ability of the team to communicate as a whole. Overall this works will for the unit I work on the LPNs have no assessment responsibilities and are functioning within their scope of practice.

babs_rn · Dec 6, 2000

Originally posted by sd0829:
Hi I am a nursing student and am doing a group research project on whether or not nursing duties are being handed down to LPNs and how this affects the quality of care provided to the patient. If you could please answer these questions we would greatly appreciate it.

1. How long have you been a RN?
2. If over a year, do you feel that some of your duties have been handed over to LPNs?
3. Why do you feel that this has happened?
4. If so, how has this affected your role as a RN?
5. Do you feel that this shif in duties affects overall patient care and how?
6. What do you feel are the main differences between an RN and LPN?
7. Do you feel that LPNs have enough training to do the jobs that they are beginning to perform?

1. 12+ years

2. I have seen LPNs function in a number of different capacities. My answer there would have to be "no".

3. --

4. I appreciate all the help I can get. The only things LPNs can't do that RNs can, from my experience, are to sign patient assessments and hang blood. Well, too, they can't function as charge nurses, though they could when I began nursing and that was just phasing out at that time.

5. no

6.see 4. Also, RNs have more theory behind what we do than LPNs do, though that is often learned on the job by the LPN if he/she is of quality.

7. Yes.

mustangsheba · Dec 7, 2000

18+ years an RN. I feel the same about LPN's as I do about RN's; some are competent to do their assignments, some are not. Bottom line, the buck stops with the RNs.

Stormy · Dec 8, 2000

1. How long have you been a RN?

21 years

2. If over a year, do you feel that some of your duties have been handed over to LPNs?

Not at all. I have worked in ICU's where staffing is strictly RN's. On the floors however, the LPN job description is currently changing, and they will soon be taking over some of the roles of IV care, some medication delivery, etc.

3. Why do you feel that this has happened?

To some degree it has been their professional association pushing for added responsibilities. Several years ago, LPN's were all but phased out in many areas, and now find they have to expand their scope of practice to compete.

I think it is also due to the shortage of RN's

4. If so, how has this affected your role as a RN?

Not personally

5. Do you feel that this shift in duties affects overall patient care and how?

Can't say

6. What do you feel are the main differences between an RN and LPN?

Professional responsibility and accountability.

Extent of training

7. Do you feel that LPNs have enough training to do the jobs that they are beginning to perform?

Sometimes not