LPN as supervisor?

Specialties Geriatric

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My question....I practice in the state of Massachusetts in a SNF. I have always been under the impression that an RN "outranks" an LPN and therefore an LPN cannot supervise an RN. Does anyone know where I can find the regs? I tried the state website and this issue wasn't addressed. (and please, don't think I care what initials are after someone's name. I've worked with some outstanding LPN's)

our Nurse practice act clearly states that an LVN (LPN) cannot delegate to an RN. Perhaps, since you are not in an acute care facility, there is some difference, but I would call or write the BON to be sure. I, too, have worked with some outstanding LVN's, but talent and the law are not the same thing.

Personal experience here. I'm an RN/BSN. I applied for an occupational health nurse job at a manufacturing plant. It is a well known company in my state and I love industrial nursing. I went through 4 interviews and was offered a job. At the time of offer I was introduced to the woman who would be my supervisor (we'd be a department of 2....her as the supervisor and me as her supervisee). She was an LPN. I inquired as to how this would work and I was told she'd be my boss, evaluate me, etc.

I turned the job down because I didn't see how that arrangement could work legally. I went to my BON and they said I'd be accountable for oversight of the LPN's work whether or not it was part of my job. We'd be on different shifts so I couldn't see how this could ever work out. I was extremely uncomfortable with the liability issues. I think it is a very awkward situation.

I wouldn't think the LPN would be your clinical supervisor since she would not even be there on the same shift. It would be more of an administrative position. She is familiar with the companies paperwork, scheduling, etc. An RN can be hired for a job and a person who isn't a nurse at all can be the supervisor. There's a huge difference between clinical supervision and administrative supervision. And, since you do not work the same shift, how could you be liable for the LPNs clinical behavior? Not possible in that situation.

Specializes in Government.

In reply: I was told she (the LPN) would be my clinical supervisor. In fact, I was told she'd be my supervisor in all aspects of work. I'm not saying someone couldn't have worked under those circumstances but I felt it was enough of a liability issue as to make me turn the job down. And the response I got from my BON indicated I'd be very vulnerable to exposure.

My experience, on the thread topic. That's all.

personal experience here. i'm an rn/bsn. i applied for an occupational health nurse job at a manufacturing plant. it is a well known company in my state and i love industrial nursing. i went through 4 interviews and was offered a job. at the time of offer i was introduced to the woman who would be my supervisor (we'd be a department of 2....her as the supervisor and me as her supervisee). she was an lpn. i inquired as to how this would work and i was told she'd be my boss, evaluate me, etc.

i turned the job down because i didn't see how that arrangement could work legally. i went to my bon and they said i'd be accountable for oversight of the lpn's work whether or not it was part of my job. we'd be on different shifts so i couldn't see how this could ever work out. i was extremely uncomfortable with the liability issues. i think it is a very awkward situation.

i think you did the right thing quickbeam. the best thing to do in unusual situations like that is to immediately go to your bon and they will give you the red or green light (which they did... and i see it was a very bright red light). by the way you definitely will not have a problem finding another job. this world is always looking for a few good rn's. also, you probably won't run into that problem again.

goodluck:)

remember everyone......."its never to late to be what you might have been"

Personal experience here. I'm an RN/BSN. I applied for an occupational health nurse job at a manufacturing plant. It is a well known company in my state and I love industrial nursing. I went through 4 interviews and was offered a job. At the time of offer I was introduced to the woman who would be my supervisor (we'd be a department of 2....her as the supervisor and me as her supervisee). She was an LPN. I inquired as to how this would work and I was told she'd be my boss, evaluate me, etc.

I turned the job down because I didn't see how that arrangement could work legally. I went to my BON and they said I'd be accountable for oversight of the LPN's work whether or not it was part of my job. We'd be on different shifts so I couldn't see how this could ever work out. I was extremely uncomfortable with the liability issues. I think it is a very awkward situation.

The BON said that you would be responsible? doesn't make sense. You are not responsible for the an LPN Supervisor. Think the BON wasn't clear on the facts.

In reply: I was told she (the LPN) would be my clinical supervisor. In fact, I was told she'd be my supervisor in all aspects of work. I'm not saying someone couldn't have worked under those circumstances but I felt it was enough of a liability issue as to make me turn the job down. And the response I got from my BON indicated I'd be very vulnerable to exposure.

My experience, on the thread topic. That's all.

I have to agree with you on this. She may be an excellent, knowledgable LPN and if the new hire were an LPN she would be a great supervisor. But like it or not (and I've ben in situations where the new grad RN was my supervisor and the employer asked me to "keep an eye on her" because she is the RN and the law.....) she can not be your clinical supervisor.

The time I mentioned above, yep, I ended up leaving the position because this new grad RN just thought she couldn't learn a thing from me cause I was only an LPN. Oh well, she may have been my supervisor but nobody knows everything. And I won't keep on that topic because it is a rare occurance and I don't want to stir up that same old thing again about LPN VS RN and who knows what. LOL

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