Published
I don't believe she said that LPNs are not skilled.
http://globalnews.ca/news/437168/nurses-at-edmontons-stollery-hospital-prepare-for-layoffs/
I don't believe she said that LPNs are not skilled.UPDATE: Nurses at Edmonton's Stollery Hospital prepare for layoffs | Globalnews.ca
How she said it on the 5pm news certainly came out that way!
This time of year she is usually slapping LPNs via billboards when UNA is negotiating contracts. With the financial climate this round of bargaining, she can't do the billboards, so soundbites will do for her
To play devils advocate here she does represent RN's in Alberta not LPN's and RN's. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Pete, over the last decade UNA has a history of insuting LPNs and RPNs. Heather has been taken to task for her words in the press by AUPE, CRPNA, and CLPNA. UNA has paid for billboards stating that only RNs can provide safe, quality care. After that one HSAA got on her case.
There are some deluded fools out there that think LPNs and RPNs should run and try and join UNA. I can just imagine how UNA would treat differently qualified nurses.
I understand protecting your own. We all know that UNA is in contract talks. She isn't going to be able to get big bucks out of the government this time, so she's resorting to fear tactics.
I can think of several units at my site who will have this happen to them, the reduction in the number of RNs on the floor. Think it through, over the years UNA has gotten the RNs some great pay increases but in doing so, she's almost priced RNs off the floor. I've worked acute surgical units where there has been two RNs on the floor and six LPNs. No patient died, no care was compromised, it works.
Fearmongering is just plain nasty. I just expect better from a professional organization, there are times the tactics used reminds of the bullying that the Teamsters used to do.
Fiona59
8,343 Posts
LPNs ARE skilled nurses.
You really should rethink your words.