How long are we going to continue to allow LPN/LVNs?

[cry me a river]

2:37 pm by cry me a river A member since Mar '12 - from 'South Florida'. cry me a river has '6' year(s) of nursing experience and specializes in 'Case Management'. Posts: 23 Likes: 6

Awards:

I am appauled at the average Practical or Vocational Nurses' education level.

Mixing the knowledge of Gallstones vs. Kidney Stones just last night, and I read one's notes last night. . .

Miss XXXXX not feeling well, so gave her PRN for discomfort, Pain Level? 0/10.

I mean, maybe let them stay in LTC, but beyond that, I think patient safety is at risk.

Do I stir anger? Would you want your acutely sick child to have an RN, or Practically a Glorified CNA Nurse?

THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON LPNs/LVNs. My mother was an LPN, and even she admits RNs should be the base nurse allowed on med-surg floors and up in acuity. If you can't assess, when are you going to know it's time to call in the RN? We already have to do a third of their charting legally. SO I AM WONDERING IF WE WOULDN'T BE BETTER SERVED TO END THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM AS A WHOLE, OR JUST ALLOW THEM TO BE PO MED NURSES, and LTC Nurses with an RN on STAFF as a requirement.

THIS IN A TIME WHEN THEY ARE ARGUING A BSN REQUIREMENT FOR RNs, WE HAVE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO!!!!!! I THINK IT CHEAPENS THE WORD NURSE.