LPNs at Foothills (Calgary)

World International

Published

Does anyone here work at Foothills in Calgary? LPNs ideally? I heard that LPNs can work in the ICU or ER, and I'd like to know what their scope of practice would be if this is in fact true. Any insider info would be great. If you work here, how do you find it?

Thanks!

That is a situation that has 'no good' written all over it. Are you saying that they are asking you to put in central venous catheters?! First of all, I definitely would refuse to perform all skills that I felt I wasn't properly trained for or wasn't comfortable with. While I'd like to gain as much hands on experience as possible, I know my limits and where I'd draw the line with my current training. Compensation, a whole other *important* issue. But I would not actually do something that I felt would be unsafe or outside my scope. It's not worth it for 'less than $22/hr'. Speak out. This is not fair. And most importantly, potentially not safe. There is a huge amount of risk here. Like you said, it's not worth stressing over, killing yourself, or killing someone else over for 22 bucks an hour. I have to thank you though for being so honest. As much as I hate to hear your working conditions, at least you are speaking out.

I unfortunately am in the same boat as you (not sure what to make of this), and don't have any direct advice other than to refuse and speak with your supervisor. If what you are being asked to perform is restricted for the LPN scope of practice (and I was sure it was?), then that is a whole other ballgame...I would assume the union would be involved, among others. Hopefully Fiona59 can be of more help.

I'm thinking of you.

In regards to the central lines, I know that LPNs in homecare are changing the dressings. No nurse on my unit is allowed to remove a line. It has to removed by a resident.

Now, this is where we and AUPE should start questioning central line care. LPNs who are dialysis certified have been accessing central lines as part of the dialysis process. For this they earn less than a $/hour more than an LPN working in any other area. (one reason many LPNs leave dialysis is money, same patient load and dialysis training as an RN for much less money)

Now, if we are required to access a central line (dressing change, flushing) should we not be entitled to make the same as a Dialysis certified LPN?

If you don't feel comfortable with a new "required" skill tell your manager. Ask to have your unit's CNE follow you for the day and work with you. I know one LPN who had her CNE stick to her side and she started every IV on her unit that day (7 in total) she's good at it now and comfortable, but she stuck to her demand and got what she needed to feel comfortable.

These skills are only useful if they are used on a regular basis. My class was the first to graduate with the IM skill set. Yet, we when we started to work none of the employers who hired us let us use that skill. We then had to do the hospital inservice to be permitted to use that skill in the facilty.

The main thing to remember is it may be within the Provincial skill set but is it within the facility that employs you scope? LPNs at RAH aren't permitted to insert an NG (it's in the hospital policy manual) but I remember learning that skill back at college. It's the same as priming Travisol and Blood lines. NOT in our scope per CLPNA it's seen as the first step of initiation and we are not allowed to do that. What is done as a courtesy on your unit may wind up putting your license at risk.

+ Add a Comment