the lpn /rn thing

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2009

Welcome, and thanks!

Aniroc · Nov 13, 2009

First off, I think its wonderful that your organization recongizes your success in efficiently managing your units. Kudos for doing such a wonderful job. We all need managers like that!

Secondly, if your already getting your RN you'll start seeing the differences between the levels of nursing. As you say, all good nurses need to "care, think , react, and have good documentation", however with your RN designation, what comes into play is your nursing theory and systemic inquiry (critical thinking). Its all the why RNs do what they do and its looking at the broader complicated picture (think determinants of health and beyond hospitalization). I have a lot of respect for nurses (lps & rns) and aids and what each brings to the table with their designations and experience. Lastly, with RN beside your name, you'll have greater responsibility, be more professional recognized and have many more oportunities that wouldn't be there if you weren't an RN, like administration, research, public health, education and so on. There are differences and as you progress through your transition, you'll see them. Keep up the great work and high standards!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2009

lastly, with rn beside your name, you'll have greater responsibility, be more professional recognized and have many more oportunities that wouldn't be there if you weren't an rn, like administration, research, public health, education and so on.

the original poster is already working in administration as an lpn. she is a nurse manager in her organization and, in america, snfs (skilled nursing facilities) regard nurse managers as members of the facility's administration.

Aniroc · Nov 13, 2009

@Commuter - and that could be why corporate is insisting that the LVNs iget their RN. Most often, such positions are given to RNs, with a few exceptions. My post was just to help see the broader implications of getting the RN designation - more status, more options and more income.

systoly · Nov 13, 2009

@Commuter - and that could be why corporate is insisting that the LVNs iget their RN. Most often, such positions are given to RNs, with a few exceptions. My post was just to help see the broader implications of getting the RN designation - more status, more options and more income.

Perhaps the OP is not a material girl - not everyone is.

BlondieNH · Nov 13, 2009

Please stop with the peons remarks. I cannot begin to say how valuable LPN's are. I work with some really dumb-*** RN's. I've seen a seasoned RN give a B-12 shot using an insulin syringe and all kinds of dumb stuff. RN means nothing to me. I am a competent, safe, efficient and smart with common sense in my practical nursing world. I am paid well and very satisfied with my achievements. A toast to LPN's!

Aniroc · Nov 14, 2009

I don't know where any of such "peon" remarks are stated, but there is no need to bash anyones profession or position. LPNs, aids, techs, RNs and all other health care professionals are all important to the health and wellness of the people we work with. Each profession and degree has something to contribute, but if we don't work together and make brash assumptions then it is the patient that ultimately suffers. It should never be us and against them, me against you etc. Working together to manage patient care safely is a joint effort.

The point pf my contribution to this posting was to think about the broader implications of advancing yourself (and for those in your care) in nursing science applications.

Fiona59 · Nov 14, 2009

You're a new grad, right? Which province do you work in?

The role of the LPN varies widely across Canada. I know of LPNs who are team leaders and unit managers here. Alberta and Ontario have changed their education for PNs to such a degree that the PNs in these two provinces are doing the same educational training that the hospital based RN training courses were based on.

If anything, the LPN will be assuming a more responsible role in acute care in these provinces. Continuing care is basically an LPN area of domininance with LPNs managing cases. The scope of practice is very clear, they work under their own licence and skill set.

We cannot compare the role of an LPN in the US to that of a Canadian LPN. It varies to too great an extent depending on the province/state of employment.

Aniroc · Nov 14, 2009

hi fiona,

yes i am a new grad, but not new to health care. not that it should matter, but i have worked as a unit clerk and a care aid in an ltc facility. i am a nurse that gets very involved with her patients - i don't shy away from adls, toileting but i am responsible for coordinating and managing the care plans plus a whole schlew of ghastly paperwork (gosh i wish we'd go electronic already).

i'm in bc and i have learned plenty about good nursing care from lpns and aids. our lpns are full scope and work to their full capacity in the areas i have worked (emerg & acute medicine). i think lpns are indeed underutilized and am quite glad to see and work with them more and more. i realize that the lines between lpn and rn are often blurred, so i did a bit of research and found the following article which helps summarize the differences. i will attach the pdf file (from the college of lpns of bc) if anyone want to know the bc perspective and too see how blurred the responsibilities and scopes are.

i am unable to copy the main differences table directly into the post...so you may want to look at the pdf directly (page 7ish). as i have said, all nurses (becuase that is what we all are) are important. lets not forget that and put our differences aside, work together and provide great patient care that we are proud of! i'm a nurse first and formost because i have great compassion and empathy, everything else is gravy.

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table 1 lists some of the similarities and differences between the levels of education and context of practice rns and lpns in british columbia. table 2 lists the differences and similarities in practice expectations between the two groups. (note that in both tables differences are set off in italics.)

Nurses_Working_Together.pdf

Fiona59 · Nov 14, 2009

CLPNBC based many of it's documents and procedure manuals on CLPNA's material. They had a vast overhaul of managment in 2004/5.

BC has one of the shortest educational programs for PN students in the country and is looking at adding to their educational program to bring it more into line with other provinces.

Aniroc · Nov 14, 2009

The document is actually a collaborative effort between the CLPNBC and the CRNBC (the RNs college) as of 2008. Currently, both RNs and LPNs scope of practices are being reviewed and are changing to reflect the HPA (health professions act). This document is to help identify ways to work more effectively within the two designations. On a side note, LPNs will soon be joining the Nurses Union instead of the general Hospital union. Although there is controversy about this, I am glad to see this happen.

Good to know that BC will be bringing their programs in line with other provinces.