LPN supervising RNs?

[SamJS, BSN, RN]

Just looking for some opinions on this..

The facility I work at just hired one of our LPNs as shift supervisor. But, what I can’t understand, is how they can have an LPN supervising RNs? Legally, the RN has a higher license and the LPN would therefore practice under the RN’s supervision. Multiple of us are RN, BSN nurses and it’s odd to us that this LPN will now be “in charge”.

Has as anyone else experienced this? This LPN has 1.5 years experience as a nurse, so it’s not like that’s the big difference here. And before people thing I’m being jealous, I didn’t go for nor do I want the position, just curious on the legality/sense of it all.

[Sour Lemon]

I guess it depends on what the "shift supervisor" is actually responsible for.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

I agree with Sour Lemon, it would really depend on what the actual job description was and whar constituted supervision. Clinical resource is very different than developing care plans, primary assessments etc. If she is the head resource nurse for a shift, does and helps maintain flow, could be different than knowing all about primary assessments, all medication administration, etc.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

In my state, LVNs can supervise with regard to administrative types of things, but they may not under any circumstances supervise the clinical practice of an RN.

You may need to refer to your Nurse Practice Act or your BON position statements.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

LVNs have a scope of practice, just as we do. Is the LVN working within his/her scope?

In general (and this is a big generality) a non-RN cannot direct how you practice nursing. S/he may be able to set schedules, make assignments, etc.

[anurse4sure, LPN]

A LPN cannot clinically supervise another LPN or RN but she can supervise administratively. I worked in a doctor's office where an LPN was in charge over all nurses including the RN on staff for many years until she went back to school and obtained her RN.