In our hospital there is very little distinction between RNs and LPNs. The RNs have to do the IVPs, change the care plans, give blood, do an initial assessment on a new admit. Otherwise, each carries the same load, makes the same decisions, does the same work. The LPNs will place patients, assign staff, take "charge" with whatever is going on with their patients without telling the RNs, etc. Most get upset when an RN, even the charge RN, even inquires about what is going on with a patient because they feel the RN has no right to interfere with an LPN's patient. Reports are done person to person so no-one, not even the designated charge, has much of an idea what is going on with the other patients on the floor. It is hard because the RN is technically legally responsible and because it is hard to have the same number of patients and have to step in to do the IVPs and blood while still having the same patient load. Oh, and the "charge RN' has the same load as everyone else. I would like to see more of a team approach but the LPNs have ruled this out over the years. Is your facility like this?
