LVN covering as caregiver for a shift

dream'n, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2016

Where I work they have on occasion had to use a RN for sitter duty. When they do, the RN is still paid her RN wage.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 10, 2016

I'd refuse to do that. The reality is if they don't have a caregiver and they need to fill in with an LVN then they need to be willing to pay that rate. You still have the same standard.

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Feb 10, 2016

I'm an LVN, working in an assisted living facility in southern CA. So my boss asked me to cover a few shifts or to cover a caregiver when they call out, not available, etc. Since there would be 2 LVNs in the same shift when I cover, they offered to pay me at half my original pay as LVN, similar to that of a caregiver's pay. Is it not ok for the facility to do this? Or it's still ok as I'm working different job codes when I clock in (1 as LVN, the other as caregiver when I fill in for others' absence). I do have 1 resident who needs his colostomy bag changed when it has to, or do I pass that responsibility to the other LVN on duty since I'm only working as caregiver on that shift.

As long as you hold a license as an LVN, it doesn't matter what the name employer or job description comes up with. It could be "Royal pillow fluffer" for the shift: YOU WILL STILL BE HELD TO AN LVN SCOPE OF PRACTICE, with all the inherent risks and rewards.

Put a different way; you can be sued as an LVN working as a Royal Pillow Fluffer, or be sued as an LVN working as an LVN. The outcome will still be the same, in that you should, would, or could have done (or not done something) something that you should/shouldn't have done.

The bean counter at your facility is reveling in your willingness to hold yourself accountable to an LVN scope of practice, and work for CNA wages.

Don't make the bean counters happy. Get paid for what you're worth.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2016

I generally don't advocate for LPNs/LVNs, but there is a line you need to draw here. You are above doing CNA work and you should be working at the level of your license. For them to cut your pay and demote you to the rank of CNA is insulting. If my employer dropped my pay and demoted me, I would be gone in a heartbeat.
I wouldn't mind doing LPN/LVN work at my current rate of pay and wouldn't blame a LPN/LVN willing to take on CNA work at his or her LPN/LVN rate. But for both ranking and rate of pay to drop is insulting. Participating in such barbaric practice will allow your employer to see you as a doormat. Don't be a chump.

You aren't getting soft on us now are you?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2016

When employers have asked me to fill a staffing hole as a CNA, sitter or caregiver, I agreed only on the condition that I'd be paid my licensed nursing hourly rate.

Ahammac0378 · Feb 15, 2016

This is the type of nurse that I hated working with on a shift when i was a cna. They even teach you in nursing school that the cna work is where it all begins. Without a good cna backing you, you end up doing the "grunt work" your self because instead of seeing your cna as a human you see them as a peeon. Nothing is "beneath" you when you are a nurse. You are giving yourself fully to your patients. The only thing about her situation that is beneath her is the pay rate they are placing her at when she is the one doing them a favor.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Feb 20, 2016

I would never accept a pay cut to work extra-you are helping them out of a bind. If they were to use agency they would not get a rate close to a 'caregiver' rate for the temp staff they are sent to fill in the void and they don't even know the residents.

Also, if an emergency were to happen with one of the residents you could find yourself in some sticky legal issues if you don't act as a nurse.

I have worked as the 'helper' when my hospital didn't have a replacement for me a 7pm (the floor that I was assigned to that day did 8 hour shifts and I was working a 12). They felt it was easier if they did not have me take on an assignment that they would have to redivide in 4 hours and instead, works as the 'tech', but could also start IV's etc if another nurse needed assistance, until it was time for me to go home. I still got my same wages and was still working as a nurse where needed, just not with a specific patient assignment.

ktwlpn, LPN · Feb 21, 2016

Legally you are still held to the scope of your LPN no matter what slot they stick you in.I have worked in an LTC where this was common-all of us (including RN's,DON,ADON and staff dev.)worked as aides by turns.We got paid our agreed upon rate.I would NOT do it for less.I believe this can lead to injury,too.You are not used to the assignment,you are using muscles you have not used so much and you may not be as aware of your body mechanics as you should be.It's acceptable in a pinch but if they see you all are very willing to fill the void at half price they will never deal with the central issues.