New Calgary hospital staffing plan to exclude LPN's?

thleenium · Sep 28, 2011

Is this the current Care magazine? Which page number? I didn't see anything!

itsmejuli · Sep 28, 2011

I didn't see that article in the current magazine either.

There's also nothing about it on the CLPNA website.

Fiona59 · Sep 29, 2011

Sounds like CARNA and UNA have more than a few fingers in that pie.

What is CLPNA doing to earn their money from us? You never hear them mounting huge advertising blitzes proclaiming how qualified we are.

And it's that time of year again, when we can expect to see those wonderful CARNA billboards proclaiming that the only quality care is obtainable from an RN.

Where is the poster known as CLPNA when these topics come up? Oh, wait, they have an office job and probably only read these threads when they are at work...

Guest233447 · Sep 29, 2011

Page 4 of the new Fall issue. In the "From the College" article titled, "A Collaborative Practice Strategy"

I'll excerpt the relevant part:

"In recent months, CLPNA has expressed concern around a possible new staffing plan within Alberta's new mega hospital in south Calgary. This potential model involves a move to registered nurse (RN)-health caare aide (HCA) staffing, which could exclude the LPN role in this facility. CLPNA is very concerned about any model where LPNs are excluded particularly when current evidence and best practice, much of which comes from within AHS, demonstrates the value of the LPN on interprofessional teams."

As a new grad LPN, I would LOVE to see a MAJOR advertising blitz by the CLPNA. I really don't feel that people understand the education we now possess, the role we play, the expanse of our scope, and that we are are valued and integral members of a health care team. In my facility without LPNS in the mix, they'd be sunk. Currently the only thing that differentiates my ability to give care from that of an RN is my ability to "spike the bag" on a blood product (I do EVERYTHING else) or to care for PICC lines. I could certify on the PICCS and do those too, but, quite frankly, I'm in no hurry to carry that level of acuity without the recognition or pay that an LPN should have if their scope is so similar to the RN. Again, I'm comparing myself to RN's on my unit and not "in general".

thleenium · Sep 29, 2011

As a new grad LPN, I would LOVE to see a MAJOR advertising blitz by the CLPNA.

Me too!

I really don't feel that people understand the education we now possess, the role we play, the expanse of our scope, and that we are are valued and integral members of a health care team.

You don't just "feel" this, CuriousStudent. It's a fact; the public is uneducated about what LPNs do these days. When I decided to go into practical nursing, I had all kinds of comments about how LPNs weren't as skilled as RNs. One person told me that PNs were "just techs." Even now, when half done the program, I continue to have to educate friends and family as to the role, education, and skillset of PNs. "No, we don't just do lifts, baths, and feeding, these days that is typically an HCA. An HCA is not an LPN. LPNs are professional nurses. We cram 90 credits of study into a two-year college program. Yes, we give meds; yes, we start IVs; yes, we are independent professionals who are responsible for our own patients." The explanation is getting really old. And I haven't even graduated yet! Eep!

End rant.

DanaLPN · Sep 30, 2011

@thleenium

I know what you mean!! In my social circle, there's a girl who's an RN student and all she can talk about is how I'm wasting my time as an LPN because "it's not as though you're allowed to really be a nurse."

i want to slap her silly! She's so ignorant on the topic.