New LPN covering CNA shifts

[kay.whitson]

I'm a newly licensed LPN who accepted a part time job at an assisted living facility 3 weeks ago. I have been training, getting to know everyone and how a nurse does their duty there. Recently, they fired a few caregivers and have been short staffed so of course, being the training nurse, they pull me and have me caregive my entire shift. This has happened the past 3 shifts and will happen more until they hire new ones. Don't get me wrong, I am always willing to help and will do everything I can to help with the workload once mine is done, but I feel like I didn't bust my butt in school to get a license and be caregiving when I should be training before I'm sent off on my own. How can I approach DON with my concerns?

[oceanblue52]

This happens in hospitals sometimes when someone calls out. Are they paying you at LPN rate?

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

If your rate of pay has not changed, continue with the assigned duties while you look for and secure employment elsewhere. If you have a discussion with your employer once you find another nursing ​position, thank him or her for the experience and explain that you need a position that will train you to become an effective nurse; not an aide.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

If your rate of pay has not changed, continue with the assigned duties while you look for and secure employment elsewhere. If you have a discussion with your employer once you find another nursing ​position, thank him or her for the experience and explain that you need a position that will train you to become an effective nurse; not an aide.

This.

Also keep in mind that while filling in as a CNA, though you may not be doing nursing tasks, if something goes wrong with the patient in your care, the BON is going to hold you to the standards of your highest nursing license. A lot of us discourage licensed RNs from taking CNA jobs for this reason; I feel the same would apply for LPNs.

If subbing as a CNA happens occasionally d/t call-offs or staffing issues, that's one thing. If you're consistently being asked to perform as a CNA and not a LPN, I would start looking elsewhere for work. Same thing if they're paying you as a CNA when you're subbing instead of at your original LPN rate--then they're just taking advantage of you.

Best of luck.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Also, if I were you, I'd use caution or would change my username if it happens to be the same as my real name. For all you know, I could be your supervisor or manager...which, of course, I'm not.