No RN Coverage on Acute Inpatient Rehab Unit

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Our inpatient rehab unit typically staffs (1) RN, (1) LPN, (1) Aid. At times the RN is being reassigned to other units in the hospital. We are aids, float, staff nurse, and charge nurse on these other units. The LPN is left in "charge".

Do other acute rehab units run with just and LPN & aid? I question the safety, not to mention, what is the point of having additional education. I'm RN and a CRRN.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I work at a freestanding rehab hospital where this type of situation happens on occasion. The other day, two very experienced LPNs were working on the unit while orienting a new grad RN. Even though the new RN was on orientation, the facility was using her license for the RN coverage on the floor.

I'm a newer RN with several years of LPN experience. While I understand your concerns, I'd also rather have the LPN with 20 years of experience taking care of me instead of the inexperienced RN that is simply being used for "coverage."

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Well said. Thanks!

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Oh my gosh yeah this sounds very familiar. I am an RN and I work in an in-patient acute rehab unit, and sometimes they leave an LPN in "charge". I have had up to 8 patients with no CNA or LPN. I am a fairly new nurse, and ready to leave the profession. :(:mad:

Our inpatient rehab unit typically staffs (1) RN, (1) LPN, (1) Aid. At times the RN is being reassigned to other units in the hospital. We are aids, float, staff nurse, and charge nurse on these other units. The LPN is left in "charge".

Do other acute rehab units run with just and LPN & aid? I question the safety, not to mention, what is the point of having additional education. I'm RN and a CRRN.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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