edmontonain

I have been away all summer, so dont know if this is news or not - but I see that UNA has applied to represent LPNs, as well as RNs. See http://una.ab.ca/ No idea if they will be successful, but it will be interesting to watch.

Not sure of that - but I did read that CARNA requires almost 70% of IEN to take further courses. But as you say, it is helps, it is a good thing.

It is still fairly new. In the past, CARNA either granted temporary permits, allowing one to practice as a graduate nurse, or they issued nothing. They now have more categories. See http://www.nurses.ab.ca/carna/Index.aspx?WebStructureID=2985

I think all that shows is that there were layoffs in the 90s in Manitoba. As there were in most Provinces. Certainly in Alberta the UNA union only protects RN and Psych Nurse positions - because they only represent RNs and Psych nurses. Maybe we can just agree to disagree on this one. Do you think that the AUPE deal might not pass?

"1. There is no such thing as an auxilliary nurse in Alberta. A LPN in this province is responsible for their own practice and works to a very high skill set." Well put. What I have found is that many RNs are not aware of this - they believe that the RN is responsible for the practice of the LPN on their unit. This is simply not the case. It does not help though that the bargaining unit is both LPNs and NAs, and is called "auxiliary nursing care" and the bargaining unit for RNs is called "direct nursing care." This is why I said LPNs and RNs should be in the same unit - we are both doig dirct nursing care. 2. The starting wage under the expired contract is $17and change. Add in shift premiums and a shift could work out to nearly $21/hour depending on if you are working a weekend night. The contract is currently under renegotiation and we just have to wait it out for the new rates. I heard that AUPE has reached a new agreement - from what I heard there is a 10% "market adjustment" then 5% in the first year, 5% in the second and 4.5% in the third years and 4.5% in the third year. I think that brings the start rate up to about $20.68 an hour - and the top rate will be more than undergrad RN.

Capital is not looking at hiring international nurses as strikebreakers. They went to the Philippines looking to hire nurses - RNs or LPNs. CARNA was not willing to go and assist with testing or licensing. The CLPNA was. As a result, nurses who might otherwise have been licensed as RNs were tested and if passed, were licensed as LPNs. Also - and I am not trying to pick a fight, but I believe that it is an urban myth that LPNs in Manitoba joined the Nurses union, and as a result suffered massive layoffs. My understanding is that in Manitoba (like Nova Scotia, but unlike most Provinces) LPNs and RNs have always been, and continue to be in the same union. The start rate for LPNs in Manitoba by fall will be $2.00 higher than in Alberta - and there re no dangers of layoffs. Certainly in the 90s there were lots of layoffs - but they affected RNs and LPNs.

In addition, the Manitoba nurses union's contract calls for a further increase effective October 1, 2008, to be determined by an independent arbitrator to ensure Manitoba nurses are in fourth place in Canada in terms of wages. (Alberta is the highest, followed by Ontario, and BC. For RNs. Historically Alberta has underpaid LPNs) I understand that Saskatchewan just received good increase which puts them ahead of Manitoba, so there should be another increase in Manitoba this fall.

I have not worked there (when I worked in Calgary it was at the old Calgary General - they have since blown it up!), but I know a number of nurses who work or worked there. Generally, the feedback I have heard is for the most part pretty positive. As with all large facilities, there are some less than great managers. But if I was just starting out in Calgary I would think that Rocky would be a good place to go.

David Thompson Region has some bursaries - but they come with a return service commitment. see http://www.dthr.ab.ca/careers/student/bursary.htm I thought that East Central Health might as well, but I am not sure. Capital has nothing. With the new super-board, not sure how long any of these will last anyway.

I suppose it could depend on what school, but I would relax. You were not late for the interview. It is quite possible that the interviewers may not even be aware that you were late for the orientation. I dont think sending a card would be inappropriate, as long as it was not too obsequiously written.

Actually 2 of the above - RPN and union stewart.

CARNA certainly has a (well deserved) reputation of being elitist and out of touch with the reality of what really happens out on the floor. UNA does a good job for their members. They are RN focussed because that is who they represent. I expect that if LPNs begin to join, they will do a good for for LPNs as well. It is completely ridiculous that undergrad RNs with zero experience make as much or more than a seasoned LPN. The government has made laws that for Regional Health Authorities, there are 4 bargaining units (1) general support (2) auxiliary nursing - usually NAs and LPNs (3) direct nursing care and (4) paramedical professional and technical. So there is no way to have your own bargaining unit. It is just my opinion, but I think that years ago, it may have been true that LPNs were basically assistants, but those days are long past. LPNs are professionals, and ought to be treated as such. Some RNs may be stuck in the past, but I believe that it is time for everyone to admit that things have evolved and LPNs are performing direct nursing care. I believe that the division of RN vrs LPN just plays into managements hands. They of course want to pay employees less.

I think it is clear that we wouldn't give up our system. Several years I ago I was involved in a horrific MVA - had terrible injuries - many many broken bones, internal injuries, etc. I was airlifted to the nearest large city hospital, emergency surgery on my lungs and liver, orthopedic surgery on hip, legs and ankles. Spent some time in ICU, then step down unit, eventually transferred to a rehab hospital, Discharged after a few months, and after another 6 months of out patient physio, returned to work. Then a few years later developed AVN and needed to total hip replacement. No real waiting period at all as it was not considered elective. Certainly wasn't the greatest experience a person can have, but I was not out of pocket at through all this. I shudder to think what things would have been like had I been in the US!

I agree with some of what Fiona said. But I believe that the government encourages RNs and LPNs to be divided. It is time for LPNs and RNs to start acting as a team. The old divide and conquer technique has gone on long enough. I suggest that LPNs and RNs should be in the same union. Unfortunately, because AUPE does not want to lose members, they often encourage LPNs to believe that UNA is anti-LPN, which is not the case.