Sherafun

This is very interesting due to the Oregon State Board of Nursing last year changed the scope of practice on LPN's an RN's. Lpn's can do "Focus" assessments now. Which I have always thought it was silly saying that LPN's cannot do assessments, I do assessments on patients as soon as I visually see them and during providing care. We also can do IV push meds, IV's. Cannot hang blood in this state or TPA. I have been a LPN for 18 years and have worked LTC, Skilled, HMO, Agency. I now have cancer so I am off and will lose my job in january if I can't return to work. I have no choice with that, but if I do lose it I will go back to Agency. I pick my own hours/days and get higher pay.

I have been an LPN for 18 yrs. There have been many times this subject has come up to get rid of LPN's. Some hospitals have gotten rid of LPN's and had just RN's and CNA's. Which they always find out that we are much more needed for our skills and abilities and the rumors stop. Our Board of Nursing just changed LPN protrocols and now we can do assessments. It is called, "Focus assessments" there are a few others I can't remember at this moment, but the facilities/hospitals are trying to figure out how to mupdate job descriptions for. This is the State of Oregon. Don't worry about the rumors, we are still here ingreat numbers and they need us!!!!!!

I live just outside Salem and love it here. I don't miss the fast paced city. I also work for Kaiser Permanente, and have been for 11 yrs. I would not change my job. I was Peds Team Lead 7 yrs and have been doing Adult Neurology the last 4 yrs. It is unionized, but I have been glad to have union. I will probably retire from Kaiser. I appreciate the ability to transfer to other areas of nursing and to other facilities, like Hawaii through Kaiser. Salem sits in the middle of access to the mountains, ocean, desert, rain forest. Lots to do plus you are close enought to go to the city too. Hope this helps

The politics and the nurses that think they are better or above you will be at every job. Mostly if you really enjoy your work that helps cover up those issues and people. Some places are worse then others. I have left jobs that are in that worse place to work. There are so many facets of nursing there is many jobs available. If you enjoy your current job then just turn away from those types of nurses and interact as little as possible and always be professional. If it is too much and takes the joy away from you job, find another. Good luck!!!

I would have said something even though I truly wasn't envolved in her healthcare. It is just that I would have said something about it if I noted it on any other patient. It is so scary to see what is the possibly the trend of care there. As Nurses we are pt advocates all times and everywhere.