tfunkrn

I never said they should not take the courses, I said I did not know they offered it to LPNs. And.. I have plenty of company in my 'Ivory tower'.. Thanks for your concern.

I used to live on Galveston Island. I sure hope no one decided to stick around and have a 'hurricane party'. My heart goes out to all trying to escape Ike's path. I know how congested the highways and Interstates can be around Houston on normal days. Those that are in the path of this storm, please let us all know you are safe.

For telemetry, if you do not need knowledge about the drugs, then a disrhythmia course should suffice. Do not try to turn the tables on me, sir. I am not insulting you, and your insulting me is unprofessional. I just asked some questions, and there is no reason to attack me personally. In your post, you mentioned Texas and Florida.. I am sorry I placed you in the wrong state. Initially, the scope of practice for LPN/LVN was the same in all states except 2, and then more states followed implementing their own variations. I did some homework before asking my questions. I may take up traveling again, and Phoenix is where I will go, since I have connections there already in place. Now, I am sure some LPNs do know how to do what an RN can do from observation, and maybe there are a few LPNs who can run circles around some RNs.. and vice versa. But, if they are wanting to practice nursing outside their scope of practice in whatever state they are in, they need to go back to school and pass the same boards I had to pass. After all, it is MY license, which makes it MY decision.

Yes.. I wondered in here again from google. I had not actively been in this forum for a while. No, I do not claim to know anything about these people.. as they know nothing about me. You are right, there is no reason to banter this issue. I spoke out of anger, and that is always wrong.. no excuses. I am sorry.

You are the one calling yourself a 'moocher'.. I am just stating the fact that NONE of us are self-sufficient.. I did put 'your' before hypocrisy.. sorry.. as I said, I have no idea if you even work in a health related occupation.. or you may even be CRNA2007's alter-ego.. People are known to pick up many identities in the forums in attempts to support a losing cause. In reality, I do not care as much about yours or CRNA's thoughts, as much as I feel you both are poor examples of what nursing represents for the nursing students in these forums.

Yeah..hehe the list goes on and on.. My mother used to always asy 'Only 2 sure things in life.. death and taxes'. UHC is for everyone! If you want additional coverage, I am sure you can still purchase it. I, in all honesty, cannot fee good about myself, knowing somebody else out there is suffering. Put yourself in a parent of a small child's place.. being told that they may be able to save your child, but since your insurance company is saying they won't cover certain proceedures, they will need the money up front to keep your child alive. Your husband is in Iraq, fighting for our freedom. Both yours and his parents are no longer living. There is no one to turn to.. you just bought your first house and cannot take out a 2nd mortgage.. You have missed work the last 3 weeks to stay with your sick child, so they let you go from your job. Feel the helplessness of that poor mother who has to sit there and watch her child die. This story today is repeated over and over.. the characters may change.. but THIS is what UHC will be in place to prevent.. and I would much rather my money be put use in this way, than to pay for Josie's charitable contributions. :heartbeat

Another thing I pay for.. your tax deductions from contributing to charitable causes.. What if I do not like your contributions.

Ohh.. Jolie.. I am very self-sufficient at this point in my life.. I do not get any tax credits for children or loans. Those of you that claim children on your returns, I could say, are mooching off me.. Those of you taking deductions for interest on home or school loans, I could say are 'mooching', as well. I could easily argue the point about self-sufficiency.. but the people.. especially nurses.. who cannot hold out a helping hand to those in need, need to quit practicing in a field of helping others. Quit your hypocrisy!

Hi Magda, The difference is there are many states here in the US that have their own statutes for scopes of practice. The pay is not the same, but neither are the content of knowledge, years of schooling, responsibilities, or the testing for licensure the same. We have CNAs, CMAs, LPNs, and RNs.. and each have certain people who are licensed as one, yet appear to have classification envy and attempt to practice outside their scope of practice... or make up titles I had not heard of before, such as ICU LVN. I restarted this thread, out of curiosity after hearing a title I never had heard before, and have since determined my initial insticts were correct about someone who said they were ICU LVN in California.. this person is a person with 'classification envy', since she is retired. But most of all, I am curious as to what the different states allow the LPN to do in their scope of practice on their own license. I am not stating that either is smarter than the other, but RNs have more training than LVNs because they went the extra mile to acquire the extra knowledge. If LVNs want to practice as an RN, they need to go back to school and pass the licensure test. It has nothing to do with intelligence, and all to do with motivation. I will say this in all honesty, I refuse to be responsible for an LVN practicing under my license. If they want to be an RN, instead of exerting energy into complaining, they need to channel their energy into going back to school to do it! It is not any RN's fault that they are not allowed to practice outside your scope of paractice.. only they can make the change by persuing a degree.

It's too late for this, but I am going to try to remain on this thread as long as possible for notifications post Ike. Thank you.

Why are you defending him? He is the one insulting and attacking anyone who is not living up to his standards and/or if anyone believes in something other than what he believes. Also, CRNA2007, all I see in your profile is education and other. What ARE you? To say the least, I feel very sorry for him.. He appears angry. He appears to be hurt and is taking it out on others in this forum.. Having troubles at work or in his personal life, venting his frustrations. He needs to appropriately vent where his frustration is coming from. And.. if it is just plain haughtiness.. remember 'Pride cometh before the fall'. May it not be you who we see as the next victim of the insurance company.:heartbeat

What state do you live in? I think it is great as long as you are comfortable and able to do this on your own licence under your state's LPN/LVN legal scope of practice. As far as blood is concerned, we have to have 2 signatures checking the blood out of Blood Bank, and 2 signatures before spiking the bag. You sound very capable.. Are you going to go back to school to get your RN?

ACLS and PALS has nothing to do with being an LPN, but is a requirement in most hospitals in the ICU. I did not realize, as an LPN, that you would be able to be ACLS or PALS certified, sincing pushing vasoactive meds are usually within the LPN/LVN scope of practice. So.. I want to be sure I understand this.. It is permisable for you to practice in the ICU in your state - Texas - under the LPN/LVN scope of practice without an RN needing to sign off? Believe me, I am not trying to 'widen the gap', but I do believe in practicing within our own legal scope of practice. I have also seen LPN's that are envious of the RN role and try to practice outside their legal scope of practice.. and that DOES bother me, especially when it is my patient and they are placing my patient and licence in jeopardy. I know you are going to be an RN soon, but I am asking strictly about the legal ramifications.. and if there is any title as ICU LPN. Also, in certain states, sterile dressing changes 'legally' are changed by RNs.. so if it is a laughable matter to you as an LPN, it is not laughable to me when I have a lawsuit placed against my licence for something someone else did.

Definitely.. renew your RN license! Take some time off, if necessary. I know I was really burnt out after over 10 years of floating around to the various ICUs in a big hospital, and have taken the opportunity to 'get away and re-fresh'. The thing that kept me there was my love for my fellow co-workers, and some of my best friends are still there, though I hardly see them anymore. There are SO many fields in nursing, and you are not limited to only one field. Take time off and explore, but DEFINITELY renew your license!

Please keep us posted on if there are any other opportunities to help. You know, in national emergencies, they should have some way of sending notifications to all the RNs in the forum about opportunities to help. All of you who are in the hurricanes path, stay safe.. and remember, material things cannot replace a life.:loveya:

I work to live, not live to work. There are people with other opinions in this world, and just because you feel one way is right for you, does not mean it is right for everyone else. Judge not, lest you be judged. I am not religious, but I am 'spiritual', and live by the creed 'Do No Harm'. I am an RN, my father was an OB/GYN, I have 3 sons, all 3 with PhDs.. one in research in DC, and 2 Pharmacists. I have lived, breathed, and discussed issues in healthcare all of my life. I empathize with each profession, because all of these have issues exclusive to their own, I was brought up to believe a 'real' healthcare worker has empathy for all, and does not seek to merely 'capitalize' on others misfortunes. I am not 'rich', but I am thankful every day that I have a roof over my head and food in my tummy. When I have a patient that arrives in the ICU that has met up with tragedy, I am able to empathize.. 'There by the grace of God go I'. People who have insurance are having to fight to get the benefits they have paid for, while at their weakest. They need their strength to recuperate. The bill, as it is written, does not say that our salaries are diminishing, and again, I think spreading the rumour that this will happen are people who are in fear that if it passes, someone will find out how little they really do, and their job will be eliminated. Is this why you are fighting against this bill? I have noticed that there are a lot of students in the forums. I will offer you the same advice given me. If you are becoming a nurse in hopes of getting rich, and this is your only motivation, get out now. If you are becoming a nurse to help others and make a difference, I welcome you. It can be a thankless job at times, but when you are able to intervene, and help make a difference, the smile on their face is worth more than gold.:heartbeat

I just wanted to share what HR 676 is about.. I hope this is not off-topic, as it does talk about compensation to physicians and healthcare providers. I have the link here for reference, as well. Many of the things being said about 'Universal Healthcare' is not what is stated in the bill. Thanks.. and again, I am sorry if this is off-topic. Thanks http://www.guaranteedhealthcare.org/legislation/hr-676-conyers/united-states-national-health-insurance-act How it would help! HR 676 establishes an American-styled national health insurance program. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health care program that uses the already existing Medicare program by expanding and improving it to all U.S. residents, and all residents living in U.S. territories. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all Americans, guaranteed by law, will have access to the highest quality and cost effective health care services regardless of ones employment, income, or health care status. With over 45-75 million uninsured Americans, and another 50 million who are under insured, it is time to change our inefficient and costly fragmented health care system. Physicians For A National Health Program reports that under a Medicare For All plan, we could save over $286 billion dollars a year in total health care costs. We would move away from our present system where annual family premiums have increased upwards to $9,068 this year. Under HR 676, a family of three making $40,000 per year would spend approximately $1600 per year for health care coverage. Medicare for All would allow the United States to reduce its almost $2 trillion health care expenditure per year while covering all of the uninsured and everybody else for more than they are getting under their current health care plans. In 2005, without reform, the average employer who offers coverage will contribute $2,600 to health care per employee (for much skimpier benefits). Under HR 676, the average costs to employers for an employee making $30,000 per year will be reduced to $1,155 per year; less than $100 per month. Who is Eligible! Every person living in the United States and the U.S. Territories would receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and identification number once they enroll at the appropriate location. Social Security numbers may not be used when assigning identification. cards. No co-pays or deductibles are permissible under this act. Health Care Services Covered! This program will cover all medically-necessary services, including primary care, inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, long term care, mental health services, dentistry, eye care, chiropractic, and substance abuse treatment. Patients have their choice of physicians, providers, hospitals, clinics, and practices. Medicare will be improved and everybody will get it. Conversion to A Non-Profit Health Care System! Private health insurers shall be prohibited under this act from selling coverage that duplicates the benefits of the Medicare for All program. Cost Containment Provisions/Reimbursement The Medicare for All program will annually set reimbursement rates for physicians, health care providers; and negotiate prescription drug prices. The national office will provide an annual lump sum allotment to each existing Medicare region, which will then administer the program. Payment to health care providers include fee for service, and global budgets. Doctors will be paid based on their current reimbursement rates. The conversion to a not-for- profit health care system will take place over a 15 year period, through the sale of U.S. treasury bonds; Administration! The United States Congress will establish annual funding outlays for the Medicare for All program through an annual entitlement, to be administered by the Medicare program. A U. S. National Health Insurance Advisory Board will be established, comprised primarily of health care professionals and representatives of citizen health advocacy groups. Proposed Funding Maintaining current federal and state funding of existing health care programs! A modest payroll tax on all employers and employees of 3.3% each. A 5% health tax on the top 5% of income earners. A small tax on stock and bond transfers. Closing corporate tax loop-holes, and repealing the Bush tax cut for the highest 1% of income earners.

To tell you the truth, some of the new grads scare me, too. In Florida and Texas, LPNs are allowed to administer IV meds and monitor vaso-active drips and access central lines, including arterial lines? Are they allowed to do sterile dressing changes, too, and do it all under their LPN/LVN license? Can they also be ACLS and PALS cerified? Believe me, I am not trying to say that LPN/LVN's are not intelligent.. I am asking about the scope of practice allowed in other states. Thanks

Please Steph, before you comment, read what I said. Why would I say that health care workers do not have a right to make money, when I am an RN myself? Though I am definitely anti-corporation and anti-capitalist. Back to the subject. I feel that Universal Healthcare will still pay healthcare workers salaries, and a lot of the hype created are rumours created by the insurance companies and corporate hospitals to place fear in healthcare workers in attempts to stall the bill. I would venture to go one step farther, and say those people arguing against universal healthcare are in positions that may be affected by the change.

She states that she was an ICU LVN in California, and just moved to Kansas. She is approximately 60 years old.. and I know in Kansas LPN/LVN's scope of practice is very limited, as well. My main concern was if this would be a new 'trend' to counteract the nursing shortage, and the safety factor, for both the nurses and the patients. Thank you both for answering my question. I know at the hospital I work at has recently adopted a policy that new grads are not to take patients until they pass the boards and work as nursing techs.. anyway in the ICU's. I am not sure why they changed the policy, since the hospital is rather big, but what about new grads where you all are from? I am sorry if this is off topic, but I would like to know. Thanks.

I encountered a person the other day that said that she was an ICU - LVN in California.. Do you all have LPNs or LVNs working as nurses in your ICUs? I know we have had them come in and float around the unit, helping us turn and bathe patients, but never as caregivers, since many of our patients are on vaso-active drips or vents. Just wondering..

The difference is, the administrative staff is not as heavy. The monies are put back into the hospital instead of being a bonus to the administrative staff. You may be too young to remember, but once upon a time, nurses recieved bonuses for helping keep costs down and doing a good job. It was called 'pay by performance'. And moderator, I feel I have been and am staying on the proper subject, since this concerns nurses pay and universal healthcare.:heartbeat

CRNA2007 - You seem mighty fisty tonight. Healthcare should not be for-profit.. period. The other things you asked about are consumer goods.. even though the hospital charges 5 - 10 times more for the item than what they purchased it for. It is not the wholesalers that is the problem. Should the nurse make a profit? What does that mean? A profit for killing off the patient before midnight so the insurance company does not get charged for an extra day? Or do you think family should pay you on top of your wage to take care of their loved one so they can get some sleep? If you want to travel, you may get a few 'perks', but be prepared for the other nurses to 'dump' on you instead of thanking you for helping them out of having to carry their load of patients, as well as yours split between the staff. And then, when you have 2 patients crashing at the same time, turn their back on you and say 'That is what you get the big bucks for.. deal with it'? If dollars are your God, then go where the money is, and stop complaining.

The problem with insurance is that many people cannot afford the high co-pay, and the insurance companies may deny benefits you are entitled to. They are out to make money, as corporate hospitals are out to make money on their stock and shares. Healthcare should not be for profit.. period! From what I understand, the plan being presented is for the government to pay.. for people to have access to preventative healthcare. Some people are unable to afford immunizations for their children, some cannot afford life-sustaining meds.. these are the 'frequent flyers' most of us encounter. We, as nurses, need to help fix the system for all, instead of sitting in judgement of the person who was not immunized.. or the frequent flyer patient that is back for the 10th time. Many of you say you have good insurance.. lots of other people have thought the same.. until a serious illness or accident hits. When a person is sick, it is harder to fight for their rights.. and yet, many of us, as Americans, watch these people lose their homes, their life savings, in attempt to save a family member.. and say.. 'This does not concern me.. It's your problem.' Until we realize it is all of our problems, it will continue to happen. The previous post I gave a link.. the very first thing you will read is 'The Health Insurance Casualty of the Day'.. There are loads more in the archives.