lpn1972

Thanks Spritz for posting this! I am wondering the same questions! I have so many mixed feelings about possibly joining BCNU, in ways I think it would be great, and other ways I am afraid that we will lose all that we have gained in the past few years. Most RN's that I know respect LPN's as nurses but then there are some who dont. I would really like to know how other LPN's who belong to the same union with RN's are treated.

What I keep reading over and over is that there are a lot of RN's that really do feel that Aides, LPN's etc truly are their subordinates. How sad! If only they could realize that if they would show some respect and acknowledge those as equals then they wouldn't have the issues that they speak of. I am an LPN and proud of it. I chose to become an LPN because I wanted to, not because I am not good enough to be an RN. I was told the other night that LPN's are there to "help" the RN's, that is our job!! Well let me tell you, that did NOT sit well with me! My job is not to help the RN's but to work with everyone to make sure the pt's are getting the best possible care! I have my own pt load and is still expected to help out on the floor. This particular RN is one of the many that while they are "charting" are sitting there chatting with others, watching TV etc. and then cry that they are so busy and cant possibly get their 6 charts done on time. So then I am expected to make sure that all VS are done, I&O, PRN's, answer all the call bells plus look after my own pt's which oddly enough I never get any help with. I am notoriously assigned the total care pt's, the fall risk, or the confused combative pt's. I had one RN look for me for 15mins (I was doing a hour long dressing at the time) to do a BS for her. When I explained that I was busy at the moment (in with the pt, totally exposed) she proceeded to tell me that she didn't have time and that I had to do it!!! The RN's that actually show me respect and are willing to do some of their work I will gladly help, and wil go out of my way to help them. Treat me as your "subordinate" and I will be BUSY and unable to help! Treat me with respect, and you will get respect back!

That I'm not too sure about! I used to work in Maternity all the time when I first graduated(2001) and then our nurse manager decided that LPN's shouldn't work there anymore (no reason given, just a control thing!) I still do occasionally work there but only when they are desperate! I know that in other hospitals in the region, LPN's do work in Mat. We don't do L&D although I have assisted with a few deliveries, mainly just a runner person. We can work post-partum though.

I'm not sure your instructor knows what she is talking about. I am an LPN in BC working on Acute Surgical floor. I have my own pt load, do full head to toe assessments, give out medications ( IM/PO/SC/NEB) everything but IV meds, do care plans. We cant take Dr.s orders, but we can on the Medical floor. We also do most of the catheterizations on the floor, do I&O's. We basically work to full scope. I am guessing by your name that we are in the same Health Authority, and they want LPN's working to their full scope.

I absolutely loved working the 11-7 shift! My kids were both in school so I didn't miss any time with them at all. I slept when they were in school and was up when they got home and still had the evening with them! Now if your kids are too young well thats a bit different, just think "nap time" and then sleep when hubby gets home. Hope this helps!:)

I'm sorry I have to disagree with you! Experience IS everything. I don't like the term "therapeutic lying" because as far as the pt is concerned you are NOT lying. I think trying to re-orient a dementia pt is cruel and abusive. Have you ever sat with a 100 yr old pt after telling her that her Mother/Father etc is dead? I will NEVER tell my pt's that. I would much rather tell them that they have gone shopping, they're sleeping what ever. In the dementia's pt's mind they're loved ones are alive telling them that they are dead is in a way LYING to them. Please tell me Jesskanurse what do you do when re-orientating your pts results in an increase of agitation? Do you medicate? Restrain?

I am allergic to the herb Basil! I always get the " How can you possibly be allergic to that" It really sucks though b/c I really have to watch what I eat now as basil seems to be popping up in everything!