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This is not an "upward skill track" - that would be attained by experience and education. What we are allowing is more & more of our profession to be done by unqualified individuals. Let's not forget, the real reason for allowing unlicensed individuals more responsibilty for providing care is to save facilities money. That is the bottom line.

You are wonderful - you have stated what I have long thought. The nursing profession is in a sad state of decline (part of the "dumbing down of America") so evident in our schools and society. Unfortunately, nursing is still primarily a "female" occupation. Men entering the profession usually do not stay in staff positions - they use a "basic" RN or LPN license as a stepping stone to management or the higher paying specialties (i.e. nurse anesthetist). Nurses in the US have tremendous power - if only they were aware of it!!! If nurses organized properly, there is no limit to what they could do for the nursing profession (and themselves). It is no surprise to me that there is a nursing shortage. When I entered nursing in the 1970's, there were fewer options available in the health care field. Today, a young person can choose from a wide area of healthcare careers at a local community college, attend for 5 semesters, and graduate with a career earning much more than a nursing graduate (and better hours, and more respect!!!). In the 1970's, I was proud to be a Registered Nurse - today I am almost embarassed by it. The nursing profession today is exactly what nurses have allowed it to be.

Hi! I have been an RN for 15 years. I am currently living in NC, and in Summer 2006 nursing homes in our state will be able to use "medication aides" (CNA with an additional 24 hours of training) to give medications - all but injectables. Won't this eliminate a lot of LPN/RN LTC positions. All to save the facilities $$$$. Anyone out there familiar with this?

Hi! I have been an RN for 15 yrs. but haven't worked in about 5 yrs.. Going to several agencies to complete paperwork and tests next week. Need to know what I should review to pass tests. How is agency work? Need info. on pros/cons of job. Here in NC they only pay about $21-23/hr. for pvt. duty vent patients. Seems very low! Is there a lot of "down time" with a vent patient in the home? Any info. would be appreciated! Thanks!!!!