Dear nurses
I would like to introduce a new and immensely important topic for discussion. There is a big discussion going on in SK, Canada about roles of Registered nurses(RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses(LPNs). Everything started when LPNs decided to update their bylaws. Should LPNs be given new privileges and roles? Should LPNs go back to school to study more? What will be the role of RNs then? What is the benefit of having two types of nurses? Is it fair to give certain privileges to somebody who studied less than somebody who studied more to acquire those privileges?
Some people call it a turf war and hysteria, others job creep and patients safety issue. Some LPNs want their bylaws updated while others don't as it means more responsibility.
Here is an article that describes the issue.
Please share what do you think about all this? Perhaps this should be a global nursing topic but as this discussion is currently going on in SK, Canada, I started it in "Nursing in Canada" category.
you can probably find some more information here.
http://vimeo.com/channels/fromthedeskoftheed
or follow Treacy Zambory SUN ED on twitter who advocates in the favor of RNs
or follow Lynsay Nair executive director of SALPN who advocates in the favor of LPNs
Patients first , safety always!!!!
FYI: LPN in SK is an equivalent of RPN in Ontario.
RPN in SK means Registered Psiciatric Nurse