Many hospitals started down sizing LPNs a few years ago and I understand why. At my facility, many of them have unions and became LPNs via a welfare option a few years ago, to become an LPN, courtesy of the welfare department in attempt to move them into the work force and off welfare. Well I think a more rigorous screening process should have been performed. In my unit LPNs run the floor and tell the RNs what to do. Our head nurse is more concerned with being their best friend than ruling with a more firm hand. The LPNs have a union so they feel they are untouchable. With that being said, they come to work everyday with the intention of doing very little for the day. They don't draw blood, they don't collect samples, they don't help set up for the day, they don't stock supplies, they don't assist with anything except taking vital signs and even that is a challenge. They spend the day sitting around, texting each other, friends, and god knows who else, playing games on their cell phones, surfing the internet, paying bills, reading, and taking naps. Isn't this an amazing way to spend EVERY day and get paid for it? My favorite, strolling the hallways, speaking loud, laughing loud, carrying out inappropriate conversations and my absolute favorite, cursing all the time and dropping the f bomb with every few words so that the patients we are caring for can hear.
This is the environment that I work in. The PCAs are no better. Nobody can control them and nobody dare tries. If it were up to me, there would be no unions for these positions and there would be a no tolerance policy for this kind of behavior. Having no unions for these positions allows you to manage more affectively.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Sheesh, generalize much?
My youngest son is an LPN and works his hind end off in a skilled-nursing facility. The LPN program he attended was rigorous and challenging, and the standards were set very high. I know, I lived with him while he was going through it. He also works with other LPNs and RNs who have a work ethic. Sure, they text and play on their phones but only on breaks and lunch, if they get those at all.
And so what if a few of your co-workers came from welfare-to-work programs? How do you know that for sure? Most people don't exactly brag about having been on welfare. Isn't it better that they are paying taxes and contributing to society? And what on earth are "street behaviors"? Sounds like there is more than a little prejudice at work here. Just sayin'.
New member whose first post is packed with offensive stereotypes? Most likely a bored internet addict trying to have some fun by getting the libtards riled up. Glad no-one bit. And behold, OP has disappeared!
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.
I was in nursing school the last semester that LPNs were practicing on the hospital floor, and it was the jackpot of the week if I got assigned to the LPN on the unit. She was fantastic, and it was a real detriment to the hospital to make a blanket decision to remove the LPNs from their rightfully earned nurse positions. I understand they were offered PCA positions at the same salary, but it's a waste of excellent nursing talent and it's unfortunate. It's also unfortunate that some LPNs and PCAs are lazy. So are some RNs, some MDs, some police officers, some teachers, some fire fighters, some rocket scientists, you name it, someone is going to be perceived as not pulling their weight in some environment. How does this impact you? It may potentially add to your workload, but I like to be busy, so for me- things needing to be done means that I have less down time, which I prefer. If others want to sit around, no skin off my nose. I know I leave at the end of my shift having spent eight hours doing the best thing for my patients, and my coworkers. Not that I'm never frustrated by anything that goes on, but most of it isn't worth my aggravation because me being aggravated isn't going to change a thing. Good luck finding a better work environment for you, sounds like trying to change yours might be like spitting into the wind.
New member whose first post is packed with offensive stereotypes? Most likely a bored internet addict trying to have some fun by getting the libtards riled up. Glad no-one bit. And behold, OP has disappeared!
Super ironic that your post included an offensive word like "libtard".
I think you need to look at the situation as what it is-a total crap place to work. If you don't want to work in that environment, simply turn in your notice and find another place of employment.
The reason that your post has received so many responses that you don't like is that you are simply misunderstanding the replies. The problem with your workplace is not LPNs or CNAs. As someone who has worked in all three roles in areas ranging widely regarding the average income level of each area, I will say that I have only worked at one place that had a small fraction of that kind of behavior tolerated. The behavior was from staff that did not even have a CNA title. The place was a "5 star" senior living community where moderate assistance (not total care and can walk independently) cost $10k per month. Let's just say the income level of the surrounding community was way above welfare level and so we're the workers. Many of them lived at their parent's very nice place down the road and drove very nice vehicles. "Street behavior" doesn't only come from poverty.
When I was going to school for my LPN I did not get government assistance. I worked my butt off making minimum wage and had some assistance from a scholarship I got for my GPA in high school (I earned it through hard work as s teenager). To make a broad statement that LPNs are a product of welfare reform is asinine. Many nurses decide to become LPNs because that is the level of nursing that they are happy with an the level of education that they have is what is required for the position which they wish to obtain. Same thing goes for people who chose a career as a CNA. For the record, I have never once met a LPN who sits on their but at a hospital and does nothing productive except vital signs. When I was an LPN in a hospital we took on a whole assignment and in a state with a large scope and post graduation certifications, the only thing my RN had to do was I sign my admits and spike my blood units for transfusion. My CNAs were terrific. I worked a lot of agency too so I'm speaking about a LOT of facilities.
Your problem is your place of employment and crappy management. I would suggest dropping the attitude about CNAs and LPNs and welfare in general. Many have never had government assistance. Oh, and there are many RNs that have worked their way out of poverty too...but you say RNs don't use street talk...hum, maybe your view of welfare (or former welfare) recipients should be rechecked.
Please excuse errors in advance-sent from my iPhone.
When Your LPNs and PCAs take over....hmm you sound like that is a bad thing. I was once an CNA and LPN. I know some good LPN and CNA that could take over a facility. I don't understand why a lot of RNs seem to bash and put down LPNs and CNAs. We all have a job to do and without LVNs and especially CNAs, an RN's job probably will be more stressful. I love all my medical professionals!
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
New member whose first post is packed with offensive stereotypes? Most likely a bored internet addict trying to have some fun by getting the libtards riled up. Glad no-one bit. And behold, OP has disappeared!
Probably an amateur. Too much bait in one post . We didn't even get to the union-related offensive stereotype.
I understand you meant the libtard as in what the OP supposed we are, the target.
So what is it you are against? LPN's, CNA's, unions, welfare, nursing management? All of the above? If your job is truly that horrible here's an easy solution, get another job. And good luck finding one without LPN's, CNA's and nursing management. As for the welfare issue, and by the way it hasn't been called welfare in years it's really none of your business if any co-workers used to receive government assistance and if they did you should be happy they were motivated to get an education that would allow them to be financially self supporting.
VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN
22 Articles; 9,996 Posts
Sheesh, generalize much?
My youngest son is an LPN and works his hind end off in a skilled-nursing facility. The LPN program he attended was rigorous and challenging, and the standards were set very high. I know, I lived with him while he was going through it. He also works with other LPNs and RNs who have a work ethic. Sure, they text and play on their phones but only on breaks and lunch, if they get those at all.
And so what if a few of your co-workers came from welfare-to-work programs? How do you know that for sure? Most people don't exactly brag about having been on welfare. Isn't it better that they are paying taxes and contributing to society? And what on earth are "street behaviors"? Sounds like there is more than a little prejudice at work here. Just sayin'.