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Higher standards for LPNs in effect April 1

Carol Furlong — Telegram photo

Carol Furlong — Telegram photo

Published on March 21, 2012
The Telegram
Published on March 21, 2012
Topics :
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees

Licensed Practical Nurses are looking to bring attention to their increasing role in the provincial health care system.

The College for Licensed Practical Nurses will be raising the standards for licensing beginning April 1, with all LPNs being “required to meet the standards to work the full scope of practice,” states the release, which goes on to state increased responsibilities will include those currently performed by registered nurses.

The LPNs are wearing buttons today that read “I’m a nurse: Licensed Practical Nurse” to promote their status as nurses under provincial legislation, according to a news release sent out by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE).

NAPE president Carol Furlong said LPNs are often asked by patients and the public if they are nurses, with their role often being downplayed or misunderstood by the public.

The campaign is meant to inform people that LPNs are highly qualified and a vital part of the health care system, said Furlong.

“The campaign to promote LPNs is important not just for LPNs but for the people of our province when relying on our health care system,” she said.

NAPE is currently lobbying the provincial government for an occupational review for LPNs in an effort to have them recognized for their increased scope of practice, according to the release.

Comments

  • Username
    sandra
    - April 2, 2012 at 22:21:40

    I would hope that comments like this are very childish and unwarranted as we do do OR tech courses and phelb course and others soon so it will change. foutunate comments like yours only makes u look bad for your profession /our profession were all equal in life streams some just make uneducated views.

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  • Username
    Barb
    - March 23, 2012 at 17:09:31

    If a nurse is a nurse, why aren't any of the Liscenced Practical Nurses commenting on the new cardiac monitors being used in critical care???????? Because they don't work in Critical Care, registered Nurses do!!!!!

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    • Username
      vargus
      - March 27, 2012 at 12:33:40

      First of all Barbie,learn how to spell licensed.LPN's are not commenting on the new cardiac monitors being used in critical care because they are not trained on them "YET".I would be worried when they do, because then they will be able to do your job agin.

    • Username
      Tammy
      - June 21, 2012 at 17:08:52

      @ Barb ... Firstly, It's sad to see your comment and honestly I feel embarrassed for you. My guess is you are a "nurse" that comes from the old school ways. Whereas, you obtained your "RN' via hands on within a local hospital or you are a new grad and think because having an extra two years of theory makes you better, more important, more whatever ... .... A small note, the new LPN/RPN program is geared in relation to the old RN program and some. Therefore, if you are "old school" then you might want to check yourself before voicing such negative feedback. I certainly wouldn't want you caring for any of my family or friends. If a new grad ... well, I won't even start with that it's just too much to mention why some new grads feel and think they are not only better than LPN's but also RN's that have not had four years education. My bottom line is ... I'm an LPN. I happen to work in Intensive Care and YES with cardiac monitors, the "NEW" cardiac monitors. I work closely with RN's, RT's, and other specialist who are all vital in making my patients and family happy and healthy and well cared for. I am blessed to work in a setting whereas most, sadly not all but we'll always have our "Barb's", who value each others education and skills as a NURSE (LPN or RN). In fact, during rounds the team will always turn to me and ask; "what do you think? Do you feel that would be best at this point .. anything you'd like to add or any other concerns?" This is what makes our care safe and effective and making the most impact. Not because you're an RN, LPN, RT, GP nor any other specialist. All team members within our health care system bring something special to the table to make it whole. LPN's hold your head high and know we will always face "Barb's" in our profession as will other RN's facing new RN grads in their world. No matter what it's not fair to either and it's sad and senseless. LPN's are under appreciated and when I find myself giving report and or taking report from another nurse that makes a much larger wage than myself one needs to question. We will get there but there is only power in numbers and voices.

  • Username
    Shawna Park LPN
    - March 22, 2012 at 01:33:41

    This was definately a long time coming. Us lpn's have been unappreciated for way too long! Our scope of practice is constantly increasing as well as our workload and we have been taken for granted. It's nice to see someone is finally standing up for us and helping us fight for what we deserve the most... Respect!

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  • Username
    Gerry
    - March 21, 2012 at 23:46:39

    Well said Suzanne; I agree. LPN's are under appreciated by those not in the know.

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  • Username
    Hazel
    - March 21, 2012 at 16:38:22

    A Nurse is a Nurse whether they are R.N's or L.P.N's. They work together and they contribute to the well being of the patient. The L.P.N's work hard and they need to be recognize for their efforts.They are trained to deliver hands on care and are trained to give out medications as well.

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  • Username
    Suzanne Dodge R.N.
    - March 21, 2012 at 14:19:39

    This is a long awaited change....good for them......we work,side by side,daily....and,they certainly do deserve the proper recognition.....

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