Why is it, that in all the articles discussing the nursing shortage, LPNs are never mentioned? Not in the problem or the solution! It's like we don't even exist! LPNs could be such a big part of the solution if only we could be recognized. LPNs salaries are less than foreign RNs they are importing here.Most LPNs are older and have alot of experience. Why not let LPNs challenge the RN boards or develope a fast track program from LPN to RN. We are ready, willing and able but no one is giving us a chance. I think it's a sad statement by the medical profession, that they are not even considering LPNs in all of this. We are a natural resource. Utilize us!

Same in the Uk . I am an RnN but have to say I learned more of my practical skills from some very competent SENs ( the equivalent of your LPN) than I ever learned from some ( tho not all ) of the degree nurses I worked with. In England too they have been pushing for years for an RN profession and I know many peoplle , who I think would have made good practical nurses , who have been put off appplying due to the acedemic skills requireds

See my comment under LPNs, Used and Abused?

LPN Managers/supervisors!!!

advanceweb.com

New-grad LPNs often find themselves holding supervisory positions sooner than they expect

By Joe Darrah

Once new grads grasp their practical nursing diplomas, their expectations begin to rise. With just a licensure exam standing in their way, their dreams of becoming nurses are that much closer to coming true.

While many facilities are developing more sophisticated orientation programs to ease the new-grad-to-new-nurse transition, employment opportunities for LPNs are becoming more demanding as the nursing shortage pervades all areas of healthcare. And with more opportunity comes more responsibility, even for new grads.

Green Hills, an assisted living facility medication-pass training program for the facility's nursing aide staff
LPNs are needed for charge positions and sometimes hold administrative roles. New-grad LPNs can be assigned supervisory positions in acute care, assisted living and home care where nurse's aides are employed.

'I'M AN LPN; I CAN LEAD'

Christine Kline, LPN, also knows what it's like to be thrust into a leadership position soon after taking a nursing job. A member of the June 2005 graduating class Kline, 41, earned her LPN by July of that year and took a job as a med/surg staff nurse that summer.

At Reading Hospital, all LPNs are responsible for assisting RNs with delegating tasks to nurses' aides and patient-care technicians on their units, Kline said, adding that this duty provides a sense of authority as well as clinical management.

'YOU'RE AN LPN; YOU CAN LEAD'

Also sensing a need to refine LPN responsibilities when she joined Green Hills, Kline initiated a staffing change that called for LPNs to be designated "unit supervisors" to oversee nursing aides. Kline knew that their practical nursing education helped prepare them for such responsibility, so she assigned Melanie Hartzell, LPN, and Wendy Weitzel, LPN, 10 aides each, the total number of support staff on the day and evening shifts.

As supervisors, Hartzell and Weitzel are responsible for delegating assignments, overseeing med passes and documentation, and ensuring that aides sign off all completed tasks.

Well, hate to say it but, my company is so tight with money that they hired me, an LPN with five years experience to do an RN3 job. (An RN with at least 5yrs. exp. + 2yrs. management) Our RN3's make over 100K/yr and I'm maxed at 33K. I took a demotion because with my experience if i wanted to be a med nurse then my pay would be slightly higher, but no weekends or holidays off. Sweet job but, with no patient contact I don't really like that end of the deal. I'm only keeping it so i can work, go to school and have a family at the same time. Once I'm done, no more office work for me. I asked why they would hire an LPN, if it's out of there scope and the answer was, they can learn and we don't have to pay them as much. I guess the state system still has faith left for the LPN's, even if no one else does. All of the private hospitals in my area laid off all of there LPN staff about 1 1/2 yrs. ago, so it's been tough finding a job. The thing I hate the most is i am forced into being an RN if i want to work in a medical hospital at all. We have just as much love to give.