[nursescoobie]

Just wanted to say that i'm an LPN who has been working ER for 2yrs as a fill in. A couple of postings came up for RN that would let that person to work ER permanently. My DON told me she needed an RN for back up charge/house supervisor. My problem is that we have a CNA that has worked ER for 15 yrs. It is an RN and her on nights. Posting was for weekend option. According to DON's explanation, she needed 2 RN's for weekend. But it's ok for CNA and RN during the week. Any comments or advice would be helpful! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Are you saying that your position is being phased out?


WR,,, three commas for Becca

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Respect the Elders, Teach the young, Cooperate with family, Play when you can, Work when you should, Rest in between, Share your affection, Voice your feelings, Leave your Mark.

[nursescoobie]

No...I'm saying that my DON won't let me have a permanent position down there because according to her, there should be 2 RNs in case one is not able to work, so the other can still be charge. BUT, she is letting a CNA remain there because she has been there for so long. It's ok to let the CNA remain in ER but not ok to let me have a permanent position in ER. CNA vs LPN.....

[Anonymous]

Are there gonna be two RN's there every shift?


WR,,, three commas for Becca

[medi]

You said that the CNA's been there for 15 years already, so chances are that the ER budget includes appropriations for that position but doesn't have a slot for an LPN. Let's face it, CNA's cost less than LPN's do, but cannot do the same work an RN can. They can use that new RN for both ER backup as well as house supervisor but they couldn't do that if they gave the slot to an LPN. I would venture to guess that it's not "discrimination" per se but rather it is wise allocation of budget for resources most needed.

Look around for hospitals looking to hire an LPN in the ER in your area and consider obtaining an degree to become an RN sometime if you can manage to.

[cassioo]

I don't think our ER has any LPN's at all working. We do have ER techs but many more then 2 RN's. There are some LPN's on med/surg units. 1 on peds, we have 3 on OB that can only work post partum, none in ICU or Tele. LPN's in our state can't do IV pushes or through central lines so most do the patient care so it is cheaper for them to staff CNA or Techs with RN's

[mrn]

Ever thought of standing back & looking at your situation as if you were the manager & having to deal with budgets & staffing. An LVN may be in the same category (nurse) as an RN even though the LVN cannot do the same functions nor carry the responsibility as an RN. The CNA may be able to function as a CNA & a unit secretary. Sounds to me like your DON is looking at the big picture. My suggestion for you is to go back to school & get your RN. Good luck!