MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - Today Mercy Health Partners announced plans to eliminate 31 LPN's at both Hackley and Mercy General Health Partners.

Kim Maguire is the Vice President of Nursing. Maguire says, "As patient needs become more acute and financial pressures mount, the skills of a Registered Nurse are required."

Officials say in 2005 Mercy Health received a grant to help LPN's improve their skills and become RN's According to Maguire, 20 people have graduated with an RN degree. At that this point there are no plans to hire additional RN's.

The elimination of the LPN's will take place over the next 30 days.