Licensed practical nurses diversifying their skills
No one would doubt that the job of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is of critical importance. They provide the emotional and physical comfort to patients; observe, record and report appropriate changes in patients' symptoms and conditions; and perform more specialized nursing functions such as administering medications and therapeutic treatments; and assisting with rehabilitation. However, an increase in job-related demands and issues is forcing many LPNs to confront the pressures of their daily work.
"The best way to describe them is that they are bedside caregivers," says Charlene Barbour, LPN, executive director of the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses in Garner, N.C. Unfortunately these "bedside caregivers" have many issues of concern. The first - low salary levels. According to the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses Inc., salaries for LPNs generally range from $15,000 to $40,000 with the average salary falling in the mid $20,000s.
Large metropolitan hospitals tend to pay more than nursing homes, for example.
Money isn't the only issue LPNs are dealing with. They are feeling pressure in the day-to-day jobs due to the worsening nursing shortage and face tough job demands such as longer hours and increased workloads. "They are often asked to do work outside their scope of practice," says Barbour. "They should work under the scope of practice that is mandated by the state [Board of Nursing]. They may feel pressured because of job security," she adds. "They need to be smart and stay within their scope of practice."
However, the lower pay is driving many LPNs to reconsider their career choice and return to school. "Sure they are under pressure to go for more and more education," says Linda Parry-Carney, RN, M.A., an assistant professor of nursing at William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J. "The greatest need right now is for RNs." It may now be getting a little easier for nurses to further their education as more schools are offering courses for LPNs who are interested in becoming RNs.
In the nation's capitol, LPNs are welcome to take a new nurse advancement program created by the District of Columbia Consortium for Nursing Education and Practice. The program is a coordinated effort among six area universities to offer LPNs and RNs the opportunity to take transition courses, earning valuable college credit for previous learning, which they can then apply to an associate degree or BSN program. The program can save nurses considerable time and money as they work to advance their careers. The two paths LPNs can take in the nurse advancement program include:
Two-year associate's degree in nursing - Pass one transition course at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) or Howard University; receive 12 to 15 credits for previous learning; enroll in an associate's degree program at UDC, which will accept these credits, and earn a two-year nursing degree.
Four-year bachelor's degree in nursing -- Same as above except that in addition to UDC, three other universities participating in this program offer a four-year nursing degree and will accept the transition course credits: The Catholic University of America, Georgetown University and Howard University.
Through nurse advancement programs such as the one in Washington, D.C., LPNs have the chance to earn college credit and give themselves the opportunity to advance in their field. "This is the first time for any state to award people for previous learning," points out Souzan Hawala-Druy, BSN, program coordinator. "We had an open house recently [for the nurse advancement program] and we expected maybe 75 to 100 nurses but we were overwhelmed with about 280."
LPNs are also receiving new opportunities for certification that enhances their skills. Barbour reports that the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses recently implemented two programs through Educational Resources Inc. - IV therapy and gerontology with an emphasis on pharmacology.
Most LPNs choose the profession because they thoroughly enjoy being caregivers. And although many of these healthcare professionals may decide to further their education, others are just as content where they are. Eileen Vero, LPN, is quite satisfied in her job at St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children in Bayside, N.Y. "I'm very happy being an LPN," says Vero, who has worked as an LPN for 19 years. "I don't feel pressured. I am acknowledged for my work. I don't feel like people are saying, 'Oh, she can't do that, she's only an LPN.' "
As the demand for RNs intensifies, more LPNs will consider furthering their education. There are many benefits for those who do go back to school - the ability to handle more procedures and an increase in pay. Once these nurses confront their pressures head-on, they will have a more positive and fulfilling work experience. - SHERRI PFEIL, Staff Writer
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