Public Health LPNs and RNs

[tbennett@una.ca]

Hello,

In Public Health LPNs and RNs do the same work in some assigned areas.

Our School vaccine programs are run with a mix of RN or LPNs who are assigned to schools to organize, collect consents, check records, book and immunize.

I am wondering how to best support these colleagues if they walk.

I am hearing that the team lead/scheduler will assign other staff to attend schools that the LPN has organized and is the “lead” for. These other staff are already orientated to go out to schools. However, then they will likely need to back fill other clinics, perhaps with casuals for the shortfall. This muddies the water.

I am hoping someone can give me guidance as I feel the situation on Public Health is different than the hospital.

Thank you,
Lisa Roy

Found in Local Exec forum. Do we have an answer this this?

[jmacdonald@una.ca]

Good question. As far as I know, their essential services agreement has similar provisions to ours, and that prohibits the Employer from assigning workers from other bargaining units to do work of striking employees. So, my take on it is, if a clinic like this has an RN plus an LPN, they can send the RN, but they can’t send another RN to replace the LPN.

I am hoping that there is more definitive direction coming from the labour relations department on questions like this.

[jarbour@una.ca]

Hi Lisa,

Jerry is correct. The AUPE ANC Essential Services Agreement prohibits the Employer from having our members do the work of striking members. However, we realize the line is very blurred in many areas.

Our best advice is go to work as scheduled, if our nurses are asked to do something that they think is a striking workers duty, to go to management. If they don't normally pick up shifts, now is not the time to start. If a casual nurse only works a shift a week, now is not the time to pick more than that.

If something cannot wait for a manager to either do the task or to direct an RN to do it, then the RN should first and foremost ensure patients are not harmed.

If a manager directs an RN to do something that they know is LPN/HCA work, they question "are you directing me to do LPN/HCA work? If the manager says yes. They do the work and communicate that to UNA via this Forum, the Local, a PRC, the LRO or by calling in to our offices.

If a manager directs them to do work they are not oriented to, they follow a similar process. (question, confirm order, contact UNA). It is very important they let us know.

We are under a work now, grieve later process, but put it on managers to make the hard decisions first.

Jeannine Arbour
Manager Labour Relations - Specialties