UNA Forums

Hi.

Our unit is staffed at baseline 3 rns /2 lpns days and 2 rns. 2 lpns nights. However, we have had a large patient load for the last 2-3 years and have been staffing extra above baseline when bed census is above 18 or acuitey requires. The issue is RN or LPN can fill this shift. since this is not baseline can this shift continue to be filled? what if management fills this to "offset" the LPNS being off?

Also there is an 8-8 shift for coverage in our ER that is in peoples FTE and is staffed both by RN and LPN as part of their regular lines. What if she also fills these LPN shifts with RNs because it is sometimes owned by RNs?

Thanks

Not unlike my last response; the support you have normally provided over the last 2 to 3 years is the same level of support you should be providing now during the legal strike of our bargaining peers. If the work was something you were providing during the last several months, you should be continuing to provide the support you have. Either individuals identified as essential workers will perform the duties otherwise, or the non-union exempt personnel who will augment.

If management is filling shifts that would normally be filled by an LPN (the schedule should be published indicating as such) with an RN, please report it via the forums, your Local Executive or the LRO supporting your Local.

Kris Van Apeldoorn
Duty LRO