Rural Emegency

[kbartsch@una.ca]

The Emergency Department in Canmore allows LPNs to pick up shifts. LPNs do not have any lines/positions in which they are scheduled in the Emergency Department on a Regular basis. Is the employer allowed to backfill LPN shifts with RNs if the vacant shift on the unit was originally intended to be staffed with an RN?

[kris.vanapeldoorn@una.ca]

This is one of those unique situations we're likely to see in the next while.

I believe what is most critical is how the shift had originally been scheduled to be filled. If it was to have been filled by an LPN, who is not going to report to work unless they have been identified as an essential services worker, then the vacated shift should be first filled by a qualified NUEE, vs an RN. I see the flip side of this, if LPNs are not normally scheduled unless there are not enough RNs available, should the strike be prolonged and the currently posted schedule run out, we might many vacant shifts if there are not enough RNs to cover the open shifts; this would not be the time for casual RNs to be picking up additional shifts outside of their usual norm.

We want to ensure patient safety is maintained, but it is perfectly okay to ask management if they are asking/mandating the RN to fulfil the work of a striking member. If so, yes, perform the work as directed (work now, grieve later) but ensure these instances are captured in the forum, reported to your Local Executive, or your Local's supporting LRO.

Kris Van Apeldoorn
Duty LRO