This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
A time to recognize the critical role of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).
St. John's (10 May 2018) — The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) proudly recognizes the contribution of LPNs in providing exceptional nursing care to people across the province. NAPE/NUPGE represents over 1500 licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
Licensed practical nurses vital part of health care system
“LPNs are a vital part of the health care team:providing exceptional nursing care to the people of this province through their compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication,” said Jerry Earle, NAPE President.
“We know that LPN’s roles are often downplayed, or not fully recognized by patients and the general public, despite the fact that LPNs are fully trained health care professionals that are, in fact, nurses under the provincial legislation,” said Earle. “We are working to break down those misconceptions for this group of health care professionals and many others in the health care system. This week allows us an excellent opportunity to accomplish that goal for this specific group.”
LPN survey results
As part of that effort, NAPE recently sent out an online survey to its LPN members. The results are startling.
Expanded roles and increased workloads
- Respondents indicated that they perform in excess of 50 distinct and separate health care duties in their scope of practice.
- 75 per cent said that their workload has increased significantly in the past 5 years.
Health care units working short-staffed
- 77 per cent reported that their unit works with less staff than required, often referred to as 'working short' or ‘working down’.
- 12 per cent of those said that they do so 5 or more times a week.
- 55 per cent said that this happens between 1 and 5 times a week.
Threatening behaviour
- 85 per cent of respondents said that they had been subjected to physical or verbal threats, or acts of violence (by patients/residents/family members/the public) while performing their duties.
Workplace injuries
- 62 per cent of respondents reported being injured in the workplace.
- 51 per cent of those reported missing time away from work as a result of their injuries.
Stressful workplace environment for many
- Nearly 18 per cent of respondents said they find their jobs extremely stressful, with 57 per cent saying they find their jobs pretty to very stressful.
Safety at work
- Approximately 1 in 5 LPNs (21 per cent) reported feeling unsafe at work.
Methodology
There were 462 respondents. The survey was conducted online via emailed questionnaire. The survey results were collected from April 17 to May 1, 2018.