NAPE Calls For Premier To Order Review Of LPN’s Salaries; Says Regulatory Body For LPNs Verifies Changing Role

NAPE Calls For Premier To Order Review Of LPN’s Salaries; Says Regulatory Body For LPNs Verifies Changing Role

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The lack of recognition by government for the changing role of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) is creating an untenable situation for LPNs, according to their union, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE).

“The Premier recently publicly stated that staff in her office had their responsibilities realigned so their wages were also realigned as a result. The situation with LPNs appears to be the same as that for staff in the Premier’s office – there has been a realignment of responsibilities for LPNs,” said NAPE President Carol Furlong. “As the circumstance is similar in both situations we expect the same consideration for LPNs. Therefore, we are asking that the Premier order an occupational review for LPNs.”

According to Furlong, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses, which is the regulatory authority for LPNs, has verified for NAPE that due to the addition of various competencies to the LPN Scope of Practice in Newfoundland and Labrador there has been a significant increase in the LPN responsibility in their professional nursing role within the health care system in our province.

“Changes in training, duties and responsibilities compliant with their expanded Scope of Practice warrant an occupational review for LPNs. We are confident that such a review would result in an upward adjustment of their salaries to reflect their enhanced nursing role,” continued Furlong. “LPNs, their regulatory body, and their union are all saying the same thing on this issue. The government cannot continue to ignore this fact. NAPE is calling on government to immediately initiate an occupational review of LPNs in light of their expanded nursing role.”

Some of the competencies that have been added to the Practical Nurse program and to their duties include, but are not limited to:

• initiation of IVs;
• assessing and monitoring clients with central venous catheters;
• initiating, assessing, monitoring and managing hypodermoclysis;
• administering IV medications (excluding IV push);
• preparing and administering immunological agents;
• initiating blood transfusions;
• assessing and reviewing lab values and clinical data;
• enhancing and promoting mediation safety;
• participating in risk management activities

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