Public misinformed about LPNs, nursing homes (by Cynthia Haskins, LPN)

Public misinformed about LPNs, nursing homes
Written by Cynthia Haskins, LPN
Thursday, 27 August 2009
After reading your paper regarding senior care, and “nursing homes,” I have come to the conclusion that the public is grossly misinformed about the scope of practice for LPNs, and what a “nursing home” really is.
The LPN today undergoes a two-year diploma program, which has replaced the RN diploma program. LPNs initiate treatments, monitor residents for deviations for normal health status, consult doctors, receive doctors’ orders and interpret lab values. LPNs perform full head-to-toe assessments, monitor wounds and dressings. We initiate IVs and give IV medications. LPNs create care plans and care guides. LPNs are managers, educators, clinicians, team leaders and supervisors. The idea that DAL facilities do not provide “full care” is nothing short of outlandish.
We care for a variety of residents. Some require little assistance with care. Some require cueing and re-orientation, some require full assistance with dressing, toileting, eating and mobility. We provide palliative care and work with the palliative care team. Doctors, physio-therapists and occupational therapist come and do “rounds.” We have a nutritionist on staff which works with the nursing staff to meet individual dietary needs. A wide variety of activities and outings are offered to help met the recreational and social needs. We have highly trained “care aides” who work as vital team members on the front line.
The community RN works closely with the LPNs at our site, and is available 24/7.
Our residents/patients are thriving, in this DAL setting. They receive privacy, dignity and respect, something that you can not say about the “old system” where there are often four patients to a room. Residents are given choices, and independence is encouraged.
The nursing team includes RN, LPN and care aides who work closely together to provide holistic care. Care conferences are performed by the nursing team, the family doctor, pharmacist, the resident and their respective family members.
In my view, a DAL facility is a “nursing home.” The only difference I can see is that the residents have more choices, more opportunities, more care, more individuality and more freedom. Is this not what we want for our parents and eventually ourselves?
I strongly encourage all members of the community to tour a DAL facility and educate yourselves. DAL is a fabulous environment that meets all the needs of an aging community.
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