The ratio of Registered Nurses (RN's) in the United States is a significant indicator of the ability of the country's healthcare system to cope with its health care needs. Unfortunately this ratio is expected to reach a peak shortly and will then be followed by up to decade long period of decline.
Employment trends are often complex and it is frequently difficult to isolate specific causes for certain effects. However, what is true is that as a steadily aging population of RN's reach the end of their careers the profession needs new entrants to be entering the sector. If, as thought, today's employment market provides a dramatically increased variety in job opportunities, then it is quite likely that the overall number of new entrants into the nursing profession will show a decline.
A number of factors have also believed to have had an impact on the increased demand there has been in the United States for health care services. The first of these factors has been identified as mainly due to an overall increase in the population numbers. This increase has been in excess of 1% per annum. The second factor is believed to relate to an aging population as improvements in treatments and technologies has meant the older individuals are able to live longer. Other factors thought to be relevant are due to an increase in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses and a greater incidence of anti-biotic resistant illnesses.
Recent studies into the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN in the work environment has suggested that the traditional model of replacing RN's and personal care assistants (PCA's) may not be the optimal way to use the LPN's experience and training. Historically the LPN has been seen as a replacement of some combination of RN's and PCA's usually gaining a perceived economic benefit as a result. However it is now thought that the LPN should be treated as a complement to the existing RN - PCA balance thus allowing the medical facility to extend their health care reach without compromising quality of patient care.
The system works on a flexible basis, with a review each day as to how best to use the skills of the nursing and patient care assistant team. Each day the RN determines which tasks can be undertaken by the LPN's and PCA's. The decision to allocate specific tasks is based upon their education and experience level.
The rationale behind this team based approach is to provide the foundation for the maintenance of standards of patient care but at the same time creating an environment in which the RN is free to utilise their time where their experience and qualifications have most impact. They will be able to free themselves from tasks that are relatively straightforward and mundane allowing them time to devote to the more complex aspects of treatments. This method of utilising LPN's to complement the care team also means that stress levels and time demands on the LPN are reduced thus avoiding potential risks to the quality of care and to staff morale.
The effectiveness of this method of organizing the care teams in relevant medical facilities has been demonstrated in pilot schemes. The Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN is able to be utilised to enhance the quality and reach of patient care. In this way, rather than the traditional way, the LPN's skill and ability is able to be leveraged effectively in a way which both maintains the quality and standard of care, and at the same time not risk issues of employee dissatisfaction.
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A career as an LPN is a rewarding and fulfilling role and one which you are recommended to pursue. Read about further LPN job opportunities at this great free resource which provides all the information you need to know about LPN work.
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