'They dread answering their telephones .' - NAPE president Carol Furlong
St. John’s (3 July 2008) - The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) says the shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the province's Western Regional Integrated Health Authority (WRIHA) will worsen if concerns about their working conditions continue to be ignored.
“LPNs are becoming increasingly frustrated with the working situation," says NAPE president Carol Furlong. "Some LPNs say they cannot get time off over the summer months, while others must work extensive overtime in order to provide coverage for their colleagues to take vacation time."
The authority says all permanent positions have been filled and what it needs is relief workers. However, Furlong says the authority, along with other health boards in the province, is failing to see the big picture.
"It must offer LPNs who are currently temporary employees permanent status, and any new LPN positions it creates must also be permanent," she argues.
"LPNs are working excessive amounts of overtime, particularly during the summer months. They dread answering their telephones as they will likely be ordered to come back to work for additional overtime shifts. If temporary LPNs were given permanent status, Western Health would find it easier to retain them; and if it creates additional permanent LPN positions, it will find it easier to hire more.”
In addition to staff shortages, LPNs are not being recognized or compensated for additional responsibilities and liabilities LPNs are now assuming as part of their regular duties, Furlong adds.
NAPE says increasing numbers of LPNs report that their jobs have become far more demanding and stressful. As a result, many are disillusioned to the point that they are considering leaving the profession over the next few years. NUPGE
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