A union that represents LPNs in Pennsylvania is reportedly attempting to reverse a soon-to-be-expected “phase out” of practical nurses.
According to a recently published report by the Republican Herald, LPNs at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street in Pottsville have been informed they will have their jobs replaced by September. The Schuylkill Health board of directors is planning to add more RNs and nurse’s aides in order to establish what’s being described as “a new healthcare delivery model,” according to the report. In all, 41 full-time and 10 part-time LPNs are expected to be impacted.
Union president Denise Smith told the Herald he’s “hoping the hospital will reconsider and know that [LPNs] play a vital role in the hospital’s day-to-day patient care.”
As of now, LPNs will reportedly have the opportunity of either becoming aides, which would lead to salary cuts of approximately $5 per hour or pay to return to school to become RNs.