NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

NAPE Releases LPN Member Survey Results As Part of National Nursing Week

A Time to Recognize the Critical Role of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

 ST. JOHN’S, NL – May 7 to 13 is National Nursing Week. The Newfoundland a Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) represents over 1500 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) across the province. NAPE proudly recognizes the contribution of LPNs in providing exceptional nursing care to the people of this province.

“LPNs are a vital part of the healthcare team; providing exceptional nursing care to the people of this province through their compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication,” said NAPE President Jerry Earle.

“We know that LPN’s roles are often downplayed or not fully recognized by patients and the general public, despite the fact that LPNs are fully trained, health care professionals that are, in fact, nurses under the provincial legislation,” said Earle. “We are working to break down those misconceptions for this group of healthcare professionals and many others in the healthcare system. This week allows us an excellent opportunity to accomplish that goal for this specific group.”

NAPE LPN Survey Results

As part of that effort, NAPE recently sent out an online survey to its LPN members. The results are startling.

Expanded Roles and Increased Workloads

Respondents indicated that they perform in excess of 50 distinct and separate healthcare duties in their scope of practice.

75% said that their workload has increased significantly in the past five years.

Healthcare Units Working Short-Staffed

77% reported that their unit works with less staff than required, often referred to as ‘working short’ or ‘working down’.

12% of those said that they do so five or more times a week.

55% said that this happens between one and five times a week.

Threatening Behaviour

85% of respondents said that they had been subjected to physical or verbal threats or acts of violence (by patients/residents/family members/public) while performing their duties.

Workplace Injuries

62% of respondents reported being injured in the workplace.

51% of those reported missing time away from work as a result of their injuries.

Stressful Workplace Environment for Many

Nearly 18% of respondents said they find their jobs extremely stressful, with 57% saying they find their jobs pretty to very stressful.

Safety At Work

Approximately one in five LPNs (21%) reported feeling unsafe at work.

Methodology

There were 462 respondents. The survey was conducted online via emailed questionnaire. The survey results were collected from April 17 to May 1, 2018.

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For further information please contact:

Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

(phone) 709.631.9737      (e-mail) kdunne@nape.ca