JOB SECURITY FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

WHEREAS, recent reports show that from 1984 to 1995, medical services are projected to have the fastest job growth of all industries and an increased need for specialized care that only licensed personnel can provide; and

WHEREAS, the changes in the health care reimbursement system have resulted in a decline in staffing numbers and have caused many employers to eliminate the number of licensed practical nurse positions and seek an all registered nurse staff; and

WHEREAS, the American Nurses Association is attempting to redefine the educational entry level into practice for all nurses, which if realized, would have the greatest negative impact on the survival of the LPN position as we know if today; and

WHEREAS, LPNs constitute a significant portion of the nursing workforce and provide needed nursing care in both acute and chronic care settings:

RESOLVED, that FNHP/AFT take steps to protect the job security of existing LPN positions and ensure the continued place of the LPN in the health care delivery system.