5) What makes your job unique from others? The fact that I work in ped's is unique. There aren't many LPN's working with ped's yet. Also the fact that I am a rehab nurse makes it special as well. I really enjoy rehab nursing. I work with children that have had brain injuries, from a variety of causes, and have very unusual syndromes and various disabilities. It's very interesting and challenging as well as rewarding to see the adversities that these kids overcome and how amazing the human body is in healing itself.

6) Are you part of an interdisciplinary team? Yes I am. We have a team of physicians, nurses, dieticians, ot, pt, recreation therapy , etc. this is a work in progress to make nursing a valuable input into rounds. Lets just say we are going through  some growing pains. It can be a challenge to be heard and taken seriously in rounds. The nurses are experiencing resistance to our input. The team doesn't always see eye to eye so this can be a challenge to be heard and have it valued.

7) What do you like most about your job?  Least? I love the kids. The smiles i get from non verbal clients when they hear my cheery voice. That  unspoken communication, such as eye communication, with kids (that some may see as non-functioning/unaware) and the warmth and love I have to show them. I enjoy working with some of the nurses I work with. They are a unique crew and there's always a pretty good rapport. The thing I like the least is the workplace politics,  issues related to union rights, not being fully respected as a part of the interdisciplinary team, and difficult personalities within the workplace.

8) Share a workplace story of interest.  There are so many stories of victory as well as some sad stories too. The best is when I see a young 13 year old boy come in to us. He had a traumatic brain injury from a MVA. We really didn't think he was going to do so well. At first he was total care, non-verbal, and very low level. To see this boy now 2 years later, walking, talking, and being a typical teenager, this is truely amazing and makes being a nurse worthwhile. In our workplace we have RNs paired up with LPNs as a collaborative partnership. The interesting thing is this boy's parents requested especially for only LPNs to work with their child. They saw the amazing strengths that LPNs have. Kudos to LPNs!

9) What motivates or inspires you in your nursing career?  Seeing recovery in the kids, being able to help them when they are in pain, to give them comfort. The occassional thanks from an unexpected source, to know I've made some small difference in someone's life. To see relief in a parents eyes when they see how well their children are cared for.

10) What are your long term goals in your nursing career? I am currently looking at possibly upgrading to RN. I would eventually like to run my own company, group home, or homecare. I love being an LPN and doing direct patient care so I would like to stay in this capacity for awhile.

11) Are you a member of any workplace or LPN organizations?  If so, what are they and why did you join them?  No there's not alot for LPNs out there as you know, I am a member of HEU, but in favor of joining the RN union. And of course I know of the LPN college, and  I will be attending the AGM June 6th, 2008.

12) What to you think the role of the LPN will look like in 5 years?  I think LPNs will be taking on bigger roles and greater responsibilities. All we seem to hear about is the shortage of RNs. As more RNs exit the workforce I am sure LPNs will have to step up to the plate and take on more duties. Let's hope we also see this reflected in our wages because I see what I think is underpayment for our valuable skills and expertise, in some cases over worked. I would like to see LPNs celebrated for our invaluable input into our healthcare system.

Additional Comments

Nursing is a very rewarding career. I am very proud to say I am a nurse. I see nursing as an evolving profession. We are bound to take on a more prominent role in the future. With the decline of the amount of RNs, we will need more LPNs to take on leadership roles. It's an exciting time for LPNs!