A group of Albertans spearhead advocacy for LPN reclassification
LPNs for Change is a grassroots group advocating for a powerful change for LPNs: reclassifying LPNs from auxiliary nursing care to reflect the job functions that LPNs perform daily, which is direct nursing care.
‘Auxiliary nursing care’ was the term set years ago when the LPN profession was set up in bargaining units. Meaning, a nurse’s helper. While the term was accurate back then, it no longer describes the care that LPNs deliver to patients and clients across the province.
“A year ago, our collective agreement was up for renewal, and it created a lot of questions for us on why we are labeled auxiliary nursing,” explained Ginny Wong, one of the LPNs spearheading this group. “We had to ask the question, why are we auxiliary nursing?”
Knowing a change needed to occur, Ginny and four other dedicated LPNs, Quintin Martin, Amy Whitehead, Lenora Evans, and Akanksha Gupta, formed LPNs for Change as a platform to organize many LPN voices into one cohesive movement. The group has been hard at work organizing applications and petitions, as well as applying to the Alberta Labour Relations Board.
When asked to provide evidence that it was more than just the five of them asking for this change, within the span of one week, they’d collected the information of 850 LPNs who wanted to add their names to the application. Now, that number is in the thousands.
While these five nurses may organize the group (e.g., emails, paperwork, and petitions), they reflect the voice of those thousands of LPNs across the province. And not only LPNs, but many other direct care providers such as RNs and NPs who support the reclassification.
Quintin Martin said, “We encourage all nurses to spread the word about this cause. Please have the conversation about this and that it affects all LPNs, whether you are working with AHS or other employers.”
“The amount of work this team of five LPNs has accomplished is very impressive. They are proof that a few people can change the world,” commented Kathy Howe, AAN CEO. “The AAN supports the advocacy work of LPNs for Change and encourages all nurses, across Alberta, to do the same.”
Advocating is powerful, and the province is listening.
There are three specific ways to show your support:
- LPNs can sign the online petition.
- LPNs can send a visual representation of duties.
- Make a chart or download one from the LPNs for Change Facebook group that outlines all duties you perform as an LPN alongside the duties that other nurses perform on your unit.
- The more detail the better.
- All nurses can send letters of support.
- Emails or letters supporting this cause are important from all designations as well as management from any level. Email them to [email protected] or to ask for a physical mailing address.
- Please note, this information will have your name on it and be public.
Contact LPNs for Change on their Facebook group or email them at [email protected].
