Title : The power of presence: Investing in LVNs for lasting impact
Abstract:
Over the years the patient acuity in the hospital has increased substantially however, with the increase in the hospital acuity we have not had a change in the nurse-to-patient ratio in the ICU. With the increase in patient acuity this has led nurses being bogged down by tasks that require a licensed professional to complete and is taking away from the critical thinking the nurses can provide. Due to this we have initiated a team nursing approach in the ICU to utilize Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to help offload time consuming tasks in the ICU. LVNs are a vital yet underrepresented component of the nursing workforce, particularly in high-acuity settings such as the ICUs A structured LVN residency program was developed to address this gap by preparing LVNs for integration into ICU teams through a team nursing model. This approach pairs LVNs with BSN-prepared nurses, allowing for shared responsibilities, enhanced collaboration, and improved patient care outcomes. The residency program was built in partnership with nursing leadership to ensure alignment with clinical needs and professional development goals. It introduces LVNs to complex clinical concepts, critical thinking strategies, and high-acuity workflows, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the intensive care environments. This model not only supports the immediate high acuity staffing needs of the ICU but also fosters mentorship and teamwork between LVNs and RNs. A key outcome of the program is its role in promoting retention. LVNs who complete the residency and later obtain their RN license are more likely to remain within the hospital system with a shorter RN orientation length, having already established strong clinical foundations and professional relationships. The program creates a clear and supportive pathway for career advancement while maintaining continuity in staffing and institutional knowledge.
