For nurses out there, are LPNs getting more and more of the RN duties?

Not sure where you get your information from, but LPNs do pass medications independently, there are only a few exceptions, like IV pushes, TPN & lipids, chemotherapy agents, etc. And I'm not quite sure what you mean about medical devices.

As for getting more of the RN duties, I cannot speak for LPNs as I am an RN who works in a facility that no longer has LPNs on staff. In my area, LPNs are having a harder time finding jobs (other than in nursing homes) because more facilities are taking on CNAs instead and having the RNs do more work and take on higher nurse/patient ratios (cheaper that way for them).

LPNs perform valuable services and there was a time when it was a great career choice for people. But in this economy, I don't really encourage people to seek out LPN, instead take the time to go for the full RN, for future job stability, best wage, more independence.

I think the answer to this question is mostly dependent on where you live. Where I live, all other practical nurses (LPNs, LVNs, etc) and their assignment (as in, all their patients) are ultimately the responsibility of the RN. For example, if you have a nursing home with 25 residents, and you have 2 LPNs and 1 RN, the RN would legally be responsible for all 25 residents- DESPITE the practical nurses having their own license. I am fairly certain this is the case accross Canada, and most of the responses you will get here will be American. Now on another point- also where I am, RPNs can mean "Registered Psychiatric Nurse". This is a nurse with a 3 yr degree who works strictly with mental health patients. You could become an RN but would require more schooling. Also here- practical nurses (2 year nursing diploma and/or anything LESS then a BSN) are not allowed to even touch IV's, and their scope is quite limited. This will also vary according to your province and hospital. Some hospitals the LPNs have a bigger scope then others. I live in BC, Canada.

Where i am the PNs arewidening their scope of practice and we can do almost everything an RN can. They can pass meds independently, start IVs, and many procedures that used to be RN territory.

In my neck of the woods it is better job wise to be a PN because they can do so much in their practice now that hospitals are employing them in higher numbers than RNs because they are cheaper and can do almost the same duties.

I think LPNs are losing tasks to CNAs, not "taking" tasks from RNs.