Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville has started the process of removing licensed practical nurses from patient care roles by 2022. About two dozen LPNs will be affected by the change, and the system is offering employees scholarships to continue their education and become registered nurses in the next five years. The nurses, who now care for patients post-surgery in acute care roles, will also have the opportunity to work in long-term care, outpatient departments and clinics, according to Chief Nursing Officer Brenda Simpson.