[OneChattyNurse]

This is the first time I have posted, but I am curious about something. I am an LPN a VA in Iowa. It seems strange to me that at the VA, you are not a "nurse" unless you are an RN. I was just wondering if this is the overall mindset...or just the thoughts of this particular facility. I would appreciate comments.
Thanks,
Shari

[mcl4]

Originally posted by OneChattyNurse

This is the first time I have posted, but I am curious about something. I am an LPN a VA in Iowa. It seems strange to me that at the VA, you are not a "nurse" unless you are an RN. I was just wondering if this is the overall mindset...or just the thoughts of this particular facility. I would appreciate comments.
Thanks,
Shari

What makes you feel you are not a nurse? Is it the staff or specific areas you can or cannot perform in due to being a LPN.

I haven't experience what you detailed in your message. I'm responsible for my patients and reporting pertinent information to the charge nurses. In long term care, I felt I perhaps had more responsibility since I was in charge, but I've renewed and gained new experiences at the hospital. What differentiates the RN and LPN on the floor I work on presently are; giving IV push meds, charge position and we are required to have a co-signature after care plans, meds that are transcribed, admission forms etc.

[jennersue]

I also am a LPN. I worked five years as charge nurse of a skilled-unit in a LTC facility in which I was certified in IV therapy and learned many useful skills. I also developed very good assessment skills. Six months ago I began working at another facility and have run into some of the same attitudes that you are talking about. I believe that it is foolish for nurses or management to judge an individuals care based solely on their title. I have started IV's on more than one occasion that my nurse managers (RN's) could not start. I have watched RN's work the floor as charge nurses and leave dressings unchanged and meds not given. I think every individual should be judged on their care alone no matter if they are a LPN or RN. LPN's are nurses too! If the facility in which you work does not consider you a nurse, my advice to you is.....Show Them.

[OneChattyNurse]

At the VA, your role as an LPN is not really utilized. I have always felt like a nurse, it is just that there, you are not seen as a nurse if you are not an RN. This is the first place I have encountered this. I was just curious if this was the case in other places. I have been a charge nurse in long term care, a care plan coordinator and a medicare coordinator in other settings.

[hannabear1]

I was working as an LPN up until recently when I recieved my RN license and I gotta tell ya, there are LPNs who know a whole heck of a lot more than some RNs. and if you feel you aren't a nurse where you are-then maybe that isn't the place for you because you are just as qualified if not more than most there.

[ucavalpn]

This must be a facility thing . I work for the V.A. in N.C. This is not the case here . An LPN is a nurse . Is this what your asking ? Or do you mean the attitude of the people you work with ? If thats it ,don't know what to tell you . Except maybe give people a chance to know you and your abilities. I do think the V.A. is a little behind in some policies , but we're catching up .

[misti_z]

hannabear1--

there are LPNs who know a whole heck of a lot more than some RNs

I agree, I'm a RN just getting off my orientation (of 6 wk) and was trained by one of the best nusres I know. Oh and she is a LPN. I was able to have her as my preceptor for 4 wks then had to be with a RN for 2 wks. The RN was great too but I would not have learned as much if it were not for the LPN.

Don't judge a nurse by their title!!

[WayneRN]

I have worked with some awsome LPN's! Even though I am an RN, it seems that most LPN's that I know are more willing to actually do the "dirty" stuff than RN's. A CNA that I worked with in LTC nearly fainted when she came in to clean up a BM mess off the floor of a resident's bathroom and I was already on my hands and knees scrubbing away . She stated that some of the LPN's would do stuff like that, but this was the first time that she knew of a RN "getting dirty."

[leesonlpn]

Great words of praise. So good to hear. Definitely warm and fuzzy, THANK YOU for your words of encouragement. Signed-an under-utilized LPN (in british columbia)

[Brownms46]

It's always good to be appreciated and respected no matter what job you work in. I appreciate the RNs, the CNA, the Receptionist, the Medical Records person, the transporter, and last but not least the housekeepers. All of these people help to care for the pt., or help the pt be cared for.

Wouldn't be nice to work somewhere, where everyone is valued for the job they do, and the commitment they bring to their postions?

I work at Group Health Hospital Eastside in Remond, Wa. I work with about ten RNs, one CNA, two MAs, and 5 Docs. I'm contracted to work in the recovery room of a GI specialty unit. We do Colons, Flex Sigs, and EGDs. We treat each as well as the best families treat each other. Everyone is committed to providing the best care possible for the pt., and have no time or need to put anyone down. We ALL work
together to help care for the pt. I almost left there at the end of my last contract to go to another assignment in Texas. I was talked out of it! Not only did the hospital want me to stay, they agreed to allow me to change to another agency, and agreed to a substantial increase in pay!

The unit was planning a pot luck to say goodbye if I hadn't chose to stay, but when I signed another contract, they threw the pot luck anyway to say how glad they were that I was staying!

I feel like a part of a family, and I commute with a couple of the nurses also. We eat together, pray with each other during crisises, and even spend time after work together. NEVER is the initials RN or LPN EVER brought up! I have been told that when this contract ends, that they don't plan on letting me leave. These nurses know I make as much or more than they do, BUT they don't have problem with it, because they have chosen to have the security of a stable position. But they're aware that they have the choice!

When I think of where I could be working, and with what kind of personalities, I might not leave then either!

There ARE good places to work at that doesn't make you feel like you're less than. I have worked at the VA, and I have worked with those who TRY and make you feel like you're not a nurse. I have also worked at a VA, that realized that my experience level was desireable. They also tried to keep me, but they had a habit of floating you several times in one shift, so I didn't stay there.

I would humbly suggest that if you don't feel challenged, and appreciated, go where you do.

http://homepages.about.com/brownms46...ationforlpnvns


Brownie