LPN's are Nurses Too? Aren't they?

baseline · Mar 6, 2003

Yes, LPN's are nurses too, and I'm sure you will do well and make a difference!

Q. · Mar 6, 2003

Maybe people don't know what an LPN is or does. I know I didn't when I went to RN school.

LPNs need to organize together, educate the public about who they are/what they do and make a difference!

I'll take another beer.

kelligrl · Mar 6, 2003

Originally posted by Susy K

I'll take another beer.

:chuckle :roll :chuckle

nursetobe-babe · Mar 6, 2003

Originally posted by justjenn
The RN waiting lists are 2 1/2 yrs long. One reason for the shortage of nurses, is because there isn't enough room for people to get in.
you have to apply two years ahead for RN school? I will be going ( if I get accepted) september of 2004... it's too late to apply?

researchrabbit · Mar 6, 2003

You bet they are nurses! And I've worked with some GREAT ones.

studentOH · Mar 6, 2003

You'll have that no matter what in nursing...do what *you* want to do and don't look back :)

Brian

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Mar 6, 2003

hiya just jenn...welcome to the boards here at allnurses.com & :balloons: congrats on your starting lpn school!

yes, lpns are real nurses & are a vital part of the health care team. unfortunately, because most programs are accelerated & only run anywhere from 10 months (full-time) to 2.5 years (part-time or lpn-aas program). as a result, there seems to be no consistency with respects to the lpns' scope of practice nationally. most sbon dictate that lpns practice under the direct supervision of rns/apns, & mds/dos/dentists & vary on their scope of practice despite lpns having to take a national exam (nclex-pn) which allows each state to grant lpn licensor.

as a result, lpns functions also varies from state-to-state. some are allowed to do a lot of pyschomotor nursing tasks (such as start ivs, push heparin & limited meds, become acls certified...etc) & others are extremely limited in those tasks. some hospitals value lpns & others don't want them around due to liability issues (rns having to have to co-signing for lpns or there's too many critically ill pts that are out of the lpns scope of practice...etc).

so you'll might find more lpns practice in ltc facilities & agencies than in major hospitals. more & more, lpns are being replaced by mas or pcts in hospitals & in doctors' offices because it's cheaper to pay them & some hire mas because the length of their program is about the same as lpns...despite their program being different.

with the way technology is going today, most folks in the medical community feel that one year of nursing education isn't enough...in fact...there's been discussions regarding making bsn the entry point to nursing...period due to there being too many different ways of becoming a rn (adn/aas, diploma, & generic bsn). the ana & the nln are in favor of bsn being the entry level to nursing for the professionalism & educational exposure (other liberal art/science courses outside of nursing).

these are a few reasons why people tend to frown whenever they hear lpn instead of rn. some folks of the general public don't even know there is a difference or that lpns even exist. i've seen it written more times lately where rns (adn/aas, diploma, or generic bsns) are referred as nurses & lpns are referred as...just lpns & are not referred to or included in the *nursing* discussions at all. now the ana want to replace the title of lpn/lvns (licensed practical/vocational nurse) & replace it with licensed patient care personnel . i'm for one am not in favor of this...if bsns are to be the entry point of nursing...then the current lpns who want to move on should be allowed to bridge into a lpn-bsn program...close the current lpn programs...& as far as the other lpns...they should be able to keep their titles until they retire...those who aren't interested in bridging over to rn-bsn. i don't agree with the ana & nln *dismissing* lpns' titles as becoming a lpn isn't as much as an easy task as some would think & every lpn should be proud that they've completed & passed their boards in order to practice nursing within their scope of practice. i personally think that a national scope of practice should be established so that lpns are on more of an equal footing within each state...this would clear-up the confusion of what exactly can lpns do & what they can't do. i personally believe that lpns should be the entry level for the *technical nurse* (provided they acquire a aas or adn degree...so that the rns wouldn't have to co-sign for them...making them more independent like the adn rns) & that bsn should be the entry level for the *professional* nurse (using the diploma school of nursing method for the nursing classes/clinical rotations). this is of course...provided that the ana & the nln get their wish & all rns that are adn/aas & diploma are bridged over to bsn & the current adn/aas/diploma schools are closed or converted for the lpn-aas program. those non bsn rns who aren't interested in bridging over should also be allow to retain their respective titles until they too retire. i'll probably get flamed for saying this...but i guess...there has to be some place to start with all of that (entry level that is).

just jenn, you'll find that this topic has been discussed numerous times on this bb alone...some will respond kindly & some might not only because they feel that this topic has been talked to death already...but i wanted to both welcome you here & participate in your thread.

cheers!

moe

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 6, 2003

Originally posted by Susy K
Maybe people don't know what an LPN is or does. I know I didn't when I went to RN school.

LPNs need to organize together, educate the public about who they are/what they do and make a difference!

I'll take another beer.

I am way too freaking lazy to add an original thought. This post best says what I would if I had half a brain tonight. I'll take a margarita myself ...

halen5150 · Mar 6, 2003

JustJenn

halen5150 · Mar 6, 2003

Wanted to congratulate you on your accomplishment and hope you are not already discouraged.

I have been an LPN for 7 years in the ER..It has been the most wonderful experience for me..Sure there are days when it is not the most glam job but the majority of the time it is great..I experienced the same "frown" as you when I informed people of my choice to pursue an LPN licesnse..You will encounter that with ANYTHING you choose to do..Please do not let others misconceptions sour your happiness..

Try your hand at it~..It very well may be the best choice you have ever made..GOOD LUCK...

Grace Oz · Mar 6, 2003

Taken from my VERY reliable & ACCURATE;

"THE AUSTRALIAN POCKET OXFORD DICTIONARY"...

NURSE:

Someone trained for care of the sick and infirm; woman employed to care for young children

(dry, wet, nurse) be nurse (of), tend (sick person); suckle (child) Foster, promote development of; hold or clasp (baby etc) caressingly.

You ABSOLUTELY better BELIEVE you are a NURSE!!

LPN, RN, EN,( Enrolled nurse, Aust) NA ....

ALL are NURSES!!

Go for it, be proud, stand tall. And, GOOD LUCK!!

Don't listen to nor take to heart, the ramblings of the ignorant. And yes, you WILL make a difference. Anything undertaken with a kind heart & good intentions, ALWAYS makes a difference to those entrusted into our care. Always remember...

The only difference between you & your patients is; They got there before you!! You too may one day be in their shoes! Either old, ill, incompetent or needy. Always remember that & you won't go wrong. Sending you all very best wishes from "Down Under".

Cheers,

Grace Oz :kiss