Why LPN??

theboss · Mar 26, 2001

man, what is up with the old rn,lpn junk!!!!i am an lpn and have been for 6 years. i am currently working in the er and have been there for 3 years, and not as a tech or just taking vs and cleaning up pts.. i am also acls and pals certified ,and plan to get my rn license in the future!!! for now being a mother is more important!!!! i dont know about the rest of you lpn,s but i also work under my own license not just the rns.dont worry lpns i wont forget where i came from.. by law the only thing an lpn cannot do is hang blood...in oklahoma anyway..i do everything the rns do ..the only difference is they get paid more money..at my job i am highly respected for my nursing abilities,i have been told by rns,doctors, and management that i am a very good nurse and an assest to there er. this is because of the people i work. i have been taught by the best without prejudice.the rns and lpns i work with are awesome, and have been in the buisness for years , you can say that they have seen it all,the nurses i work with are proud to work with the lpns and encourage the best in us.. we work as a team ..this is because they are professional and have respect for nursing...so all of you rns who have a problem or feel threatened by the lpns, get over yourselves because the lpns are here to stay...just because your initials say rn doesnt mean you should be one..take lessons from the rns,lpns that are better than you, you just might learn something, to everyone reading this message you know who you are.. there was a question of why an lpn, well there are many reasons, same question why an rn, when it comes down to it, it really doesnt matter, what ever we decide to be for what ever reasons, we should be the best and most professional that we can be. the day any nurse thinks that they know it all then they become dangerous,...to all the rns who are professional thankyou and hold your head up high..for all the lpns just be the best nurse you can be and further your education if you can if not thats cool too.. hospitols around the states are laying off rns and lpns not just one or the other and for many different reasons..there is enough pain in the world we shouldnt cause it amongst each other..thankyou alicia

[This message has been edited by theboss (edited March 26, 2001).]

mustangsheba · Mar 26, 2001

Most of the time I can't tell an RN from an LPN unless they ask me to do something that they aren't licensed to do. In the best circumstances, we all work our butts off and try to help each other out. The layoffs of LPN's must be regional. And there will always be some manager with a wild hair that decides "everyone must have a bachelors degree to work here!" So I have to do an IVP for an LPN - so what? In return he/she is probably going to have to show me how to work some strange pump. Careers are a personal choice and very often dictated by one's geography and circumstances. We need everyone of us.

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Mar 26, 2001

I'm really interested where it is that LPN's can't find jobs? In my area it is no problem, and the pay is wonderful. Hey Suzy...the saying goes if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Guess I'll follow my own advise. I am so tired of this debate. It is on here in some form or another pretty often. Oh and Ann Landers says when someone asks a question that is anoying you are supposed to say: Why would you ask? Have a nice day.

------------------

Q. · Mar 27, 2001

Well, aside from the two insecure individuals, I read some great responses that helps me to understand and think about things. For some of you, this argument is "old", well maybe for some of you who have been in the profession that long, but I have only been a nurse for 3 years, so sorry if I am behind your times. Apparently Iris and "realnurse also" seem to think that LPNs are just abdundant everywhere because they are abdundant in thier small corner of the world. Well if that were true, then I guess I wouldn't have to post this question and I could simply ask the LPNs that I work with....oh, wait, that's right...WE LAID ALL THE LPNS OFF!!! But according to realnurse and Iris, that just can't be so. Hmmmmm...how peculiar.

On to some intelligence here; I liked the question that was posed of "why go for your BSN or MSN, why not be an MD," it made me think about my own choices and why I chose them. It also makes me understand LPNs more. I've only worked with one or two in my 3 years, luckily for me they weren't Iris or Realnurse. It's nice to understand the full scheme of healthcare delivery. Thanks for the intelligent feedback - apparently a few seem to be threatened with challenges.

ucavalpn · Mar 27, 2001

Originally posted by mustangsheba:
Most of the time I can't tell an RN from an LPN unless they ask me to do something that they aren't licensed to do. In the best circumstances, we all work our butts off and try to help each other out. The layoffs of LPN's must be regional. And there will always be some manager with a wild hair that decides "everyone must have a bachelors degree to work here!" So I have to do an IVP for an LPN - so what? In return he/she is probably going to have to show me how to work some strange pump. Careers are a personal choice and very often dictated by one's geography and circumstances. We need everyone of us.

Mustangsheba , well said . I agree with you 100% .

[This message has been edited by ucavalpn (edited March 26, 2001).]

kjmta57 · Mar 27, 2001

I am really thankful that most of the RNS I work with do not think like wesley.What happen to team work?My classification concerns the same work for LVNS and RNS and we both work well togeather. I make 4600 a month with full benifits and retirement. The best part is my patients are glad I'm there so what it gets down to I really don't care what wesley thinks because I know I get the job done and support my family very well.

Q. · Mar 27, 2001

To "the boss:,

You mentioned very respectfully that you do the same things as the RN, only they get paid more. I would like to point out two things:

1. This kind of statement is what prompts me to pose the question that I did. Think about that for a moment.

2. I would like to also respectfully state that I think RNs do a LITTLE bit more or have some more qualifications...even compared to the most seasoned LPN. At least I would hope so, seeing as we get paid more and had to go to school longer. I've never understood the so widely varied educational tracks for nurses, and frankly neither do the patients at times. That is why I think this is a worthy discussion, at least worthy enough for an internet bulletin board.

moonchild20002000 · Mar 27, 2001

I have been an LPN for 28 years.I have always felt that I was an important part of the health care team. I have been very fortunate to work with wonderful nurses, RN and LPN. At the time I became an LPN my hospital was primarily staffed with LPN's. I recieved a very comprehensive education. I have worked L&D,worked as a scrub nurse, first assist in surgery,public health,long term care,OB/GYN office.I can do everything a RN does except hang blood. In my area now there is a trend to get LPN's out of the hospital.Due to circumstances beyond my control I have been unable to obtain my BSN. At this point in my life I have realized that it is no longer important to me. I have a great job and am very well compensated.I have noticed that nurses now do not seem to work as well together as they once did. I think it's very sad because we all need each other.We need to be more supportive of each other.Our goal should be to provide the best possible care for our patients.

ShannonB25 · Mar 27, 2001

I can honestly say that I have learned a ton from the LPN's that I've been priveledged enough to work with during school. Come to think of it, every one of them has been extremely professional as well as helpful to this clumsy student Seriously though, there are 2 LPN's in particular whom I have had the pleasure of working with on more than one occasion and they absolutely rock! Both have over 15 years experience, are all smiles at work, and are enthusiastic about helping contribute to the development of new nurses. They are both completely happy doing what they do and both the patients and the students in contact with them are very lucky indeed. Just wanted to add my $0.02.

Shannon

------------------

"The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it."-Johan Ruskin

Brownms46 · Mar 27, 2001

Originally posted by hannabear1:
I have been in the nursing field for 7 years. I started out as a CNA which I obtained through a job-training program paid for by the state. It was the only way I could afford training. After a few years working in geriatrics, I felt I needed a change, to do more than what I was doing. So I decided to go back to school. It was a struggle-having to work and manage school at the same time. I worked in SICU with heart patients for a little while during school until after the third semester of an ADN program and obtained my LPN license. I did finish the program but was able to work as an LPN with better pay. I have since then been continuing to work as an LPN through an agency which is very good pay, and I am able to make my own schedule and not have to deal with the politics that go on within the facilities. Right now I am struggling to try and pass my RN state boards. I am working with geriatrics because in my area the hospitals do not hire LPNs. I have been at one facility pretty regularly over the past few months-I actually am a former employee there so it makes it nice to see familiar faces. As I am there, they have RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and Unit Aides. To tell you the honest truth, I don't really see a big difference between an LPN and an RN-there are LPNs there who are in charge because there aren't enough RNs. In my opinion, if it weren't for LPNs, who would fill the positions to take care of the people? also I feel that LPNs are a big help to RNs in that they save RNs a lot of time. I know that working as an LPN until I pass my boards will only increase my understanding and respect of how important LPNs, CNAs, and Unit aides are. It is definitely true that we are all here to help take care of our clients, to work as a team-THAT IS THE POINT!! So all you veteran LPNs and new LPNs-don't ever let anyone tell you that it is a waste of time.....

Believe me, I understand where both of you are coming from, and congrats to you on going after your goals! I worked with an RN, just the other nite, who at first started out the shift, acting like I needed to have her hold my hand. Before a few hours had gone by, she was starting to let up, and after a couple more, she was taking my "suggestions", and even made a call to an MD based on one of them. Fortuantely for the pt., it was a good one. I'm sure she would have made the same decision, but having someone concur with you, sometimes makes the difference, especially when a pt., isn't familiar to you. By the time we went home, the staff was treating me as one of their own, and I was happy, and sad. I was happy, because I was able to work with such wonderful nurses, and sad, because when you do per diem, you never know if you will ever get the chance to work with someone again.

I wonder what would happen if RNs/LPNs/LVNs/CNAS/PCAs/CMAs/Tech/etc...were able to see each other as helping hands, and team members. This may have been the last time I see those caring people, but I certainly will never forget them giving me the chance to be of assist to them, and the pts, they care for. P. S....they even fed me good too...LOL! This is the second time, I have been fed by the staff at this hospital, where you couldn't tell who was the unit secretary, the RN or LPN, unless you read the name tags. The last time, It was roasted garlic chicken(roasted while we got our pts. settled at the beginning of the shift), mashed potatoes, homemade bread, fresh green garlic salad, with cake, and drinks provided. At this hospital, they do the RN/LPN partner deal. The RN, does the assessments, and the LPN, does the IVs, IVPB, and meds, except IVP. But because I haven't went through this hospital IV therapy program, I couldn't do anything with the IVs. This RN or any of the others, had no problem working with me, as you see above, they did everything they could to see that I wanted to come back. Wouldn't it nice, to have this kind of attitude when you go somewhere? This hospital in an effort to keep me coming to them, has even garaunteed a weeks worth of shifts, because I objected to being cancelled so close to the shifts, and was refusing to take shifts there. Thankfully, someone doesn't feel we're useless, and still want us. Nice feeling..:-)! Best wishes to all who are continuing your education, and to those who are comfortable where they are, I say more power to ya!

Brownie

[This message has been edited by Brownms46 (edited March 26, 2001).]

Lynn Casey RN · Mar 27, 2001

Hi Suzy K!I just read the boss's post and now I am really confused.I always thought the LPN was the same as an RNA here in Canada.RNA meaning Registered Nursing Assitant.Is LPN Liscenced Practical Nurse?Do they work under the direction of an RN?(ie Rn's cover their patients for meds,extensive drsg's ,iv's and meds?)If this is true then I don't understand.According to the boss she has started iv's in hundreds of neonates up to elderly?Where I work only RN's can start iv's and work in intensive care(where neonates would be).Only Dr's "run codes".Is she serious?Do LPN's run codes in the US?I am not slamming the boss but I am very confused.She sounds like she runs the ER?Considering the money theboss makes and the LPN qualifications and responsibilities I wonder what the difference is between LPN and RN in the US?Shorter course,more money?RUN CODES?Please clarify this for me.I'm scared to ask on the other post.Thanks!

P.S. In response to your original question I worked with an excellent RNA the other night and asked her the same question,she told me she loved the patients so much she wanted to focus on them and not all the extra bull@#$(ie paperwork,Dr.s,orders,etc)She's great and I understand and respect her.

mustangsheba · Mar 27, 2001

Lynn: What LPN's and RN's can do is dictated by the nursing act in their state and the protocols of the hospitals in which they work. There is a great deal of difference from state to state it seems. I run into discrepancies in the same hospital, depending on which floor you're working.