Blurred Boundaries: Should we eliminate the distinction between RNs and LPNs?

no, not at this point, i believe that we should encourage the further education of the lpns but making money available for tutuition and by making loans for expenses during school available
the lpn schools now in exsistance could further the education into the rn field but as things stand now there is a definitive difference in the functions of the rn and the lpn
the lpn who advances to the rn field should be trained to the point that she feels secure in her knowledge
i think that there should be a fast track and that nursing schools should give a preference to lpns who are seeking to return to school over new high school grads or those making a career change..the knowledge gained in the schooling and work experience of the lpn is of great value to the health industry

Obvious to whom? The general public? Unlicensed staff? Other healthcare professionals who might not understand the roles of the different nursing licensures?

The roles seem similar but are not equal. The reason they are not equal is that the RN has a broader knowledge base. The extra years of study in a more in-depth program is what distinguishes the RN from the LPN.

Remember, even a so-called 2-year RN degree takes 3 years in reality, as the pre-reqs take up the first year before entry into the two-year nursing program.

No. But we should make LPN to RN bridging more accessible for those with significant clinical experience.

They are only blurred in your mind. To me there still remains a distinct difference.

At our local nursing home we utilize QMA's and the QMA many times will refer to themselves as "Nurses" as after all they are giving the meds that night right...they are not doing the so called aide work that night...so if we merge the LPN and the RN into one should we then include the QMAs into the new title of "Nurse" ?

I see a distinct difference in my paycheck.

I agree that there are well defined differences but please also remember that it takes a LPN 2 years if you are counting the pre-reqs. To get my RN only took an extra summer mini-mester and two semesters...9 months.

I also don't believe its all that hard for LPNs to complete the bridge program if they are so inclined. I worked the entire time and at my CC it only cost about $1,000 a semester. It took a bit of sacrificing but no biggie, imo.

Both programs are very difficult.
LPN school taught me all facts, and there were many.
RN school taught me to think critically.
There was a difference.
LPN school had typical exams (but we had one almost everyday).
RN school had all NCLEX type exams.
In a hospital, i do agree that the two have very equal roles, but the road to get to each is quite different.

No, both play important, yet different roles.