LPN...not good enough??

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

So, I have been an LPN for the last 5 years and I love what I do. But one of my patients that I've had last week was an RN. Now I do not have anything against RN's at all, but she asked me if I was a nurse, and of course I say yes I am, and the next question was LPN or RN and I answer LPN and she said why are you wasting your time..... I thought that I must have misunderstood what she said and asked her to repeat it again, and the same question came out of her mouth. I never thought an LPN was not good enough, I feel confident in what I do and I feel that the title nurse applies to me too but she had me questioning is this what everyone thinks? The whole time I was doing her lab work, EKG, and instructions, she made sure I knew she was a nurse and she knew more than me and wanted the PA to come and go over some additional questions she had about the instructions I gave her, because apparently I sure could not know what I was talking about... WHY???? I have felt so down about this whole situation, I am proud of what I've accomplished even if it's not what others may want, but honestly she ruined my week....

I don't understand why some people say "LPN is a great place to start". Why is the implication made that LPN is fine but there is something wrong with staying an LPN? I am a PN. I am proud of myslef and what I do. I have desire whatsoever to be an RN.There is no reason to feel that as an LPN you and any less of a nurse.

This!

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Yes!! This drives me crazy!!! What's wrong with staying a LPN??!! Why does is it only " a great start"? Even other LPNs always feel the need to make excuses for why they are "only" an LPN. We should be proud to be an LPN!!!

&& this!!!!!!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

A nurse is a nurse regardless of their diploma or LPN/LVN or RN or ADN or BSN or MSN or DNP. Be proud of what you are!

Honestly, I think there are two unfortunate things at play here. Using LPN to leapfrog into practice sends a message to the public, and to other healthcare providers, that LPNs are in some way not viable (which is NOT true). Second is that no other healthcare professions (that I can think of) allow non-terminal degree entry into practice so other health care professionals really don't understand how nursing works.

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A nurse is a nurse regardless of their diploma ot LPN/LVN or RN or ADN or BSN or MSN or DNP.

&&& THIS!

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I start RN school in January but its not cuz I hate being an LPN I love it....I think some RNs are jealous of an LPN cuz we don't have to do all the paperwork we do the grunt work and that's something they miss....I've had RNs tell me they would rather do patient care then discharges and care plans and dealing with doctors and families....I love my license and being an LPN

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Specializes in LTC, Bariatric Clinic.
I start RN school in January but its not cuz I hate being an LPN I love it....I think some RNs are jealous of an LPN cuz we don't have to do all the paperwork we do the grunt work and that's something they miss....I've had RNs tell me they would rather do patient care then discharges and care plans and dealing with doctors and families....I love my license and being an LPN

Thankyou, and good luck :)

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Advocate - we are nurses:) If we continue to educate the public, they will continue to recognize us for the nurses we are.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience OP but this is why I'm a strong supporter for RPN/LPNs.

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Specializes in Med/surg,orthopedics,emergency room,.

No, there is NOTHING wrong with you being an LPN!!!!!! If you are good at what you do and you LOVE what you do, there is nothing wrong with it!!! This unfortunately has been an area of contention for YEARS in the nursing community, and I am sick of it! Why is being an LPN look upon as being a "stepping stone" to the "all glorious RN"??? Please! There are just as many are good LPNs and bad RNs as there are great ones. We need to STOP eating our young and lift each other up and encourage each other. I have been an LPN for 20 years, got my degree (BS) in Health Care Management. Not because I didn't want to be an RN, but I'm a good nurse already, and the amount of 'alphabet soup' I have behind my name doesn't indicate how good I am. Keep your head up, be proud and don't take one persons disgruntled opinions as fact!

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Got LPNs training RNs that are fresh out of school. Trust me when I say very wet behind the ears. So it's not the paper that makes a Great Nurse. EXPERIENCE.

The only reason I'm putting myself through more grueling classes; LPNs don't have the options anymore since the economy bottom out in 08'. I'm working at a LTC right now and my voiced concerns of neglect just fall on deaf ears! I'm doing what it takes to be heard.

I've wanted to quit many times, but I know in my heart I'm suppose to help.

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I am an RN with an associates degree. I have been nursing for just a few years, I am an "old" "new" nurse. I have worked with both LPNs and RNs. To tell you the truth, I do not see any difference. I am aware that there a some things an LPN is not legally allowed to do, but it doesn't mean that an LPN is any less of a nurse. I work in LTC, I am the only RN on the floor, and trust me, many of the LPNs know alot more than I do. I have to say, it really bugs me when you have a nurse as your patient, and they go out of their way to let you know that they are a nurse. Nurses need to stick together, not bring each other down. Nursing is a very rewarding, yet very stressful occupation.

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Some of the LPNs where I work have a lot more experience than the RNs. I'd trust whoever has the most experience.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
So, I have been an LPN for the last 5 years and I love what I do. But one of my patients that I've had last week was an RN. Now I do not have anything against RN's at all, but she asked me if I was a nurse, and of course I say yes I am, and the next question was LPN or RN and I answer LPN and she said why are you wasting your time..... I thought that I must have misunderstood what she said and asked her to repeat it again, and the same question came out of her mouth. I never thought an LPN was not good enough, I feel confident in what I do and I feel that the title nurse applies to me too but she had me questioning is this what everyone thinks? The whole time I was doing her lab work, EKG, and instructions, she made sure I knew she was a nurse and she knew more than me and wanted the PA to come and go over some additional questions she had about the instructions I gave her, because apparently I sure could not know what I was talking about... WHY???? I have felt so down about this whole situation, I am proud of what I've accomplished even if it's not what others may want, but honestly she ruined my week....
You are every bit as much of a nurse as the RN is. Please let your patient's remark go. She is a head case.
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