LPN's Getting No Respect

Please don't let this become how you expect to be treated because you may mis-read some people's intentions. Don't take it personally because as a RN student I was given plenty of CNA duties also and I can't say that I was ever made to feel bad about being a LPN student. Our instructors were trying to groom us toward the RN program in a way but more to have us behave like educated professionals in order to give LPNs a good name. By raising the bar it benefited everyone because our education was top notch whether we chose to pursue our RN or not.

Once when I wanted to apply for a job at a facility that does not hire LPNs I was treated like a 2nd class citizen. Their loss for sure. Other than that in my work environment I was always treated like a valuable member of the team by RNs and Physicians. Be proud, confident, competent and hardworking and it will work out fine.

I have encountered such behavior, also. It used to **** me off, but I also knew that in time, most people tend to abuse those that do not advocate for themselves. Of course, now is NOT the time to do so, because you have to complete the program. I, too "only" wish to remain an LPN, and I am proud of what I do. Many cases (without meaning to), I have shown up many of the RNs I worked with, but what I do is walk with confidence and pride, conduct myself professionally and am a team player. In addition, when I received unsolicited suggestions or comments about continuing on with my RN, I have let them know from the very beginning that if I wanted to know what they felt, I would have asked, and it can get ruder than that for the poor fools that continued.

To be honest, I know it sounds strange to people, but I feel more freedom as an LPN (it may be due to where I work, however), because I don't get the same aggrevations that the RNs do. I get my assignment, communicate with them when I am need to (or they disseminate to me what is necessary for me to know) and no one bothers me. I don't have to deal with scheduling, delegation, management, or the endless arguments I see the RNs I work with have on almost an hourly basis. When I work per diem, I don't have to deal with the doctors very often, which is a plus (but will, when the need arises), I do my job and I go home.

Each level, even physicians, have a pecking order and feel disrespected. It depends on how you choose to deal with it. Best of luck in your program and your new career!

like quotes? then take this one with you as well. i am "just a tech" and obviuosly we could go on and on about the lack of respect, i personally could tell you a story about a long-term care facility where the "long long long term side was staffed by Rns, and the rehab side was staffed mostly by LPNs, i worked incredibly hard to make an impact on the long-term side, and got it done, then when i oriented on the rehab side in LPN-ville, they techs told me i needed to check out my options on the outside of the building (i already was, i knew this was a short-term deal, even if i was busintg my buns) because as a male tech, the female techs told me they had an inferiority complex and would take any opportunity to run a new male tech off, they pretty much expected me to have all of the ADLs memorize by the second 8 hour shift, and we were short both shifts, pretty much the norm for healthcare, but the verbal abuse from these women was unreal, perhaps it is because I have extensive experience as a tech working in the units, and I was "dressed for the unit". and "uppity tech" perhaps? i am the nicest guy in the world, but they did succesfully run me off, and i now work in a sweet tele unit, and am in contact with recovery and anesthesia...i fired that facility in a month, never showed them on a resume, and am doing great. the conditions were so bad there i faked a back strain, and had a local PA write a note, and a scrip for a muscle relaxer so I could have time to think...they called me and started that crap "when will you bee off light duty" and i let them know that i knew that game, and they could spare me...they backed off, and called me at the end of the restriction a few days early (odd) and said "didn't you know you were working tonight?" (i wasn't scheduled) but i did take the opportunity to tell them that i would not be back, and would arrive soon to pick up my final check. an expectation is a resentment waiting to happen. an expectation that people will treat you with respect, especially when there is a power differential, is unrealistic, and people don't have to pay a lot to rent the space in your head. don't give them the power. i never did, and i don't now. respecting yourself is your first line of defense, no matter where you are on the tree of medicine. good luck to all LPNs, who i respect immensely, may they never be pink-slipped again, as they all were within a week, without warning at a previous hospital i was employed at...good luck

We all have to be proud of our accomplishments, and when we know from within that we make a difference, then, that is all that counts. I keep saying to people that there is always someone else wishing that they can be 'you'. There are some home health aides, personal care aides, CNAs, that WISH they can be LPNs! And, sure there are some LPNs that would sell their first born to become RNs. The homeless person wishes they can live in a single room; we can go on and on. But being satified internally can overcome all of that.

Yup. Don't depend on others for your self-respect.

As long as I am receiving a paycheck that can cover my bills, maintain my lifestyle, and provide some middle-class comforts, I really don't give a rat's crap about the opinions other people have regarding LPNs. If I view myself positively and am prospering in life, no one's views about me really matter.

I agree! I do the stuff that none of the RN's want to do. They sure cry when LPN's call in and they are un-available to come in and they have to do pt care. Well not all RN's! I am proud of what I do and I refuse to let anybody put me down.