Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in the delivery of healthcare in the United States and other countries. However, numerous people continue to perpetuate some unpleasant falsehoods regarding LPNs. This is the second article of a four-part essay that will expose the biggest myths and misconceptions that plague today's LPN workforce.
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Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have impacted healthcare in an integral manner in various countries for many years. In fact, the role of the LPN has existed for several generations. However, LPNs are still largely misunderstood in the sphere of nursing, and this is evidenced by the inaccurate statements that other nurses and members of the public make on a regular basis.
Numerous individuals have contributed to the uncontrolled spread of inaccurate information about LPNs. The most pitiful fact is that some of these rumor-spreaders have never even worked one day in the nursing profession. A handful of the most persistent myths regarding LPNs were discussed in part one of this four-part essay. A few more pesky myths are listed below.
Myth #4: LPNs cannot supervise RNs.
I have personally worked in settings where the unit manager, assistant director of nursing, or staffing director is an LPN. Guess what? This practice is perfectly legal. LPNs are legally allowed to supervise registered nurses (RNs) in an administrative capacity. However, LPNs are not permitted to supervise RNs in a clinical capacity.
Myth #5 LPNs cannot engage in critical thinking.
All nurses are capable of critical thinking and sound judgment, and this includes LPNs and RNs. Some LPNs cannot critically think, and some can. Some RNs cannot critically think, and some can. Therefore, you cannot simply stereotype an entire group of nurses and say "There's a difference in their thinking," without having met all nurses within that rank.
Almost anyone in society can be taught to critically think. Critical thinking applies not only to nursing, but to EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of life. Everyone must utilize critical thinking if he or she wants to make it through life. When I was a factory worker, I had to use critical thinking and proper judgment in order to stay alive because I worked atop a high-speed three-story paper machine that reached temperatures of 450 degrees. Parents must employ critical thinking, parental skills, and good judgment when raising children.
Myth #6: LPNs cannot work in hospitals.
Hospital employment is highly dependent on location. I live in the second most populous state in the union, and LPNs/LVNs are used heavily in the small-town hospitals and rural critical access hospitals around here. Hospital employment is on the decline for LPNs in major cities during this sluggish economic situation, because facilities are taking advantage of the surplus of newly graduated BSN-educated RNs who are so desperate for employment that they'll work for virtually any wage in many metropolitan areas. For example, my current workplace was paying $23 hourly to a brand-new RN with a BSN degree last year. However, the LPN with 24 years of experience was earning $25 per hour.
The goal of this four-part essay is to debunk and/or challenge common misconceptions about LPNs. Please correct the next person who makes ignorant statements about LPNs. We can all assume some responsibility for erasing the myths, falsehoods, and insults about the LPN's role in nursing.
