Not a nurse? Then, why does LPN stand for Licensed Practical Nurse?

T-Bird78 · Jan 18, 2013

A friend of mine, and fellow LPN, was looking into the bridge program to get her RN. Upon hearing this, a coworker of hers asked if she'd be a "real nurse" then. It's not LPNs putting ourselves down, it's so many people constantly saying that LPNs aren't as good as RNs or as worthy. So many employers only hire RNs so they can get "magnet" status--for nursing excellence. That right there says they don't think LPNs can contribute to nursing excellence. Heck, my own mom keeps telling me to get my RN so I can have better jobs. I've told her, repeatedly, that I'm not going to now because I work in doctor's offices so I can be home evenings, weekends, and holidays with my husband and kids. RNs don't have the opportunities in offices like LPNs do and I don't want to get my RN and not be able to use it. When my kids are grown then I'll go for it, but not right now. That makes her mad.

tjmiller · Jan 18, 2013

I do not feel inferior to RN's , I feel unappreciated. I tend to think it is the RN's and CNA's who may feel a bit obsolete while I'm( or a few other LPN's) on the floor that like to "throw" up the fact that I am just a LPN. As far as RN's not being able to work in clinics, I must be in a great area for nursing. The clinic I work at PRN is staffed with RN,LPN, and CMA. I also know a few BSN's who work the floor at the clinics as well. My mom is now a retired LPN of over 30 years, she has shared with me the same scenarios. She recalls the day a Dr called to speak to a nurse, got the RN on duty, and specifically told her he wanted to speak to my mom, who was, remember, just a LPN. The docs that were around then, still talk about my mom and how she always knew what was going on. I now work with RN'S and LPN's who my mom helped train. Some of the people she took care of still call her, write her, and their families as well. I hope I can be a great nurse like she was!

NurseCupcake9 · Feb 23, 2013

Some one said that RN stands for Real Nurse...and LPNs are Pretend Nurses...???