RNs treat me like I'm not a nurse

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

It's really sad to say but 90% of the RNs I work with dont value the LPN title. I feel like I'm still a PCT that gets blamed for everything bad, and never gets recognized for a job well done. Its like if youdont have RN behind your name at my facility, you're irrelevant. I figure when I complete the ASN program, I'll be able to remove the "just" before I state my title.

Has anyone else moved up from being a PCT or CNA to LPN and still feel low on the totem poll and unvalued?

Specializes in Addictions, psych, corrections, transfers.

As an previous LPN that now has an ASN. I can attest to some of this but even with an ASN. You hear, "Oh, you're an associate RN" or "I have a BSN, so I'm in charge." It doesn't end. People who drag you down because they think they are better than you, will always do so, no matter how much education you have. I don't know if it's a nurse thing or what. Just do your job well for you and keep your head up. You are a valuable member of the healthcare team. Oh yeah, I also ran circles around my RNs and they really learned to respect me and actually fought for me to get paid more.

rachel100639

66 Posts

Specializes in Psych, case-management, geriatrics, peds.

It's particularly bad with RNS because they are so insecure.

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I figure when I complete the ASN program, I'll be able to remove the "just" before I state my title.

Not true because then, you will become 'just' an associate-prepared RN to those who have the 'just' mentality. This is the same mentality that helped to push me from the LPN to the ASN to the BSN. There were other factors involved also, of course. You've heard the old adage '**** flows downhill"? Chances are, your supervisor may have been called onto the carpet for something that was not done correctly...I don't know. But there is a way to address the issues in a professional way. Whether or not it happens that way depends on the culture of the facility, in that if it's allowed to continue, it will. You can have your ASN or BSN or MSN or simply be the newcomer as being pulled, floated, or an agency nurse. If the facility has a culture of placing blame, blame WILL be placed. So, I say to you, keep your focus, do the best job you can, gain all the experience you can (it looks AWESOME on a resume' ;)), and move on when the opportunity presents itself.

But a little helpful advice that will serve you well: if you are being blamed for something, ask yourself (regardless of how it's brought to your attention), did you really do what you are being accused of? If the answer is yes, though it may have been an oversight or accident, accept it and kill'em with kindness in your apology and offer a way of self-evaluating to prevent any repeats of the situation. They can't help but to respect you for your choice in comeback. If you are innocent, meet with your manager, voice your concerns/explain your side and thank them for bringing to your attention on what not to do in the situation. Again, they will respect you for your response.

#been there; done that; matter of time before it happens again because I'm still a human who just happens to be a nurse#

Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

Perhaps the facility is toxic, because this is not the mentality of nurses everywhere. In my facility, I don't even know the educational background of all the nurses and unlicensed staff. We all work together to get the job done.

psu_213, BSN, RN

3,878 Posts

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
It's particularly bad with RNS because they are so insecure.

Would care to elaborate on such an inflammatory statement, or just hit and run with that?

In facilities in which I work that have both RNs and LPNs, I have never seen any disrespect on the parts on the RNs towards the LPNs. Maybe I was lucky, but I never saw an issue.

Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Just remind them that you passed the same test they did to have that title of RN.

psu_213, BSN, RN

3,878 Posts

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Just remind them that you passed the same test they did to have that title of RN.

Was this supposed to be sarcastic or...?

Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

No, it was for the OP, if the OP got her ADN rather than BSN.

Nurse Leigh

1,149 Posts

Specializes in Telemetry.
Just remind them that you passed the same test they did to have that title of RN.

Ummm...

False. You realize that the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are two separate exams, right?

Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Ummmm ok. Didn't finish my statement

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Um, no they didn't. As someone who HAS taken both NCKEX exams, I'm here to tell you that they are not the "same test". Nice try though

Just remind them that you passed the same test they did to have that title of RN.
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