Why do so many people insist that LPN'S AREN'T REAL NURSES!!??

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I mean, the title does have "Nurse" in it.So why are so many people insisting that LPN's arent real nurses? When I go to the hospital, I see these people giving medication , care, comfort and other services to their patients, isn't that what nursing is all about? What do you think about this issue? Do you think LPN's aren't real nurses?

1. Many MDs look down on DOs

2. Many MSNs look down on BSNs

3. Many BSNs look down on ADNs

4. Many ADNs look down on LPNs

5. Many LPNs look down on CNAs

6. Many CNAs look down on students

When is this insanity going to end? People ought to be thankful for what they already have.

:yeahthat:

Who do the DOs look down on? (just kidding) I have never looked down on a LPN. They are some of the most knowledgable "NURSES" I have ever worked with. When I did my orientation at the LTC I used to work at, I was assigned to an LPN and thought it was one of the greatest orientations I have had.

HMMM, the DO's probably look down on Chiros, Natropaths and PA/NP. lol Obviously this is meant in jest as most professionals probably don't engage in such pointless inane behavior.

Specializes in OB/GYN Med/Surg.

I came to Australia from Arkansas with an LPN degree. I went back to 'uni' here and got a Bachelor of Nursing. All of my LPN education and skills were acknowledged by the university I attended for my BN.

There were times in the US that patients would have preferred an RN, but I never really encountered being treated like a 'sub-nurse'.

Specializes in Everything but L&D and OR.
The only people who think LVNs aren't "real nurses" are the non-medical people.

I have to disagree with this. I was an LPN for over 8 years before I went back for my Rn and the main reason I really went back is b/c I was seeing an increasing trend in disrespect and loss of opportunity for jobs. Noone was hiring LPN's except for NH's. I wanted to stay in the hospital and I was getting tired of being told what I had to do b/c I was an LPN.

If I needed someone to give an IVP for me, then I had to do their blood sugars for them. RN's had to sign my admission paperwork, like I had no clue how to start a care plan.....please!!!!!!

Specializes in Emergency.
I have to disagree with this. I was an LPN for over 8 years before I went back for my Rn and the main reason I really went back is b/c I was seeing an increasing trend in disrespect and loss of opportunity for jobs. Noone was hiring LPN's except for NH's. I wanted to stay in the hospital and I was getting tired of being told what I had to do b/c I was an LPN.

If I needed someone to give an IVP for me, then I had to do their blood sugars for them. RN's had to sign my admission paperwork, like I had no clue how to start a care plan.....please!!!!!![/quote

You are so right!!! That's why I've gone back to school! So much disrepect from management! Not so much the RN's I work with; most are great! But, now the new catch-phrase is MAGNET hospital. We all know what that means! All the RN's in our hospital were given special pins. All other staff members were given a different pin. LPN's were given the same pins as housekeeping and cafeteria staff!! Talk about a put-down!!! Needless to say, none of the LPN's in my department are wearing them!!! I also hate that an RN needs to co-sign any assessment I may do on a patient. The hospitals are taking alot away from us. What's next? Also, what's happening in the ECF's that LPN's most of the time; and sometimes, alone with only NA's to work with them? Some of you LPN's working ECF's; what's going on there? We want to hear from you! Thanks!:nurse:

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
LPN's were given the same pins as housekeeping and cafeteria staff!!

Man, that IS a slap in the face.

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

What is ECF?

Specializes in ER (new), Respitory/Med Surg floor.
I face a similar attitude about "just being an ADN"....I am always being asked why I don't go after my BSN. Because I don't want it! It would get me absolutely nothing that I don't already have. I will never go into admin or public health, so I don't need it. I have seen both LVNs and ADNs with WAY more experience and brains than some BSNs. I don't look at the letters behind someone's name (except to make sure I'm not asking an LVN do something beyond their scope) but rather at their skills.

I'm really trying not to offend anyone, this debate has been going on for so long and almost pointless, but this thread reminded me of what me brothers friend said about me! I'm young so it was MY choice to allways go to a 4yr college. I chose nursing (actually wanted be veternarian but ultimately only liked cats and dogs and didn't want deal with horses and farms!), so I was already in premed and never thought well lets find 2 year program I wanted a college degree and 4 year experience for myself and since I was young, still lived with parents and had no boyfriend or kids went all the way but that's everone's own choice. Now I have worked with many experienced LPNs and they are much more knowledgeable then me and have been a great resource.

But bedsides all that....my brothers friend called me stupid for getting a 4 year degree when I could be a nurse in 1 to 2 years! Just reading these posts that I hear many downplaying LPN or LPNs feeling BSN and more years schooling feel looked down upon when he said that about me! But once again it's your choice.

Specializes in ER (new), Respitory/Med Surg floor.
What is ECF?

I think you are refering to Extended Care Facility.

Man, that IS a slap in the face.

what were the pins for - i guess i missed that post - if it was a pin to show the number of yrs worked there i see no problem with everyone having the same one - after all as we have all pointed out numerous times we are a team - differentiating between what the job is when the pin is for how many yrs you have been there is not proper. it would be demeaning to any of the cleaning or laundry ladies to say nurses should have a better one just cause they are nurses. just my opinion.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
what were the pins for - i guess i missed that post - if it was a pin to show the number of yrs worked there i see no problem with everyone having the same one - after all as we have all pointed out numerous times we are a team - differentiating between what the job is when the pin is for how many yrs you have been there is not proper. it would be demeaning to any of the cleaning or laundry ladies to say nurses should have a better one just cause they are nurses. just my opinion.

The pins had something to do with the Magnet status.

The pins had something to do with the Magnet status.

ive heard that used often on threads here - what is magnet status anyhow. dont mean to sound stupid but dont think we have anything called that - probably cause we are small towns. thanks.

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