Blurred Boundaries: Should we eliminate the distinction between RNs and LPNs?

[ilovechadkrause]

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the roles of an RN and LPN are blurring into one another.

My question is: Should we eliminate this distinction altogether? If so, by what means? We could eliminate the LPN program, so that every nurse would be an RN. We could combine the two titles and come up with an entirely new generation of nurses, that are considered equal in the public and medical eye.

What do you think?

[towntalker]

no, not at this point, i believe that we should encourage the further education of the lpns but making money available for tutuition and by making loans for expenses during school available

the lpn schools now in exsistance could further the education into the rn field but as things stand now there is a definitive difference in the functions of the rn and the lpn

the lpn who advances to the rn field should be trained to the point that she feels secure in her knowledge

i think that there should be a fast track and that nursing schools should give a preference to lpns who are seeking to return to school over new high school grads or those making a career change..the knowledge gained in the schooling and work experience of the lpn is of great value to the health industry

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the roles of an RN and LPN are blurring into one another.

Obvious to whom? The general public? Unlicensed staff? Other healthcare professionals who might not understand the roles of the different nursing licensures?

The roles seem similar but are not equal. The reason they are not equal is that the RN has a broader knowledge base. The extra years of study in a more in-depth program is what distinguishes the RN from the LPN.

Remember, even a so-called 2-year RN degree takes 3 years in reality, as the pre-reqs take up the first year before entry into the two-year nursing program.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

No. But we should make LPN to RN bridging more accessible for those with significant clinical experience.

[lpnflorida]

They are only blurred in your mind. To me there still remains a distinct difference.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

At our local nursing home we utilize QMA's and the QMA many times will refer to themselves as "Nurses" as after all they are giving the meds that night right...they are not doing the so called aide work that night...so if we merge the LPN and the RN into one should we then include the QMAs into the new title of "Nurse" ?

[caliotter3]

I see a distinct difference in my paycheck.

[Jules A, MSN]

The extra years of study in a more in-depth program is what distinguishes the RN from the LPN.

Remember, even a so-called 2-year RN degree takes 3 years in reality, as the pre-reqs take up the first year before entry into the two-year nursing program.

I agree that there are well defined differences but please also remember that it takes a LPN 2 years if you are counting the pre-reqs. To get my RN only took an extra summer mini-mester and two semesters...9 months.

I also don't believe its all that hard for LPNs to complete the bridge program if they are so inclined. I worked the entire time and at my CC it only cost about $1,000 a semester. It took a bit of sacrificing but no biggie, imo.

[BradleyRN]

Both programs are very difficult.

LPN school taught me all facts, and there were many.

RN school taught me to think critically.

There was a difference.

LPN school had typical exams (but we had one almost everyday).

RN school had all NCLEX type exams.

In a hospital, i do agree that the two have very equal roles, but the road to get to each is quite different. :)

[familychick, BSN]

No, both play important, yet different roles.

[RochesterRN-BSN, BSN, RN]

I am curious how you would "merge" the two when there are things that an LPN can't legally do.....at least here in NY state........like assess, a HUGE part of the job, administer first doses of meds IV or push IV meds, or adminster via any central line, run blood......those are just the things I can think of. Very few LPNs here in any acute settings. I worked on a Respiratory/Medical unit and there were 5 LPNs but it was hard on the RNs, especially the charge RN as all those things had to be done by an RN so all assessments had to be co-signed by an RN (so essentially redone as I'm not signing something I didn't see or do) or done all together by the RN.....and there are a lot of PICCS on that unit. Not to say that those nurses were not wonderful and very good nurses but they were limited in what they could LEGALLY do.

I agree in all nurses having the same title and education--- eliminate the LPN, and require a BSN for all nurses. Even physical therapists have this minimal requirement. Not to say that the AS nurse is less capable........not my point......just to make a more professional standard.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

The hands-down smartest nurse in our ED is an LPN. She's the go-to person for everything. But she didn't get the initials and regrets it because she is legally bound to a more limited scope.

The big thing that annoyed me when I was an LPN, and it's the same thing that annoys her, is RN's not wanting you to have an opinion and to know your place.

However. She should be able to bridge for a lot less money than she would have to spend now.