Rn's are better than lpn's???

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

I always worked in acute care until 6 months ago when I got a job at a LTC facility which is where I always wanted to be. I have my RN BSN MS and worked VERY hard for all my degrees. Do I feel I'm better than anyone else? No way! Do others make rotten comments about my being an RN? Oh yeah! Just today, an LPN, who has a great position, cut down one of the RNs and said "he's an RN! Yeah right, he's no REAL NURSE!" and looked at me.

I lead a life where I'm nice to everyone from the janitor to the top dogs! I really don't believe anyone is better than another. I'm sick of having rotten comments made though and really don't know how to handle it. It makes me wonder if my desire to learn the LTC area is a mistake. Is this the norm or am I just working at the wrong LTC facility? Thx.

I'm not a DON or an ADON..hell I'm not even an RN (trying really hard to get there though) but please let an LPN chime in..

I would never, ever make snide comments, rude comments etc to anyone who's advancing their education. The more the better I say. (strictly speaking from someone who loves to learn..learn anything..doesn't matter what it is)

I don't feel I am better (or worse) than anyone in my facility..from the housekeeping team to the Administrator. I am happy seeing people further their education, no matter what that education brings in terms of "titles" I'm the fool that jumps up and down when someone tells me they are going to school for (CNA, LPN, RN, automotive..fill in the blank), you can never have too much knowledge.

Please know that there are those of us LPN's who do not harbor any ill will toward RN's..be them dipolma, Associate Degrees, Bachelors or Masters. I use them for all the knowledge I can get from them.

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Specializes in Assessment coordinator.

In LTC, LPN's are frequently required to do a lot more "work" than RN's, physically taking loads that are monstrous, and when an RN does that same work for the same shift, the difference in pay is significant. What I have observed over the last 8 years is that the "doing RN work" for LPN pay gets old. I have been an RN since I was 19, and I was never an LPN, but I was briefly a CNA. 38 years, and that hasn't changed...it's about equal pay for equal work.

ST

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.
I wouldn't say "better" than. I have experienced the same ungracious comments from insecure LPNs. It's not in my character to pay them back with comments in kind. Remember, the difference between LPN and RN is simply 6 more classes and 2 more semesters and limited clinical seats are given to highest GPA first. Very competative. The state exam is not the same for both. That's the way it used to be any way.

That is no longer the case.. you also need Chemestry, Advance Phys, Micro Biology, Speach, Ethics, and an elective. as well as good GPA... I just tell them to go back to school.

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I've only been an LVN for about year now. I have no hatred/bitterness against RNs. (I look up to my mom, she was an RN for over 30+ years. Rest in Peace, Mom.

I work at a SNF/LTC I don't even get any negative remarks/attitudes against my RN co-workers. I look up to everyone. I appreciate that everyone are helpful at my work. We are a team.The RNs, LVNs, RNAs, CNAs, etc get along well. Everyone does. Doesn't matter what "title" you have.

The only thing that bothers me are my so called "friends" who went/going to RN school. When I was in LVN school they would say,"Your school is not a 'real' school" or "I'm not gonna go to your graduation because it's not a real graduation/degree. " Others would say to me, "Are you going back for your RN? Wait until I graduate so I can be your boss." And another friend of mine that's an RN said to me, "I need another job I get paid only as much as an LVN."

It's like they totally disregard I am an LVN and I won't get offended by this. My friends JUST graduated, didn't even pass the NCLEX-RN and they're talking like they're better than me. I wish they didn't. Imagine when they DO become RNs. I only have a few friends that are humble that don't put stuff like that in my face. I feel like it's unnecessary. It's hard not to let it get me down but it really does. In general, who wants to be around people who think they're better than everyone, right?!

I really wish people weren't so proud because it really brings me down. Have you guys seen this attitude from other people? What do you guys think of these remarks and how would you react to them?

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They're not your friends, honey.

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

I have co-workers like these and I just don't care when they make those comments. I kill them with my kindness. They may be better than me because of the amout of LTC experience they have in their backs, I still pat myself in the back every end of the shift. I worked my ass off to finish my BSN degree, to them they may see that I am not worthy of that 2 letter word after my name because I knew nothing of the US standards of care, I take every single day as an opportunity to learn. I maybe asking the dumbest questions but hey, at least I asked. I don't pretend that I know everything.

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I'm an LPN, and as a joke, I have referred to myself as a "Little Pion Nurse" hey-- you have to laugh at yourself sometimes. but really- I have learned tons from the CNA's- I respect the RN's for all education they have and the hard work that took, And so we all have our roles, I remember the saying--"It takes a Village"...." yeah It really does. and also dietary- housekeeping -laundry- unit secs. ect.. all of us,.. It takes a village"!!!

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I do not believe a title is what defines a person. The old saying, "Actions speak louder than words" rings true here. I think nurses are special people and we need not loose sight of that or why we became nurses in the first place. There is a place for all of us.. CNA, LPN, RN, ect...

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That's too bad. LTC is a wonderful place to be, and really not usually a place to the "degree" argument to take place. RN's and LPN's work side by side in our facility, even placing some LPN's in positions of authority over the RN's. But really, everyone brings some kind of strength to the table, and when all work together, it goes well. LTC is definately a place where teamwork is a must- and everyone does about everything-LPN or RN- from putting people on bedpans, feeding, careplans....hopefully your time there will improve!

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I am an RN working in a LTC facility for now.....until I finish my BSN in June and then I plan to work as nurse in Oncology. I work with some awesome LPNs and have learned a lot from them. However, a few seem to think because they have years of experience and I do not, that they know more than I do. That is not necessarily true. I have more education than they do, and I have worked extremely hard for my degree. I respect the LPNs I work with, and they should respect me as well. LPNs can always bridge over to RN school. Otherwise, they really shouldn't be so judgmental of a RN and what we have to go through to earn that title.

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That's too bad. LTC is a wonderful place to be, and really not usually a place to the "degree" argument to take place. RN's and LPN's work side by side in our facility, even placing some LPN's in positions of authority over the RN's. But really, everyone brings some kind of strength to the table, and when all work together, it goes well. LTC is definately a place where teamwork is a must- and everyone does about everything-LPN or RN- from putting people on bedpans, feeding, careplans....hopefully your time there will improve!

I am not sure how an LPN can have authority over a RN. I live in Missouri and the State Board of Nursing clearly states that an LPN works under the direct supervision of a RN. I have no trouble asking an LPN for advice, and I value the judgment and expertise of the LPNs I work for, but would have a problem with them being my supervisor. I agree with you that teamwork is crucial. It takes all the nurses working together to take care of the resident's needs , regardless of our title.

:nurse:

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

1. Am I mad at doctors for being doctors? No.

2. Am I mad at NP's for being NP's? No.

3. Am I mad at PA's for being PA's? No.

4. Am I mad at LVN's for being LVN's? No.

5. Then why on earth would I be mad at RN's for being RN's?

Truth: you went to school to earn and be what you've become. If your not happy with it, go back to school! Stop harrassing others and letting your little green monster loose because you have one huge chip on your shoulder. We are not all this way. Iam an RN with a BSN and know others who have their masters, does that make me not like them, not at all. Iam proud for them. And yes, I do know LVN's who are smarter than a NP, but like previously said, its experience that makes the difference. I was told in school by my instructors, that you are not even a "real nurse" until the 10 yr mark. This made a lot of students mad, but look at the learning model from novice to expert nurse and the time it takes to get there.

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