A real nurse

[AOx1]

I am working on my doctorate, working full-time as a nurse educator, and during summers and breaks I return to the ICU, my first love :) I was working in the ICU last weekend when a coworker asked me if I missed working as a "real" nurse. I found this surprising, although I probably shouldn't. Over time, including on this board, I've heard over and over the same misconception that if you're not a bedside hospital nurse, you're not a "real" nurse.

There are a thousand permutations on the theme: LTC nurses aren't real nurses, people who work outside of "unit x" aren't real nurses, people who are LPNs aren't "real" nurses, ad nauseum. I am so tired of this. A favored theme seems to be "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." I feel that despite working my butt off to stay current in my practice and bring relevant education to students, these contributions must have no value in my peers' eyes.

To me, a nurse comes in so many forms; different but equal, all with an important role. Why does nursing only respect the value of ONE type of nursing? It's like Pinocchio, worried about being a "real" boy. I wish more time was spent recognizing our peers unique skills and less spent trying to tear each other down. That's all, just a vent and a wish things would change.

[beachgirl11]

Wow I am surpised that people could be so disrespectful and unappreciative of the eduacators who helped them become a nurse! Anyone with an LPN or RN license is a "real" nurse, period!

[j464335]

I can totally sympathize with the OP's anger.... EVERYONE who holds a license is REAL and should be treated with dignity and respect! It is disrespectful to say to someone that they are not a "real nurse".... MYSELF and the rest of the WORLD thinks that a nurse educator is at the TOP of the "FOOD CHAIN".. Those in the "trenchs" are just jealous...

[AOx1]

I can totally sympathize with the OP's anger.... EVERYONE who holds a license is REAL and should be treated with dignity and respect! It is disrespectful to say to someone that they are not a "real nurse".... MYSELF and the rest of the WORLD thinks that a nurse educator is at the TOP of the "FOOD CHAIN".. Those in the "trenchs" are just jealous...

Such kind words and I much appreciate them. I just want the same respect I try to give to others. There are amazing people in every area of nursing, from student nurses on. I believe we need to stop thinking that "the type of nursing I do is the ONLY real type." No area of nursing is easy. We all work hard. It's time we recognize the value of all types of nurses, not just those who practice as we do.

[nursel56]

There are times I think the way we relate to each other resembles the dynamic most often found at recess time in the schoolyard. With that in mind I'm thinking of several humorous replies that would be particularly hilarious if said by someone so obviously accomplished. Saying "your mama wears army boots" probably not the image you want to project . . .but you can think it, can't you? :)

[nwootenLPN]

I have heard RNs referred to as "Real Nurses" and LPNs as "Little Pretend Nurses" It is outrageous, there are LPNs out there who can outshine RNs. It is not the title, it is the NURSE. 'Sorry' nurses can be RNs or LPNs. period.

[kakamegamama]

I have to agree with the posters who made statements about the value of nurse educators. I learned some of the best nursing from my teachers, and I hope, my former students could say the same about me. I am personally offended to be told I'm not a "real nurse" simply because I taught. While teaching I also worked in a NICU, and since "retiring" have seen things and done things as a volunteer that some of the young nurses or anyone else who make such uniformed, and in some cases arrogant, comments need to experience, then tell me or anyone like me, that I am not a "real" nurse.

[kakamegamama]

nwootenLPN---my first and most remembered preceptor was a LVN. I learned so much from her, and when I taught, as I was allowed, I would put a student with a willing LVN. Often I found them more willing to help my student learn than a RN, for whatever reasons. Hold your head high. You, and other LPNs/LVNs are real nurses indeed!

[CCL RN, RN]

To me, a 'real nurse' is on who is hands on in client care. Too many nurses move into corporate management, teaching and other areas that does not involve hands on care and they may be in those positions for years and years - that is not a 'real nurse'. I have felt that the Boards of Nursing should require a minumum of 240 hours of hands on care to maintain a nursing license.

Me too. Nursing is hands on patient care-this is the basis of our profession!

Interesting. So, despite the fact that I still work actively in the ICU, the second I enter the doors of the school to teach, I cease to be a "real" nurse? I suppose that would make me roughly 25% real, since I teach full time and only work ICU w/e, holidays, and summer. I wonder who will teach students since nurse educators aren't real. It can't be a bedside nurse, since that bedside nurse will then also cease to be a real nurse. Sounds like quite the conundrum!

I have a close friend who just retired after 45 years as an RN. I'm sure she will be sad to learn that now that she's retired, she also has ceased to be "real" and her contributions to the field have now been invalidated.

Just a tad dramatic, aren't we? I think you know what people meant and not to take it soooooo literally, right?

[AOx1]

Yes, I know exactly what was meant; what was said. What was said is that teachers and those not doing hands-on care aren't real nurses. My opinion differs, and I have a right to state it, just as you & every other member of this forum. Stating an opinion that differs from yours does not equate to being dramatic.

[leslie :-D]

Yes, I know exactly what was meant; what was said. What was said is that teachers and those not doing hands-on care aren't real nurses. My opinion differs, and I have a right to state it, just as you & every other member of this forum. Stating an opinion that differs from yours does not equate to being dramatic.

respectfully, why do you feel the need to seek validation from your peers?

speaking for myself, i don't care in the least, who considers me a "real" nurse or not.

no one or nothing could ever minimize me, what/who i am, as i have a strong sense of self.

and so, it begs the question...why?

seriously, i feel badly that you have taken this so personally.

that said, of course you're a nurse...a very palpable REAL nurse...

today and forever.

don't let anyone try and take that from you.

leslie

[AOx1]

I do not seek validation, although I (and most people I would imagine) appreciate the respect of colleagues. What I would like is to explore why so many find the need to denigrate others in a different area of nursing. So much could be accomplished if we had more respect for each other. I find it interesting that we are angry when physicians don't respect our contributions as nurses, but we accept this same behavior from peers. The patient is better served when the input of all health care team members is recognized. Similarly, the field of nursing could benefit from more unity. I am tired of all of this trend: new grads vs. Experienced, LPN vs RN, BSN vs ADN, this area of practice vs. that area. I find it all to be a real shame.

[NursingRocks1998]

If you're a nurse educator and you're in there with your students, being one of the exceptional instructors who helps shape the future of nursing, you're a REAL nurse in my book- kudos to you for taking the time to teach AND maintain your ICU job part-time. I'm a new grad, and if it wasn't for one of my clinical instructors, I wouldn't be where I am today- she was a tough, exceptional leader who truly made a difference. YOU know you're a REAL nurse- forget the people who doubt you!