LPN futhering ed to RN

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

I've been an LPN for 7 yrs now and have been on & off attending college taking core classes. LPN'S does the RN type jobs but not the RN type pay. It's discouraging not finishing up in a timely manner. Can anyone relate? Would also like to hear from RN'S who's made. Will listen to any advice & suggestions. Thank nurses.

Scoutgirl has obviously never worked with me! She would not make it at my place of employment with that superior attitude anyway. I am certain I could run circles around her with not only my energy but my knowledge. It may not have come from a college English or Speech or Algebra book, but my knowledge is from alot of God given common sense, a willingness to learn, an open mind, and 19 years experience. I am also studying and reading nursing journals and medical articles every week. I have been working with a group of physicians for the last 18 years and I'm certain they would feel the same way. I have 2 RN's working under my supervision. I am very blessed to work with the people I do, and feel very happy as an LPN and the admiration I recieve from my co-workers. By the way, we all have the same pay scale as well, regardless of titles. Two of my co-workers, one BSN and one MSN make less money than I do. As a matter of fact, I am told I am the hightest paid nurse at our facility. Scoutgirl is the type of RN that give all RN's a bad name. (Sorry to sound so offended to others, but this really grates me!)

Oh I wish I hadn't have stumbled across this post! This is an issue I face daily and am amazed at the arrogance of some of my fellow nurses.

Yes there are distinct guidlines and laws separating the two levels of nurses, but we both carry the same title...NURSE. I work in a Dr office where there are both LPN's and RN's, the ratio is 5 LPN:10 RN. In the clinical environment there isn't a lot of IV starting/infusing, (the only state law difference in SD). Occasionally one is started for a dehydrated pt, just for fluid replacement. Then only a couple of the staffed RN's are willing or compitant to do it. I work with some RN's that are more concerned with matching their socks and jewlery to their scrubs, than accurate assessments and decision making skills. I also work with some kick-ass LPN's that have more knowledge, bedside manner, and skill than some BSN's.

I am very proud to be an LPN. I am planning to further my education, but not to look down my nose at those "below me". To better myself and reach self made goals. I respect those that went through the process of education and time spent gaining their titles. But a couple initials behind a name does NOT make the nurse! As the dr I work for put it once..."I don't give a crap what initials are behind your name...what school you went to...what matters is your willingness to learn, your ability to retain that knowledge and your skill in acting on that knowledge. That is what makes a nurse a great nurse."

My experience seeing LPN's eager to get in the thick of it...do the job to it's best. I went to LPN school because I wanted to change my current occupation, wasn't sure if that was really the field I wanted and thought 1 yr of school was not that drastic of a commitment if it was not my calling. Also, lack of finances and time containts made it appealing.

While in school and during clinicals, we worked side by side with some of the RN students. I thought it curious that while I was hands on changing trach tubes and ostomy cares, they made awkward "wall flowers". And when the dr would enter the room, after the cares and assessments were completed by me the "lowly LPN student", who got the interaction and feedback from the dr? me. The RN students stood with their mouths ajar and moronic stares. The sheer amount of clinical hours we put in make LPN's first rate...over 480 hours. Sure I would love to delve into theory and more into ethics, but when the real world of patient care calls do theory or algebra skills make a better nurse?

This is all so condusive to the problems our profession is riddled with. We can't even band together, how do we expect others outside the profession to stand behind us?

This disease of RNitis is perpetuated by sterotypes and ignorance. The need for some to have self value at the expense of others is sad. Pride in your own performance, not your title should be how we operate.

I have also worked with some RN's that had vast knowledge and experience that are willing to share those gifts with other LPN's and RN's alike. Those that are selfless and generous enough to spread the knowledge is commendable. We are all in this field to care for others...let's also include our fellow co-workers, regardless of title. I hold high respect and regard to those of you that are proud of your profession, continue educating yourselves, and keep your chins high. Be proud of yourselves, do the best job you can, and spread the knowledge. I feel fortunate to have you as my colleagues! biggrin.gif

As an lpn for the past 5 1/2 years I feel it is very important to state one thing. I had my training in Maryland and it was a TWO YEAR PROGRAM in other words 2 nine month sessions. And I can tell you from personal experience that the letters behind your name does not a nurse make! When the average person thinks of a nurse he thinks of a person who has gone to school for training in the field of nursing who then works using the combination of their learned skills with their compassion for other humans. That is what makes a nurse. There are some nurses I have worked with who I admire, and have learned volumes from both RN's and LPN's there are some who I have taught, both RN's and LPN's I recently moved to North Carolina where I feel there is a much more definitive line between RN's and LPN's because each state provides a different level of training to their nurses it is not all one in the same. So prehaps maybe where scoutgirl is from LPN's have only 6 months where as some others stated theirs was a year. Mine being 2 years doesn't make me any better of a nurse. Learning over time from other nurses makes you a better nurse. You're receptiveness to learn and response to others is what makes you the nurse you are-NOT LETTERS BEHIND YOUR NAME! There is one thing no one can disagree with, when we all first became nurses and we started to work it was nothing like we thought and we all, no matter how much school we had felt unprepared for what we entered in to. Felt like we didn't know enough or have enough confidence. My best friend here in North Carolina is a new RN she's had 6 months of training she felt the same way-I know everyone did. It all boils down to learning, and being a nurse is an ever changing process we are all still learning. I plan to continue my education to be an RN because it affords a much broader spectum of opportunity for a nurse. But I am happy and proud to say I am a nurse no matter what the title. Instead of worrying about a difference of a letter let's all help each other become the kind of nurse who is concerned with what should be the #1 priority in the first place-the patient!! Good luck to everyone in being that kind of nurse!

I do know how you feel was a LPN for 5 year Rn for approx. 6 mths.I felt I wanted furter ed. for myself. The pay is only a couple of $ more and loads of moe responsibilty.I enjoy the further knowledge and believe the lpn program was great base for my skills. Good luck in your further education. Do it for yourself not because you are bitter about the doing the same thing as the Rn for lower pay.When you become an RN it becomes the debate over ASN/BSN. I believe each level is needed to provide good pt. care. Taht is what is about --the pt.

Look I'm a RN and I can't even spell smile.gif

So much for my eng. class.(see above post)

More /That

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? :) I think there are good RNs and good LPNs and whether or not they do more or know more depends on where you are so there's no way that sweeping comments like LPNs don't know how to- fill in the blank- or RNs know everything, can be true. There are ADN and LPN programs that take 2 years in one place just like there are LPN programs that take nine months and RN programs that take 3-4 years in other places. Job descriptions also vary as widely. And WHO CARES? As long as the people you work with can do whatever job they were hired to do it shouldn't matter what initials come after their name.

In Reply to scout girl:

As an LPN I am very glad that I have never worked with you, unfortunately I have worked with RN's like you. Usually I find them busy doing nothing letting the CNA's and LPN's do the work. I don't mind the work I am very good at what I do and when errors are found and assesments on drug toxicities are made it's me that the MD seeks out to Thank for a job well done.

My educational background may exceed yours an AS in business, a state licensed EMT, and , by the way 18 months of school for my LPN degree with 390 hours of clinical time. I can do everything you can do, if not more. I have been certified by 6 local LTC facilities to start IV's. and by the way I have completed all the RN prerequiste classes in the college setting. You and those like you would never know the background of those "beneath" you because your too busy being self rightous.

I have worked in LTC facilities, psychiatric facility , and currently working as a triage nurse at an inner city health Clinic (seeing about 65 pts a day) Do you want to talk about assesment skills.

I work with other great LPN's and RN's who appreciate us. I could have not done any of these jobs well without the help of my CNA's and MHW's and I am sure to thank them at the end of the day.

And one last thing for scout girl, I don't work weekends, I don't work Holidays, I vacation whenever I want to and I'll bet anything that I make more money than you. I work long term positions through a nursing agency. And guess what else, when a new RN grad comes along and doesn't know how to turn on an O2 tank, or set up the apparatus on a new one, do peritineal dialysis, or properly suction someone I'll take the extra couple of minutes to show her.

First, Fergus, could not have said it better myself. I am an LPN, for two years, and will have my RN in two more semesters.OH HAPPY DAY!! Just for the record 18 months to become a lowly LPN, a whoping 6 months difference. So get off our back Scoutgirl. On a serious note. Good LPNs good RN's--Bad LPNs bad RNs, lets not generalize. In my opinion, people that want to feel superior and better than others have a serious underlying self esteem problem. I am happy to just have a job and work with RN's LPN's CNA's and doctors. So watch out Scoutgirl and don't fall off that high horse, and just say to yourself "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog gone it people like me!" and maybe we can start the healthy road to not running others down to make yourself feel better. Silly girl.

Keep up the good work ALL NURSES!!

lorrie

I have been an LPN for two and a half years and I went to an eighteen month program. I am going for my RN currently. I enjoy being an LPN so much that I want to further my education. To me it is not a matter of whose better.

Originally posted by scoutgirl17:

I'm sorry to hear you've been doing RN work for LPN pay. I have nothing against LPNs

but most that I have worked with in my 14 years of nursing seem to forget that they have had at most what? half a year of training? Whereas an R.N has had anywhere from 2-4 years of schooling of which half of that deals with highly needed assesment and management skills which I have found greatly lacking in some LPNs. Yes they can tell me what is currently happening with my patient but have no idea sometimes as to the underlying physiological reasons. Also LPNS are not taught a great deal of management skills which are used when dealing with nurse-techs and nursing aids. I have also dealt with older LPNS who have felt that they should be in charge because they have been nursing longer. Nursing has become highly technical in the last few years and patient illnesses are more acute. Assessment skills are a must. Most hospitals and nursing homes are looking for RN BSNS now. My hospital is phasing out LPNS completely. I have seen only 2 LPNS stop grumbling about this and go back to school for their RN degree. I admire these women. I hope you are one of these. If so I wish you luck.

Dear scoutgirl you sound as if you have a bad case of Rnitis you or obviously oblivious to the fact that LPN's have more than twice as much clinical experience than RNs do in Nebraska where I recieved my training the LPN's had to have at least 700hrs of clinic time under their bekt before they graduate the Bsn students recieve only 250 see the difference. I do not doubt that there are some LPN's that do not do a good job but please be reasonable I wonce had to stop a BSN new graduate from giving Tylenol IV to a pediatric pt with a fever PLEASE I have known many capable and outstanding rns as well as many outstanding LPNs it is an individual thing not a title. Although as a LPN for many years I do see the lacking in my education however I do not think that a BSN is the answer I do think that there should be one level of professional nurse and it should be a tech degree concentrating mainly on the art of nursing the Patient with carefull attention to Pharmacology and assessment and treatment focusing on those areas that are some what neglected in the training CCU ICU PCU NICO OB etc... you get my drift. However I know this would not happen because all the colleges would lose money. The bachelor degree is specifically designed to teach ppl how to think. I have learned that if you have not developed the thinking skills at that point you probably never will. I am currently in training as an RN because I want to work in a more restricted area (that I have already been working in) but wish more automony.

'morning, all.

As usual, everyone got off on the training tangent "who does more with less education..., as much education..., more education than, but sit on butt..." or some variations on the themes. Geez. fergus51, you said it: "can't we all just get along"

Jaylex, hey, girl,(guy?) go for it. Just be careful as you take classes bit by bit, that your courses will not be out-dated. Unless you are enrolled in a program or have a degree already, sciences have a viable life of 5 years, others (like English), ~10 years.

It may vary state-by-state and college-to-college. But if you kicked butt for an "A" in Chemistry in '98, FOR EXAMPLE, it would absolutely bite to have to repeat it 'cause the credit was "old". Check it out at the school you're going to. GOOD LUCK!!!

[This message has been edited by maikranz (edited January 31, 2001).]

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