Are LPN's considered "real" Nurses??

U.S.A. Massachusetts

Published

I am an LPN, I am proud to have completed the courses required to get my licence. It wasn't easy working full time while going to school full time and raising 2 daughters on my own. When I passed the boards I was thrilled, then I had a pt (a retired RN) ask when I'd become a "real" Nurse. She became very upset when I informed her I was a "real" nurse. But, I am becoming frustrated by the lack of job opportunities available. The only jobs that seem open to me are LTC or Dr's offices. At one place I went into they had me working as a CNA because they said LPN's are not used to do Nursing jobs except in an emergency (when the RN's were busy) and then only to pass meds, nothing else. I'm not looking forward to more schooling, but, in order find a better job I'll have to. My boss just informed me that Ma. has changed the pay scale for LPN's & RN's from Pools to work in Hospitals. Pools are now able to charge more for LPN's in hospital settings and RN's in LTC's. What's next???? Talk about locking in an entire profession! I know, I'm venting, but, does anyone else feel this way??

Stupid question, what can an RN do that an LPN can't????

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Specializes in LTAC, Telemetry, Thoracic Surgery, ED.

In MA the big things are take admissions(because RN is supposed to do first initial assessment), hang blood (although we can monitor as soon as it's hung) and IV PUSH meds (can hang mixed meds)

And at the last place I worked I did everything outside of those things (vent pts, stg 4 vac'd, ESRD on dialysis, trachs, iv insertions, central line mgmt, people coding, being intubated etc) And not to brag but I got a lot of compliments from the PA/MD on my nursing/assessment skills and I am a new grad LPN working with all RN's.

Don't let anyone make you feel bad about yourself. Anyone that has been an LPN knows what the LPN program is like. I am 1/2 way through the LPN-RN bridge program (all nursing classes done) and to be honest, I really haven't learned anything we didn't already go over in the LPN program, maybe just a little more detail)

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MAnurseHopeful - where did you go to school for your LPN and where are you currently in school? Thanks.

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