Calling all LPNs to read something....

caliotter3 · Mar 6, 2009

It takes all kinds. That's what makes this site for just about everybody.

systoly · Mar 6, 2009

The thread I found was about the job differences of a PCA and LPN. I'm not sure this is the thread in question. Also, I'm not quite sure what a PCA is. I gather it's similar to CNA. What I am sure about is this. Sometimes I forget my nametag. But wouldn't you know it, I'm still the same person doing the same job for the same pay.

lpnflorida · Mar 6, 2009

It seemed to me the original poster of the thread you mentioned first off is not in the health care field. They did a simple search of Patient Care Aide/Nurses Aide which came up with a generic list of duties, they did the same thing for LPN and again found a generic list. Hence their conclusion.

Does not mean we agree with it, and it does not mean that WE KNOW there is a huge difference. Ignorance is just that.

systoly · Mar 7, 2009

Does not mean we agree with it, and it does not mean that WE KNOW there is a huge difference. Ignorance is just that.

I might be suffering from cerebral hypoxia, but I don't get what you're saying. Can you paraphrase for the (hopefully only today) challenged?

lpnflorida · Mar 7, 2009

I only meant by my last statement. That we LPN's do not have to agree with the other thread . That person was going to become a PCA as they saw little difference in the job discription as compared to what they read the LPN job discription was. They felt the money spent on becoming an LPN was not worth what it would cost in comparision to becoming a PCA.

We as LPN's do know there is a big difference in our jobs compared to the jobs of the aides or PCA's.

My last statement as posted previously should have been.Does not mean we agree with it, and it does not mean that WE DON'T KNOW there is a huge difference. Ignorance is just that.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 7, 2009

I saw the thread, and it seemed that this person did not see the difference between how Patient Care Associates (CNAs with additional skills) and Licensed Practical Nurses. Not sure what this person meant to convey, but is, yet another issue of discontent because LPNs are not recognized as nurses in the nursing arena.

What I noticed (and this is everywhere) is that the average person automatically assumes that ALL of our mouths water to become RNs, that our lives will not be complete until we obtain that license. That, is insulting to me. There are several reasons for this...what if, even after every attempt, that LPN is all you can ever become. Does that mean that your life will end? That you are of no value? That you deserve whatever happens to you (in terms of demotion, to losing your job, to being phased out in certain areas...)? To me, the answer is NO! Some would never have become nurses at all. Would not be working. Would not be able to make a significant impact on patients and collagues alike.

One of the things that our President said is that he wants us to challenge ourselves by becoming more educated, but he did not discount certifications, vocational training, in fact, he specifically mentioned that as well. Because, well, there will always be a need for line staff in any career. I am proud of what I do and I will not apologize for being 'just an LPN". I shout out loud that "I AM an LPN and proud".

systoly · Mar 7, 2009

Thank you lpnflorida and pagandeva for turning the lights on for me. I definitely had a moment as I completely misunderstood the whole thing. I thought the op was an LPN upset over being thrown in the same pot as CNAs.

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Mar 8, 2009

I have belonged to ALL Nurses for over 8 years now. If I got upset every time some dimwitt posted like that, I'd be nuts. I just ignore it and consider the source. I've been an LPN for over 28 years now. I've never been without a job, and when I quit a job , I find another one quickly. they still hire LPN's for hospital nursing in my area. Oh, and another stupid line is, "they're going to phase out LPN's.":yawn:. So ignore all the hogwash, it gets worse at times. Just know that you are the best nurse you can be!!!!!!!

kat7ap · Mar 8, 2009

Just ignore it... I read that post and the other posts that that member has started regarding LPNs. She has obviously been fishing for some negativity towards LPNs. If anything she just needs an education regarding the issue, but unfortunately sometimes you can never change some people's mindset. Just be proud of what you are!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

I really don't mind if someone on these forums decides to believe there's not much of a difference between LPNs and PCAs. My identity is formed, and no one has the power to bring my spirits down by making a comparison based on substandard information.

After all, I am taking the difference to the bank, as the typical LPN earns more money.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

I didn't read the thread, but if they're talking about salary, I'd have to agree, at least at my facility. Sad to say, my sister just got hired on as a tech in the same system as I work for making only $3/hr less than I do, and I've been a LPN for nine years now (over five years at the same place).

My salary when I got hired on was less than she makes now.