Don't like to say I'm an RN. Long...

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Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...

But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart.

Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway.

I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.)

Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).

Help!:mad:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Although I'm an LPN/LVN who works at a nursing home, I hear you loudly and clearly. Always be proud of your educational attainment.

Until your LPN coworkers have actually attended RN programs, they cannot rightfully declare that the 2 types of nursing education are "the same." I'm sure they were able to work circles around you when you first entered the LTC setting, but no one can truly tell us the differences between LPN schooling and RN education except those nurses who started out as LPNs and attended bridge programs to obtain their RN licensure.

As the old saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know."

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Specializes in Acute Hemodialysis, Cardiac, ICU, OR.
Although I'm an LPN/LVN who works at a nursing home, I hear you loudly and clearly. Always be proud of your educational attainment.

Until your LPN coworkers have actually attended RN programs, they cannot rightfully declare that the 2 types of nursing education are "the same." I'm sure they were able to work circles around you when you first entered the LTC setting, but no one can truly tell us the differences between LPN schooling and RN education except those nurses who started out as LPNs and attended bridge programs to obtain their RN licensure.

As the old saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know."

Here, here!

I have met many fabulous LVN/LPNs (related to one, who just completed RN transition and is sitting for her Boards), and do not begrudge them their clinical skills. But the simple fact is that we are further educated and degreed, and this is the source of the difference. If it were truly the same program, there would only BE one program.

Their attitudes and actions are completely on them -- not you. And the next time you are confronted with ,"We're exactly the same," you should proudly and honestly defend that you're not.

Each state's Nurse Practice Act clearly states the differences in the licensures, in the educational requirements and responsibilities. Even the Board exams are different.

The best way to look at it is that we are all on a team, and we all have positions to play. We NEED each and every position filled, but that doesn't mean that you have to stay in the same position all your life. You can see all the other positions out there, and if you want to change, then you have to work for it -- if they want RN pay, then they need to go back to RN school -- there's no other way to get it. But being an RN also means picking up RN responsibilities -- it's not just a bigger paycheck. Complaining about it, or belittling someone else's position is NOT going to change the circumstances.

NEVER be ashamed of your accomplishments. Just because you went a different route to your employer does not make you any less valuable to them. And everyone was new once -- actions speak louder than words, and given enough time, you are bound to be just as experienced and confident as the rest of the nurses around you, but you will be an experienced and confident RN.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

I agree with the op's and I think they are jealous it about them not you. YOu definetly should not feel ashamed. I know in my state only an RN can be charge. So that may be why you have gotten it so quickly. They need to get over theirselves, you should not feel quilty that you have more education. There is a difference more education, like the op said if there wasn't any difference than we would all be the same. Good Luck and stop feeling ashamed.

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The RN educational process IS different. LVN/LPN schools teach basic skills. These days they are teaching some background subjects but the RN is the one that learns the most pathophys, rationales, critical thinking skills as opposed to the LVN curriculum. RNs have a more in-depth, multi-faceted program. To be simple - RNs are taught to think and LVNs/LPNs are taught to do. Yes there are LVNs/LPNs that make some RNs look like idiots but that does not change what the formal curriculum that each one was required to learn. That also does not change what the Nurse Practice Act states is the formal education requirements and job description of each role.

In my experience, the "old" LVNs/LPNs know more than a GN - but that is because they went to school in a different era and have had a lot more OJT.

The LVN/RN argument is as old as the diploma/ADN/BSN argument. You need to find it in yourself to be comfortable with the fact that you are an RN, no matter what others say. A good RN should be knowledgeable of all the different types of education as well as learning each individual person's knowledge and skill level. This will allow that smart RN to treat all levels of nurses(and ancillary persons) with respect and be able to utilize each individual person when needed, according to that person's ability.

As far as your employment issues - you have found out the hard way that anytime an RN goes to LTC they will be considered a charge nurse. LTC has a smaller profit margin thus they utilize fewer RNs and more LVNs than the hospital. It does not matter that the LVNs that you work with have been there longer or have even been nurses longer than you have. By way of your formal education and licensure, you are responsible for the LVNs actions. If they screw up, the charge nurse can be held responsible for improper delegation and supervision. If this is not something that you want to be responsible for then you need to look for a job with more RNs or at the very least with someone else as the designated charge nurse.

I don't know what your job description is but if I were the designated charge nurse, I would not be accepting anything less than charge RN pay. That is too much responsibility and liability to work for less. Your post sounds as though you are not completely comfortable with your role as an RN, particularly a supervisory RN. I think that your employer has preyed on that to intimidate you into taking less pay. It is your choice but I would not be working there under the conditions you have described.

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Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...

But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart.

Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway.

I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.)

Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).

Help!:mad:

welcome to life. If you really want to just end it once and for all just say that you realize the wealth of knowledge that the nurses around you offer and that you are honored to work with them. However, the state that you work in and apparantly your employer view your qualifications as different and legally they are different. Thus your roll is going to be different from theirs. Not better. Not worse. Different. You didn't make the system you are simply a part of it.....

This is common and is a big reason some new nurses get burn out pretty quickly. I have seen Techs speak down to new graduates because they felt like they had been at the hospital longer or blah blah blah. Confidence and fair handedness go a long way in situations like the present situation. Stay above the fray, vent to NOBODY at work about this, don't dwell on it as this too shall pass. Humans in general don't like to feel like we are less than others around us. Its natural for them to put you down to pick themselves up. It likely will not last long and you may gain a lot of respect by being more mature than it seems your coworkers are....

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.

CaseyGirl,

Man, you sound so much like me - just wanting a harmonious environment, sometimes even at the expense of selling yourself short. Getting over that and you will too.

If I did not have to sleep to go to work tonight, I would write a lot to you. So for now, I will leave you with this thought: The next time one of the girls brings up how LPNs and RNs are the same and blah, blah, as hard as it may be, YOU NEED TO CONFRONT IT RIGHT THEN AND RIGHT THERE.

You don't have to be mean about it, but just make the observation, "Man, ya know, this topic sure is brought up a lot around here. Why do you think that is?". And then get ready as she (they) might get defensive, but at least you will be facing this head on, no longer ducking it. And on some level, it almost sounds like they want you to since they keep bringing it up. It's as though they are testing you, to see where you will set your limits. So you need to do just that by utilizing an open-ended opening (i.e. not just jumping in with your ideas about it).

By approaching it this way, you will finally be asserting your control over the issue, but at the same time also giving her back *some* of the control by broaching it in an open-ended style. Feeling a lack of or fear of losing control is almost always at the root of all human conflicts.

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.

I just re-read what I typed before - it sounds rather cryptic. Please understand that I worked last night and still have not slept. My eyes are crossing!! :bugeyes:

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Just had a lengthy conversation about exactly this type of thing with the Care Aides where I work, who are now being required to take a certification as Health Care Aides. They think that once they are 'certified' through a distance ed course they are taking on the job for 4-6 mths, that they will then be able to 'assess' patients and give meds. They feel that the RN role is redundant, because an LPN could do that, and that the nursing shortage will be solved by hiring more Care Aides, certifying them and moving all the RNs into administration. Also, they believe that Diploma RNs will have no place at all! Like the courses we took weren't important, and anyone can do our job.

I agree that if you want RN status and RN pay, go to RN school!!!

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Just had a lengthy conversation about exactly this type of thing with the Care Aides where I work, who are now being required to take a certification as Health Care Aides. They think that once they are 'certified' through a distance ed course they are taking on the job for 4-6 mths, that they will then be able to 'assess' patients and give meds. They feel that the RN role is redundant, because an LPN could do that, and that the nursing shortage will be solved by hiring more Care Aides, certifying them and moving all the RNs into administration. Also, they believe that Diploma RNs will have no place at all! Like the courses we took weren't important, and anyone can do our job.

I agree that if you want RN status and RN pay, go to RN school!!!

*sigh*

so now I have to avoid Canada...and I really like Niagara Falls too--soooo beautiful.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...

But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart.

Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway.

I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.)

Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).

Help!:mad:

I don't think you should have to defend yourself, and you shouldn't. Let your degree and title speak for itself. You don't have to prove anything to them, just do your job and do it well. Make sure that you know what is expected of you as a charge nurse, and learn whatever you need to to do your job. Please do not be ashamed of your accomplishments. Don't let anyone make you feel that way, as you are giving them control over you. It is good that you learn what you need to from them, but also make sure that you are doing what is expected of you as a RN. If you are unsure of what is expected, then perhaps you should consult with your manager.

I wish you well in your job situation and please be proud of your accomplishments!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

You should not be ashamed to say who you are. What the difference is between you and the LPNs is that they are seasoned in their area, but you do have a higher license; therefore, there is a difference.

A similar incident happened to me on line yesterday. I discovered a medical assisting forum and decided to look into what their feelings were, and also, I wanted to share with them that they were of value as well. I used to be a medical assistant, so, I know what their duties entail, basically. One of them posts back to me and stated that she saw no reason for me to have to mention that LPNS and RNs are licensed nurses..."was there a reason to HAVE to say that..." and also, stated that whether I meant it or not, that I was passing the message that I am above them. NOTHING FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!! When I mentioned that there was a difference between how LPNs and Medical Assistants function, they took it personal...same thing..."we do what they do"". Not true. We have similar jobs, and skill performances, sure we do. However, there is a difference in the level of education, and responsibility and accountability. I was offended as well, because it was not my intention to attempt to make someone feel small.

To me, the fact that a person has more education and a higher license that I is not offensive; the only thing I would find to be offensive is when a person makes me think that I have nothing positive to contribute to the team, or that I can possibly suggest or remind a higher licensed person of what else might have to be considered. These girls do not know what you went through to get where you are.

I also hate to see when people say that "The RN does nothing but sit at the computer and give orders", and that, alone is sometimes the only incentive an LPN has to become an RN...what they PERCEIVE. That may be a fact for some of them, but not all...a responsible, caring RN has a heavy burden to carry, and I do believe that one should think carefully and decide whether they are trying to become an RN for the wrong reasons.

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