ANY LPN'S OUT THERE

Nurses General Nursing

Published

ANY LPN'S FEEL LIKE NO ONE BUT LPN'S THINK WE ARE REAL NURSE'S, NOT NA?

I just became an RN --was a LPN for 5 years prior--CNA prior to that.I have to admit it became old training RNs to become my supervisor when I was a LPN. I work in LTC-It just depends on the person-we have a LPN that is smarter than I believe some of the Dr.s(I would trust her skills/knowledge on on about everything)I would not trade my LPN experience.If you want to be a RN go for it! If you want to continue your career as a LPN That is a

wonderful choice also. Both are needed and need to work together for the pt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

~SLAP IN THE FACE~...

This is what a fellow employee where I work asked me upon introduction recently...

"Are you a LPN or a nurse?" ...umm gee both I thought. I was trained, educated and passed the 'nursing' boards to attain the title of 'nurse', (so I thought).

I work for a VA hospital on the Med/Surg floor as a LPN with 2 years exp. The government does not recognize LPN's as nurses, we are put into the category of NA's. I and the other LPN's on the floor do nursing duties and cares, assessments, medications and injections. After taking the IV certification course we are able to start IV's. Still can not infuse only RN's (where I work). Now LPN schools are incorporating IV therapy as part of their cirriculum and can start and infuse IV's/Meds. That has been the only difference between LPN's and RN's as far as technical skill where I live.

Each role is needed and utilized. I respect all my fellow nurses by the job they perform and the knowledge they share. We are a team, unfortunately the "I'm better than thou", attitude drips down from DR, PA, NP, BSN, ASN, LPN, NA etc. Those with inferior mind sets feel the need to belittle others to make themselves feel superior. Those that are confident with themselves and their knowledge, are giving and share that knowledge and skill with coworkers. They seek your input and respect your observations and thoughts.

I learn everyday and am confident of my skills and compassion as a 'nurse'. However, I am thankful for those (LPN/RN/DR) that take the time to TEACH me and seek my input towards pt care and tx.

So many tell me to go on for my RN. That is a goal I hope to attain one day, but I am proud of where I am today and the skills and knowledge it has afforded me thus far.

Politics are in every job and career. It is unfortunate that some feel it necessary to degrade those that may have just as much skill and knowledge or even more than themself. We are all valuable professionals with one goal...patient care. I value the RNs I work 'WITH', and the LPNs I work 'WITH'. We are all under someone's supervision no matter the title. Those that supervise with class and respect, get respect and 100% effort.

Health and Blessings to you all, thank you for your hard work! ~Jodie biggrin.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a current student in a RN program. My experiences with LPN's thus far have been wonderful! I'm currently completing clinicals in Post-surg. Last week there was 2 RN's and 1 LPN to 15 pts, so they all got 5 pts each. I took 2 of the patients the first day to get my feet wet and worked closely alongside the LPN. She was amazingly efficient, patient, and had a tremendous sense of humor. I have such respect for this lady and am thankful to have the opportunity to work with her again tomorrow (I'm up to 3 patients, complete care tomorrow, so please keep your fingers crossed for me!) Anyway, I just wanted to give you that input from a student's perspective. We are taught in my BSN program that a nurse is a nurse is a nurse (regardless of LPN, ADN, BSN, etc) As a matter of fact, most of my instructors were LPN's who later finished their BSN and then Master's. I hope this adds a little more positive spin to things.

------------------

"The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it."-Johan Ruskin

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a current student in a RN program. My experiences with LPN's thus far have been wonderful! I'm currently completing clinicals in Post-surg. Last week there was 2 RN's and 1 LPN to 15 pts, so they all got 5 pts each. I took 2 of the patients the first day to get my feet wet and worked closely alongside the LPN. She was amazingly efficient, patient, and had a tremendous sense of humor. I have such respect for this lady and am thankful to have the opportunity to work with her again tomorrow (I'm up to 3 patients, complete care tomorrow, so please keep your fingers crossed for me!) Anyway, I just wanted to give you that input from a student's perspective. We are taught in my BSN program that a nurse is a nurse is a nurse (regardless of LPN, ADN, BSN, etc) As a matter of fact, most of my instructors were LPN's who later finished their BSN and then Master's. I hope this adds a little more positive spin to things.

------------------

"The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it."-Johan Ruskin

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very well put Jodie!!!!!!(jo_deye_yuh)

I couldn't have said it better myself.

You make me proud :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I was an LVN on nights a patient said,"Sorry to wake you up".Turns out she thought LVN stood for 'live in' and RN is for 'real nurse"!

Please, your license says "Licensed Practicle NURSE". Anyone so ignorant as to think you are not a real nurse needs to be told, "I am licensed by the state as a real NURSE"! If they don't accept that they are the ignorant one.

------------------

Up Vote Up Vote ×

AS AN LPN I TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE WRATH OF THE RN WHO FEELS SHE OR HE IS THE ONLY ONE WITH BRAINS ENOUGH TO CARE FOR PATIENTS. I AM TIRED OF THE ABUSIVE AND DEMOROLIZING ATTITUDES THAT ARE GIVEN TO LPN'S. THE HOSPITAL WHERE I AM EMPLOYED LPNS WERE LAID OFF A FEW YEARS AGO. THEY REPORTED TO WORK FOR THEIR SHIFT CALLED TO THE MANAGERS OFFICE AND TOLD THEY NO LONGER HAD A JOB AND THEY WERE TO LEAVE THE BUILDING AND NOT TO GO BACK TO THEIR UNITS FOR ANY REASON. NOW THESE VERY SAME PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO HIRE LPNS BACK TO THEIR HOSPITAL. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT PEOPLE DO NOT FORGET WHAT HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST. AS AN LPN WHO IS COMPLETING MY EDUCATION TO BECOME AN RN, I AM ASHAMED OF HOW THOSE I WORK WITH TREAT THE NEW LPNS THAT ARE HIRED TO WORK WITH US. I HAVE RN'S WHO COME TO ME TO FIND HOW TO AJUST AND RECORD TPN RATES. I DON'T LOOK DOWN UPON THEM BECAUSE THEY NEED HELP. BOTTOM LINE IS WITH ALL THAT WE AS NURSE'S HAVE TO CONTEND WITH EACH TIME WE GO TO WORK, WE SHOULD THANK GOD THAT THEIR IS ANOTHER SET OF PROFESSIONAL HELPING HANDS WE CAN COUNT ON. IS THERE ANY WAY WE ALL CAN WORK TOGETHER, AFTER ALL WE ARE THERE TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL AND NEED OUR HELP.IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING NOT ALL RNS AND LPNS WILL GIVE IN AND ACCEPT EACH OTHER AS PROFESSIONAL NURSES WHO NEED TO UNITE AND MAKE A STRONGER AND MORE UNIFIED PROFESSION OF NURSING.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are times that I wonder if anyone appreciates the work that LPN's provide. Fortunately, at the places that I have worked I have been treated with respect and praised for a job well done. I make it a point to go to any classes offered, take CEU's, and learn from co-workers. However, I have noticed that in most magizines, newspapers, and other correspondence that LPN's are not represented. It apprears they are more interested in the RN's. We do provide excellant service and alot of us have more hands on expierance than RN's. Maybe someday we will get the recognition we deserve.

------------------

C.E.Worden,LPN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

HI,

OH PLEASE ,IF YOU WANT THE PRESTIGE THEN DO WHAT I DID AFTER BEING AN LPN FOR 11 YEARS I WENT BACK AND AM FINALLY FINISHING UP MY RN DEGREE.I HAVE BEEN WORKING THREE YEARS ON THIS DEGREE.LETS USE SOME COMMON SENSE....THE RN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG ?4 YEARS ....THANK YOU,AND THE LPN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG?,,,,,,,,12 MONTHS.THE RN DOES HAVE A VAST AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE VS THE LPN.I ON THE OTHER HAND THINK THAT ALL NURSES SHOULD RESPECT EACH OTHER.....LPN OR RN.WE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR PATIENTS.THERE SHOULD NOT BE A SUPERIORITY WAR.I THINK IT MUST BE A PRETTY SAD PLACE THAT YOU WORK AT THAT WOULD ALLOW ONE NURSE TO MAKE ANOTHER NURSE FEEL LOW OR BELITTLED.I HAVE BEEN LUCKY WORKING ALL THESE YEARS AS A LPN,I HAVE HAD THE LUXURY OF WORKING WITH SOME GREAT LPNS AND RNS.I HAVE LEARNED ALOT FROM OTHER RNS ,LPNS,AND CNAS.YES CNAS !EVERYONE IN THE HEALTH RELATED FIELD HAS KNOWLEDGE THAT WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM.USE THIS AS A GROWTH EXPERIENCE...GO BACK AND GET YOUR RN DEGREE...OR GO GET A NEW JOB.I THINK THAT THERE ARE BETTER THINGS WAITING FOR YOU AND THIS IS YOUR OPPOURTUNITY.

SINCERELY,

TNNURSE

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's always surprised me how big of an issue this is RN-LVN thing actually is. Funny thing is- I've yet to experience it in the work place, but can't seem to escape it from this and other discussion boards. I've never heard of CNAs and LVNs going round and round about who is 'better', why? Because the two job descriptions are completely different. Both are necessary components. Both are important, but one required more education and skills. Same with the LVN and RN. Both are important, and of course there clearly are differences in educational preparation. Seems there are so many that take such issue with that. I can't understand why. Maybe that's my new grad naivety.

I'm a new LVN and worked my butt off to commute 2 hrs to a 18 month full time program while juggling a home, a full time working husband, and small children all while grieving the recent loss of my mother. Seems everyone has a sob story, huh? Well I'm very proud of my accomplishments and refuse to be made to feel like less of a person for my choice. Shame on anyone who carries that intention. Bravo to anyone who made it through school while facing real life stressors, such as kids, mortgages, and jobs whatever the program you finished was. I also applaud anyone who chooses to further their education. I just am tired of reading posts that make hard working LVNs and LVN students feel like they don't belong in discussions. You do belong.

I personally have not come across a situation where I was made to feel like less of a nurse because of my initials.. I have, however, read many posts from RNs or LVNs for that matter who discourage people from persuing LPN/LVN programs and I think that's unfortunate. Some people desire to get into the workforce faster but still want to remain in nursing. Don't fault them for that. Some people just might actually want to be a LVN/LPN. Imagine that! Just because someone chooses this path, please don't assume they're less ambitious, less excited, or less proud to be a nurse than you are. I'm not a LVN that claims to 'do the same work for less pay' because that wouldn't be true. But, I DO do MY OWN job responsibilities, I do them well, and I contribute to the patient's plan of care in a positive manner.

For now, that's enough for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Originally posted by Jo_deye_yuh:

~SLAP IN THE FACE~...

This is what a fellow employee where I work asked me upon introduction recently...

"Are you a LPN or a nurse?" ...umm gee both I thought. I was trained, educated and passed the 'nursing' boards to attain the title of 'nurse', (so I thought).

I work for a VA hospital on the Med/Surg floor as a LPN with 2 years exp. The government does not recognize LPN's as nurses, we are put into the category of NA's. I and the other LPN's on the floor do nursing duties and cares, assessments, medications and injections. After taking the IV certification course we are able to start IV's. Still can not infuse only RN's (where I work). Now LPN schools are incorporating IV therapy as part of their cirriculum and can start and infuse IV's/Meds. That has been the only difference between LPN's and RN's as far as technical skill where I live.

Each role is needed and utilized. I respect all my fellow nurses by the job they perform and the knowledge they share. We are a team, unfortunately the "I'm better than thou", attitude drips down from DR, PA, NP, BSN, ASN, LPN, NA etc. Those with inferior mind sets feel the need to belittle others to make themselves feel superior. Those that are confident with themselves and their knowledge, are giving and share that knowledge and skill with coworkers. They seek your input and respect your observations and thoughts.

I learn everyday and am confident of my skills and compassion as a 'nurse'. However, I am thankful for those (LPN/RN/DR) that take the time to TEACH me and seek my input towards pt care and tx.

So many tell me to go on for my RN. That is a goal I hope to attain one day, but I am proud of where I am today and the skills and knowledge it has afforded me thus far.

Politics are in every job and career. It is unfortunate that some feel it necessary to degrade those that may have just as much skill and knowledge or even more than themself. We are all valuable professionals with one goal...patient care. I value the RNs I work 'WITH', and the LPNs I work 'WITH'. We are all under someone's supervision no matter the title. Those that supervise with class and respect, get respect and 100% effort.

Health and Blessings to you all, thank you for your hard work! ~Jodie biggrin.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Originally posted by TNNURSE:

HI,

OH PLEASE ,IF YOU WANT THE PRESTIGE THEN DO WHAT I DID AFTER BEING AN LPN FOR 11 YEARS I WENT BACK AND AM FINALLY FINISHING UP MY RN DEGREE.I HAVE BEEN WORKING THREE YEARS ON THIS DEGREE.LETS USE SOME COMMON SENSE....THE RN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG ?4 YEARS ....THANK YOU,AND THE LPN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG?,,,,,,,,12 MONTHS.THE RN DOES HAVE A VAST AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE VS THE LPN.I ON THE OTHER HAND THINK THAT ALL NURSES SHOULD RESPECT EACH OTHER.....LPN OR RN.WE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR PATIENTS.THERE SHOULD NOT BE A SUPERIORITY WAR.I THINK IT MUST BE A PRETTY SAD PLACE THAT YOU WORK AT THAT WOULD ALLOW ONE NURSE TO MAKE ANOTHER NURSE FEEL LOW OR BELITTLED.I HAVE BEEN LUCKY WORKING ALL THESE YEARS AS A LPN,I HAVE HAD THE LUXURY OF WORKING WITH SOME GREAT LPNS AND RNS.I HAVE LEARNED ALOT FROM OTHER RNS ,LPNS,AND CNAS.YES CNAS !EVERYONE IN THE HEALTH RELATED FIELD HAS KNOWLEDGE THAT WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM.USE THIS AS A GROWTH EXPERIENCE...GO BACK AND GET YOUR RN DEGREE...OR GO GET A NEW JOB.I THINK THAT THERE ARE BETTER THINGS WAITING FOR YOU AND THIS IS YOUR OPPOURTUNITY.

SINCERELY,

TNNURSE

TNNURSE~ Congratulations on your academic and professional successes. However, the underlying theme on this forum is not, I repeat, is not about 'PRESTIGE', it is about R E S P E C T, and acknowledgment.

I intend on attaining my RN some day. Not for the 'prestige', but to further my personal education. Education is priceless regardless of the level. Thank you for recognizing CNA's and their knowledge and skill they offer to the field. All those that participate in the cares of a patient are valuable hands, hearts, and minds of healing.

I too encourage others to always further their education. Whether it be CME's or degrees. Whether it be for a CNA going to school for 12 months to become a LPN, or a LPN going to school for 2 years to become an ADN or 4 years to become a BSN, etc. However, if a person is content to be a CNA for their career, that should not be looked down upon. Likewise, if a LPN chose to stay in that role for their career, applauds and accolades to them. If it is an individuals perogitive to do and excell in the 'job' of their choice, who are those that go on for more degrees entitled to look down on them for not? That is wrong. To each his own.

LPN's are not 'Licensed Pretend Nurses', or 'Lowly Peon Nurses', or 'Less Prepared Nurses', or 'Less Participating Nurses', or 'Low Prestige Nurses'!!! Instead, LPN's are "Licensed Practical Nurses". Regardless, we are nurses and after the work is done it speaks for itself.

As my DON once told me, "Just like there are different types of Doctors (MD, DO, etc) there are different types of Nurses, the RN and the LPN. The initials do not separate but include them into the category of Nurse." We are all of one goal, united. I do not and will not judge an individual by the initials behind their name. I will and do value an individual by their attitude and contributions. This whole RN vs LPN thing gives me nausea and a headache. I don't get it, I don't like it, and I won't agree with the continuing of such behavior.

TNNURSE said-"THE RN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG ?4 YEARS ....THANK YOU,AND THE LPN PROGRAM IS HOW LONG?,,,,,,,,12 MONTHS.THE RN DOES HAVE A VAST AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE VS THE LPN."

-if length of education is a true measure of knowledge, prestige, and entitlement, I ask if you remember Lisa Steinberg? She was the 6 yr old little girl that was sexually, mentally, physically abused and ultimately beat to death by her adoptive parents. The father was highly educated and a lawyer. Degrees and all, I fail to see the prestige. It is the individual not the degree that earns prestige. I know some Doctors that I would respect, admire and befriend without the MD initials or education. I respect, admire and befriend them on the grounds of their personality, compassion, generosity, integrity and ethics. I also know some Doctors that regardless of the initials and education they attained, I despise, pity, and avoid due to the lack of the above mentioned favorable characteristics. If Charles Manson was a RN would that give him more prestige or respect? It is the individual and their life's experience and personality that make any title or initials prestigious.

I used to work as a physician's nurse in a clinic, and the RN's and LPN's were equal. We treated eachother with respect and valued each for their intelligence, talent and skills. I did not view/respect each nurse by their initials, rather by the knowledge and skill they possessed and shared. Where I am working now, it is frustrating to see the descrimination and ignorance. The masses need to be educated and the stigma stopped as to what it is to be a LPN--we are a valuable part of the medical professional team--we are NURSES. And within the perimeters of our license, can achieve gratification and success. There are those LPN's that further their education through CME's, lectures and application of skills, that retire as highly respected and valued LPN's. Instead of encouraging LPN's to change and get their RN, they should be embraced, valued, and utilized for the skill and knowledge they offer. It should not be a condition of workplace acceptance to 'have' to become a RN.

Best of luck to those that choose to further their education AND to those that continue to strive for excellence in their current positions.

Heath and Blessings~ Jodie

P.S. JulieW very well said, I concur with every word in your post. smile.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment