Is there an 'us' and 'them' culture in nursing

[nyapa, RN]

I recently have finished my first year as an RN. Previous to that I was an EN for many years. EN basically is equivalent to LPN. As an EN I didn't see this, but as an RN I think that there is a hidden undercurrent of 'us' and 'them'. Comments like 'its good you've got all RNs on this shift' or 'RNs have to do a lot of ENs work'. I personally find this quite offensive, because as an EN I worked my butt off. And the ENs I have come into contact with on several wards are often the ones with the senior knowledge. They are just not allowed to assume it for legal reasons. So what do you LPNs, RNs and Aussie ENs think?

[Kymmi]

I dont mean to offend but if you do a search on this forum you will find sooooooooooooooo many threads with the RN/LPN debate and it really gets old and the topic never ends nicely because at some point people take offense and feel offended.

I am a RN...used to be a LPN......had different functions in both capacities......I work currently with some wonderful LPN and Aides and at times I am happy to see that Im working with them as opposed to some of the RN's I've encountered.

[nyapa, RN]

I guess many of the threads on this board have been overdone. I haven't seen this as a poll. The reason I brought it up was not to offend but simply to make ppl think before they do or say things. If the moderators do think it may cause trouble, please, take it off the board, that is not my intent.

[Kymmi]

Nyapa----I understand what you're saying and it would be wonderful if we thought about what we did or said to each other .....and Im sorry if I came off as sounding rude to you because that wasnt my intent either.

[nyapa, RN]

No I wasn't upset. To be quite honest, I really didn't want to cause any trouble. It just upsets me when I see this attitude at work, sometimes blatantly in front of the EN!

[Heather, R.N.]

I think there is in some areas... I'm an RN who was precepted by a certain LVN and I wouldn't have had it any other way. She was by far one of the best nurses, regardless of her certification, that I have EVER seen. I've seen some scary RN's and some scary LVN's... I think it's all relative.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I went with "unsure" because the only grief I've ever gotten is from other LPN's resentful that I'm going on for the RN. "Why, are you thinking of leaving?" "I don't need that. I can do everything I need to as an LPN." "I wouldn't earn any more. I'm already at the top." "More authority. Ha! That's what you think?"

[Djuna]

I work in a busy ED and although I don't believe there is a blatant culture of 'us' and 'them', I do see the benefits of only having RNs.

In a small rural hospital you are put under a lot more pressure when the EN cannot triage or give medication to under 14 year olds, start IVs and other tasks necessary to the smooth functioning of the ED. These are left solely to the RN and sometimes it's just too much work for 2 RNs on a busy shift. It's stressful enough without one member of the team limited in her functional ability.

In other wards however ENs are part of the team and in general very well liked.

[amigojack]

Unsure. Coz there's a reason why we're we are... there may be more "authority" privileges among RNs i think

[KristiePDX]

There are no LPNs at my facility. I have never worked with one so I checked unsure. I do know that the CNAs get the utmost respect from the nurses where I work and are a valued memeber of the TEAM. There is no "us" and "them" We all share in the ups and downs though the CNAs are more likley to get a break during the hard times. (yes i know that your question applied to the LPN role)

[End Game RN, RN]

We all make choices and most of us behave as adults.

Celebrate a co-worker who returns to school/University and works hard for the next step in their professional lives.

We throw parties for those to change their roles as their education and college/university degree grants them.

Our PCTs become LPNs, RNs (like myself who worked full time and went to nursing school full time).

Some of our PCTs go to college to study respiratory therapy. We are very supportive as a group..I don't believe I have ever witnessed jealosy over a colleague obtaining their advanced degrees in anything.

Most of my orientees who became critical care RNs CCRN,CNRN etc.. also became Nurse anesthetists..I never felt anything but pride (like a nurse Mom). Actually I cannot think of anyone of our nurses who did not pass their nurse anesthetist programs/boards and now work as nurse anesthetists. Several contiued in their studies to achieve Phds, ARNPs, what ever, none of us are jealous.

PCTs/LPNs are especially congratulated and encouraged to move on even further in their studies and professional achievment. When possible I pay for one three credit class for one of our PCTs. I told her that she can study what she wants and do not hold her to nursing as a profession only. I wish more of us senior nurses would do this..pick someone deserving and within reason, provide some incentive such as this.

Love my "people" my "family"

Bye,

End Game RN

[CHATSDALE]

every facility is different and sometimes one person can set a sour tone that carries on and causes bitter feelings

cnas & ward clerks have their jobs and God bless them, i have worked w/o either so i am very grateful when they are on board

i see you are from austrailia and i know that there are different regs concerning what each specility can do, here there are states which allow lpns to start an iv but not to give a 'push'

most do not allow ca ivs or blood products to be given by a lpn,

as for less than 14 y/o age restriction i have never heard of this

each division has larned and been certified to do things that are not considered within the scope of the devision less on the hierarchy just as even experienced on competent rns cannot do the things wihich is considered in the scope of a medical doctor

the plain fact is that it is in the patients interest to have a team with all members working together without malace or jealousy