LPN bashing...

Nurses General Nursing

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:( Why do people not consider LPNs "real" nurses?? I have been an LPN for 6 yrs and I am SO sick of hearing people always point out that RNs can do so much more than I. So, why doesn't anyone ever ask an RN.."When are you going to med school? Docs can do so much more than an RN. (prescribe meds, etc.)" I have nothing against RNs, will probably go back to school when my kids are older. I hope this post makes sense...just needed to vent some.

I was an LPN for two years when my unit decided to phase us out in favor of RNs. So, I went back to school, for two 16 week semesters and... Tada! I can now do the same job that I always did (and a few things more)

To me, the difference between an LPN and an RN is ten bucks an hour.

Although I would like to say that I grew as a nurse in those last two semesters, I just can't. I will never regret returning for the RN because of the big pay increase.

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

Can we all just knock it off?

LPNs, instead of getting in a huff about posts which describe your limitations in a particular state, accept the fact that these limitations are NOT placed upon you by RNs. They are placed upon you by your state, or in some cases, the organization in which you choose to work.

Just because in YOUR facility you claim to be soley responsible for your patients, does NOT mean that holds true in MY state or any other state. I have a right to feel frustration if my facility places the LPNs responsibilities on ME. Personally, I don't care what you are allowed to do in your state; I'm more concerned about MY state.

I think LPNs need to get it together and form an organization specifically for them to regulate their practice and standardize things. It's entirely stupid to have an LPN in one state be able to work critical care independently, and in another state not. Rather than taking out this justified frustration on the RN, get it together, represent yourselves, and change your practice acts or your organization's policies!

Specializes in Everything except surgery.

For someone to start out saying "let's knock it off"...you sure know how to get that to happen.,...NOT!!!

Susy K you have been on the front lines sticking in you jibs on LPNs, blacks, democrats, and welfare mothers. Sometimes I wonder do you even hear yourself think. This post is offensive, rude and totally self-centered. I'm sorry...I just need to say you should have kept your peace here! You have totally outdone yourself this time!

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

As a friend of mine would say:

What....freakin.....ever.

I didn't mention blacks or welfare recepients or democrats in my post. I don't see what that has to do with LPNs scope of practice. I was stating LPNs need to represent themselves and initiate changes if they don't like their current practice in their state or organization.

You go Suzy! My thoughts exactly.

this is off topic...but i just really have to say this

origanally posted by MICU RN---

"And I don't get into the LPN bashing based on comparing education levels because I know many RN's with just associates degrees who think they know as much as the physicians, that is a joke. I work in a academic teaching hospital and see first hand the amount of training a MD receives while in training and it is much more than a RN"

MICU RN...i have read many of your posts. why in each one must you put "i work in a large academic teaching hospital...so i see first hand the training MD's go through as opposed to nurses." do you, for some reason, think this puts you on a higher level than everyone else? do you think because you see doc's in training, that you are an expert on differences btw. nurses and doctors? ok...so I work in the CVICU at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (a large academic teaching hospital where i see residents in training) ...i had to show a 4th year surgical resident how to take a manual blood pressure...maybe with all of their training the should learn the BASICS or pay attention to the basics. i have seen diploma nurses with years of experience TEACHING residents (all the way up the scale) procedures, how to read blood gases and lab values, swan ganz readings...etc etc etc. so, IMHO, there are times where some of your arguments are invalid. i think you are not proud of being a nurse (as most of us, on this BB are proud), and maybe you should go back to medical school so you can achieve the higher status/respect/appreciation that you want.

jamistlc,

First of all we live in two different states. I live in California and according to the nurses practice act it clearly states that a LVN/LPN works under the supervision of a RN, in knowing that, that puts the RN ultimately responsible for his/her patients and the ones delegated to the LVN/LPN. Even if you are able to do an aseptic dressing technique like you said the RN is signing you off with the understanding that it was done. I am not trying to degrade anyone on this post. I was a LVN for 4 years and I knew what my limitations were and because of that notion I became a RN where I do not have to have anyone co-sign anything I do. Flo said it best when you are in a certain area you know your limitations. I know as a RN I can't do what a MD does and if I wanted to do that then I will apply for med school.

I didn't write the nurses practice act. I only relayed it in the thread. Read what your nurses practice act says...............

There was a nursing home I had worked at.. and my RN super told me.."you have as much power as the RN.. in certain aspects".. Now how often do you hear that?

:eek:

RN's have power??

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I've always had an affinity for "my" LPN's. They stay for the long haul while the RNs leave. They have great assessment skills and are the backbone of "my" staff when I'm in charge. In my hospital the only things LPNs can't do is be in charge. In just about every aspect they are equal, except in pay. I always encourage new grad LPNs that pass my way to try to get their RNs and make 800-1000 more a month doing the same job. I hope that's not being insensitive.

I love working with kids......absolutely...I hope to find a good close college to go get that RN..because I feel real lucky to even to be a nurse for a child :nurse:

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

I've always had an affinity for "my" LPN's. They stay for the long haul while the RNs leave. They have great assessment skills and are the backbone of "my" staff when I'm in charge. In my hospital the only things LPNs can't do is be in charge. In just about every aspect they are equal, except in pay. I always encourage new grad LPNs that pass my way to try to get their RNs and make 800-1000 more a month doing the same job. I hope that's not being insensitive.

Please don't call me YOUR LPN-I am not....I think that is a degrading attitude.I don't call the cna's on my unit "my cna's" or "my grils" I consider that demenaing-we are all licensed in the state of Pa and are all professionals there to do a job....I am sure you mean well-but this kind of remark may be taken in a different way
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

I've always had an affinity for "my" LPN's. They stay for the long haul while the RNs leave. They have great assessment skills and are the backbone of "my" staff when I'm in charge. In my hospital the only things LPNs can't do is be in charge. In just about every aspect they are equal, except in pay. I always encourage new grad LPNs that pass my way to try to get their RNs and make 800-1000 more a month doing the same job. I hope that's not being insensitive.

Please don't call me YOUR LPN-I am not....I thing that is a degrading attitude.I don't call the cna's on my unit "my cna's" or "my grils" I consider that demenaing-we are all licensed in the state of Pa and are all professionals there to do a job....I am sure you mean well-but this kind of remark may be taken in a different way
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