General opinions of RPN in workforce

2bNurse-88 · Jul 22, 2009

I'm an RPN student myself in Hamilton, going into 2nd year.

I've worked in a few nursing homes part-time as a PSW, did clinical rotations at other LTC homes, and a hospital & i've noticed it's like a chain reaction.

Doctors disrespect RN's, RN's disrespect RPN's, RPN's disrespect PSW's.

Not all, but this has happened far too many times for my liking.

You just have to ignore it, if you let these things get to you, you'll never last in this field. Just go into it with a positive attitude, compassion, and be kind to all. That's the best you can do. Tune out the negative attitudes, you'll be fine.

Fiona59 · Jul 22, 2009

I've worked as an LPN for nearly a decade now. The surgeons on my unit don't know who is an LPN or an RN. They judge us by how we care for the patients, how much information we have when we call them with our concerns.

One surgeon is known to tell his "fresh residents" the same thing every time he gets a batch: "listen to the experienced nurses they know more than you do at this stage of your career, learn from them"

I've only ever had one put down from an RN and I reported her to her Manager who was aghast that someone said that to me. The RN in question is no longer on the casual list.

loriangel14, RN · Jul 22, 2009

There is no difference between the RNs and RPNs where I work as far as treatment. Our doctor doesn't even know who is what. Respect goes both ways, you respect them and they will respect you. As an RPN I feel I am treated as a peer by all the other nurses.

Angelofdeth · Jul 23, 2009

I did my consolidation @ a LTC facility, and let me tell ya- most of the people there are so stuck up and play the politics (maybe not @ all LTC facilities, but this one- yes- everyone believed they were God.) Now I'm working in a hospital and everyone treats everyone the same. IMO I attribute it to this, LTC, IMHO, is boring, stagnant, and the staff stay there for too long, and lose their lust and "spark" for the job. Therefore- becoming a contrary old thing is an easy thing to do, so I saw the doctors (rarely) and they thought they were god, the RN's would be contrary to the PN's, and the PN's would be contrary to the PSW's.

IN the hospital, we need to work as a team, therefore, we all bond as a team and don't really care what designation you have, just as long as you get the job DONE.

This is just my experience and opinion though.

Angelofdeth · Jul 23, 2009

And if you feel disrespected, pick yourself up, suck it up and deal. People will disrespect you and you will work with conceited people- this is like all jobs of course. It doesnt change your job or your salary, it just means that you wont have a friend in them. Boo Hoo- their loss.