Have you ever encountered this?

[polarbear901]

I live in a small town in Missouri that is currently being affected by the floods. I decided that since I was off today that I would go to the local Red Cross shelter and volunteer my time to help with the flood victims that had been evacuated to our local Community Center. I walked in and presented the Red Cross staff with some toiletry items and food that I had purchased to donate to the cause. Then I asked if there was anything that I could do to help such as donate my time. One of the staff noticed that I had on my jacket that had the logo from the hospital where I worked. She asked me if I was a nurse. I said yes. I was hopeful that there was something more that I could do. Then she asked me, "Are you and RN?" I said "No, I am a LPN". She politely said thanks for offering but "only RNs can dispense medications and an LPN cannot work here without an RN to supervise". I was hurt and deeply saddened by the fact that they would not accept my offer of help. I have always longed to voluteer in situations such as these and I feel very fortunate that myself and my family were not affected by this natural disaster and wanted to help those that had been. It makes me wonder just what the future holds for LPNs in our country if your volunteer time is not even appreciated. I didn't expect to walk in there and start IVs or triage people, but I felt like I had the door slammed in my face because I wasn't an RN. I have so many skills that could have be useful in this situation. Has anyone else ever been made to feel like they were useless because they were "just an LPN"?

Please Note: I don't mean to start a debate about RN vs. LPN. I just want to know if anyone has experienced this same type of treatment. It has bothered me all day and I just need some clarification that I am not being petty here.

[Fiona59]

I would contact the head office of your local Red Cross and find out what their opinion is. Chances are you were talking to a volunteer.

I've seen PNs go on medical missions overseas with other agencies.

[JeanineLPN1984]

In Florida I was a member of the Broward Medical Reserve Corp, and as an LPN I was sent to do hospital relief on the west coast after the hurricanes. Although it was in a hospital, there were far and few betweens RN'S OR MD''s to supervise. Some triage points on the scenes were headed up by LPN's, Paramedics or EMT's. The Red Cross may have different rules, but in an emergency, I would want someone with medical/nursing training to help me.:redbeathe

[Jules A, MSN]

I would contact the head office of your local Red Cross and find out what their opinion is. Chances are you were talking to a volunteer.

I've seen PNs go on medical missions overseas with other agencies.

I agree and even though I have pretty thick skin, my feelings would have been hurt also. Please follow up and let us know how you make out.

Jules

[elkpark]

It sounds like the person you spoke to is seriously misinformed -- I agree with the suggestion to check with an official source to get a "final" answer about whether or not your services would be welcomed. Best wishes!

[polarbear901]

Thank you all for your replies and encouragement. I think that I will see what I can find out about the exact rules where this is concerned. I think I will also talk to the CNO of the hospital where I work and see if there is the possibility of starting a volunteer nursing pool for situations such as this. Thanks again.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Usually, I have this screw you type of attitude when people say that I am 'only an LPN'. I do think that you should get a final word from an authority in the Red Cross for clarity. Was the person you actually spoke to a nurse herself or a clerical person who has no idea what LPNs and RNs can legally do. I also wonder if this was because they do not have enough RNs available to supervise LPNs (not that this is an excuse for the behavior).

Also, I would think about volunteering in another capacity if you really wish to render your time. What else do they have their volunteers doing? I certainly respect the fact that you want to function as a nurse (because you ARE), but, if there are legal reasons why this agency doesn't allow this, then, is there another service where you can give your time to? Maybe if they see that you are a caring individual who HAPPENS to be an LPN, and, they are desperate enough, they can try and find a way to utilize you in the capacity you are interested in. Maybe doing vital signs for the sick, etc...and with your nursing background, it may really be a help to them.

I hear all the time how LPNs feel really rejected and that doors have been closed to them. It is a horrible situation, but I have also seen phases where they were so desperate that ways were found to work around keeping the use of LPNs active in our roles.

[linzz]

You know what, if they don't want you, it is their loss. I have found that some of the branches of the Red Cross here in Canada to be very, very unprofessional and disorganized. Also, we had a scandal up here years ago where they infused tainted blood into many people. I would go somewhere else, there must be other more professional relief organizations that would appreciate your help. Sorry to offend, I just think that this is a very troubled organization. JMO.

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

Sad to say, but, Yes I have encountered this. I went to volunteer right after Katrina. I was told I would be used to run erronds, and help with other stuff but, I would not be allowed to preform any Nursing functions. Unfortunately, LPN's are still not considered "real" nurses, at least by those who really should know better.