I can't believe she said that

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I was at work and a new RN graduate was telling a story about a class she was taking that had a LPN in it. She said the LPN was asking questions about meds and why a patient would take them. The new grad then said I have nothing against LPN's but LPN's need to go away because they don't know what they're doing and they're annoying! We're the "real" nurses. I was FLOORED!:eek:

That is my usual response to the rude higher titled folks: "Oh, you don't know, either...". She is a new grad? Give her time...even the CNAs and housekeepers will occasionally say "Screw You".

I have a question for pagandeva2000 on your years of experience you put MA where you a medical assistant? if so could you give some tips on how to succeed in a MA Program and if becoming an MA before an LVN or RN helps? I am really sorry if these questions seem dumb or nosy but I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips you could offer, thank you.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I have a question for pagandeva2000 on your years of experience you put MA where you a medical assistant? if so could you give some tips on how to succeed in a MA Program and if becoming an MA before an LVN or RN helps? I am really sorry if these questions seem dumb or nosy but I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips you could offer, thank you.

Personally, I didn't think that the medical assisting program was particularly hard; it was almost like learning the same things I did in CNA classes, with the exception of injections. I don't think that it was helpful for me in nursing school because it really just skimmed over the basics. I worked at an agency that used to send me to places (most of them want people that draw blood very well) such as labs and an occasional doctor's office.

Truthfully, I got my MA training at a training program that only lasted like 10 weeks, one day a week, only paid $299. Since I was already a CNA and phlebotomist, that was just a school issued certificate and I strongly suspect that it was my years of experience in those particular areas that gave me more consideration than the MA alone. Most MA programs, however, are extremely expensive, the position doesn't pay well in many cases and it limits you to the doctor's private office...many times, no benefits. With the CNA (and many programs are now offering this course along with the phlebotomy and EKG), you can work at nursing homes, hospitals, home health and assisted living.

To be successful in the MA course, you need to listen carefully to the instructors, read the textbook and do practice questions. Most texts have chapter summaries and review questions that cover the main points. Now, in nursing, you have to do that and then really juggle with time management, with the demands of a rigorous nursing program, work and family (if that is your situation). Best of luck to you!

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Personally, I didn't think that the medical assisting program was particularly hard; it was almost like learning the same things I did in CNA classes, with the exception of injections. I don't think that it was helpful for me in nursing school because it really just skimmed over the basics. I worked at an agency that used to send me to places (most of them want people that draw blood very well) such as labs and an occasional doctor's office.

Truthfully, I got my MA training at a training program that only lasted like 10 weeks, one day a week, only paid $299. Since I was already a CNA and phlebotomist, that was just a school issued certificate and I strongly suspect that it was my years of experience in those particular areas that gave me more consideration than the MA alone. Most MA programs, however, are extremely expensive, the position doesn't pay well in many cases and it limits you to the doctor's private office...many times, no benefits. With the CNA (and many programs are now offering this course along with the phlebotomy and EKG), you can work at nursing homes, hospitals, home health and assisted living.

To be successful in the MA course, you need to listen carefully to the instructors, read the textbook and do practice questions. Most texts have chapter summaries and review questions that cover the main points. Now, in nursing, you have to do that and then really juggle with time management, with the demands of a rigorous nursing program, work and family (if that is your situation). Best of luck to you!

Thank you so much for your advice I really appreciate it. Yes I have to juggle my time with school & family but I am so looking forward to getting into the Medical Field!!!!! I should hopefully start an MA Program in October and the school is not too expensive it's AVROP which a regional occupational school and the whole program inlcuding books & i think uniform is about $400 not too bad but if I can get into a CNA Program I will do that instead, thanks again for taking the time to answer my many questions!!!!~~~~~

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I was at work and a new RN graduate was telling a story about a class she was taking that had a LPN in it. She said the LPN was asking questions about meds and why a patient would take them. The new grad then said I have nothing against LPN's but LPN's need to go away because they don't know what they're doing and they're annoying! We're the "real" nurses. I was FLOORED!:eek:

Still learning how to work in this environment. She should remember we are all nurses and we have to support one another. I would never treat another person as if they did not matter I do not care who it is.:nurse:

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I have a fair ammount of friends that are "new" RN's and I notice ALOT of them have this attitude almost that they are just far better then any LPN...even someone with years and years more experience then them. I would like to HOPE its a new grad thing :(

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Wow...she sounds young and ignorant.

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I've been in this long enough to know RN doesn't mean real nurse. Worked with alot that are weak in skills.

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

We had a student nurse intern a while back (she was in a RN program) who repeatedly asked, apparently not realizing that I was a LPN, if the clinic at our hospital hired "nurses, or just CNAs and LPNs?" After about the fifth time she said it, I replied that I WAS a nurse, the state board had licensed me, and that maybe after she had the years of hospital experience I had she could consider a job that required said experience. She just stood there with her mouth open. As a side note, she eventually got hired on at my hospital and I have not heard of another similar comment from her.

I am constantly amazed at the number of people who do not consider us to be "real" nurses, even if we take care of the same patient loads on the same floors and are required to have the same certifications (like ACLS).

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Specializes in ICU.
Translation: don't ask me questions I can't answer.

I remember staff nurses like that when I was a student, soon worked out that they couldn't answer rather than wouldn't ... on the whole, anyway.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
We had a student nurse intern a while back (she was in a RN program) who repeatedly asked, apparently not realizing that I was a LPN, if the clinic at our hospital hired "nurses, or just CNAs and LPNs?" After about the fifth time she said it, I replied that I WAS a nurse, the state board had licensed me, and that maybe after she had the years of hospital experience I had she could consider a job that required said experience. She just stood there with her mouth open.
I loved your reply to this person. As I've said previously, we must address these antagonistic comments as soon as they occur. It does no good to complain privately behind the person's back, when they need to know their comment was offensive to you right then and there.

The behavior won't stop until you take the initiative to confront it. It is pointless to stare in disbelief at other peoples' rude statements while these same individuals aren't losing one minute of sleep over what they say.

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That is just plain ignorance right there. Either that, or that girl feels she has to put down others in order to feel better about herself. I really hope someone puts her in her place REAL soon! :devil: I guess she was too dumb to realize that LPNs also go through schooling and also have to take the state boards to obtain a license to become a licensed vocational NURSE! I'm not a nurse yet, but I do believe that some of the LPNs may have had no choice but to go the LPN route, just like me. I really wanted to get into the RN program, but due to my financial situation, I cannot afford to be out of work for more than one year. And if fate permits, I would like to go back to school for RN. That's just the way it has to be for some of us. Just because someone is an LPN, that does not mean that they are less intelligent than an RN.

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as an LPN of 20 years, in many areas of pratice, I am so sorry she feels that way. Maybe experience will teach her something else.

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