I Wish I was a Real Nurse not a LPN

justiceforjoy · Sep 16, 2009

Look at what you just wrote. You're now contributing to this FALSE idea of LPN vs RN. LPNs are not lesser nurses than RNs - we have a DIFFERENT job than RNs. We follow a different scope and are licensed through a separate body. There's no need to compare the two.

Licensed Practical NURSE. Registered NURSE. Edit your OP, would you? It's a disgrace. Hints of "real nurse" and "pretend nurse" everywhere. Get a grip of yourself! You're going to need more confidence than that to stay in this field.

(tough love time)

Batman24 · Sep 16, 2009

You are a real nurse. You passed boards that entitled you to a nursing license.

If you wish to be a RN go and apply at your local community college and stat taking any pre-reqs you may need ASAP. You can do it!!

Woodenpug, BSN · Sep 16, 2009

I really dislike these trade schools for health care. They charge way too much and are mostly non-accredited. The education has to be up to standards and they are required to maintain the same first time pass rate for boards. I just feel they are exploiting the fact that accredited schools are impacted.

guislander · Sep 16, 2009

I can really empathize with you. I was a LPN in the float pool of a hospital for 3 years before I got my RN. It was only on 2 units out of the whole hospital that I got to "be a nurse" , ie give meds, do dressings, the rest of the time I worked like a cna, but at least got paid as a lpn. I actually introduced myself as their LPN/aide. Some pt knew the difference and would say no you're a nurse, the rest didn't care. It bugged my ALOT at first but after a while I decided I liked the nurse pay for cna work. My program was one that after the first years' courses you took the LPN exam after the second year the RN. so I never had a problem continuing. I did see others who worked in nursing homes and clinics had a lot more experience than I did. That being said, being an LPN is still something to be very proud of. There are shifts where I wish I could give all the responsiblity back. Hang in there. Maybe keep your eyes open for a LPN postion with more responsiblity. When I worked in a nursing home as a CNA I didn't even know which nurses were LPNs and which were RNs unitl I'd been there 6 months. They were treated the same. good luck.

nursepurple · Sep 16, 2009

I was a LPN, went that route for a quick fix to a job need. Took me eleven years of taking my prerequits, two of which were for the actual RN school. I have heard it all. i always loved are you a nurse or a LPN? hahaha, still cracks me up. some people just do not know what they are saying. point is you are a LPN right now so make the best of it. Strive to be the best dang LPN they have ever seen. Before i got my RN degree most people were surprised is was not already a RN because of the knowledge base I had developed.

miwukman · Sep 16, 2009

There is only one way for you to fix this percieved problem, stop complaining and go back to school. Only you can fix this issue.

Chin-up and do what you need to do.

eldragon · Sep 16, 2009

Poppycock.

I am an LPN and a real nurse.

Whatever an RN can do, I probably do at least as well. If it's one of the rare things I can't do, so what?

OP, you seem to have low self esteem and I don't think getting your RN will help you much in that respect. There are always those with bigger, better degrees and more or different letters after their names. You have to regard them as people and speak up for your patients and yourself.

pinksugar · Sep 16, 2009

Without a doubt, some of the best nurses I have had the pleasure of meeting have been LPNs. I have said it before, and I'll say it again - many of those LPN's can nurse circles around little old RN me. Don't be so hard on yourself. You have done the best you can with what you have, and that is all that any of us can do. With your LPN experience, RN school will be that much easier for you. I think that you should go back to school, not to prove anything to anyone else, but to prove that you can do it to yourself.

((((Major big huge hugs))))

kajunnurse · Sep 16, 2009

I certainly feel your pain. I am currently a LPN working on my RN. When I am asked by new acquaintances what I do for a living and I reply "I am a nurse". I am often asked the ever dreaded question (usually by someone who knows a little bit about the nursing totem pole) "Oh, are you an LPN or RN?". Meanwhile I want to shout at the top of my lungs "DOES IT REALLY MATTER?". I take care of sick patients under the direction of a Medical doctor, I start IVs, give injections, administer meds, insert Foley caths, run codes, among many other nursing duties (and I am darn good at it thank you very much:wink2:). Why would anyone think that I am not a real nurse? Why does it matter? In the event that I am engaging in casual conversation I never ask someone "Well you said you are a social worker, do you have just a Bachelor degree or did you get your Masters?" or "Are you just an accountant or a CPA?". I worked so very hard for my LPN license, just like all RNs. The ironic thing is now that I am 3 classes shy of becoming RN via an online program, I actually have people make comments about the online program not being nearly as hard as a "real" college. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!! But I know who I am, I know that I am a **** good nurse no matter what letters I have behind my name. Do not let anyone make you think you are any less of a nurse because of you are not a RN!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 16, 2009

I have not read all of the posts, but, so far, I have to say the same...you cannot allow others to dictate your feelings or your value. I am also an LPN, and I am confident enough to say that I am a damned good one. I am not ignored, people take my contributions seriously and I receive respect. I do hear from others that I need to become an RN, but, I don't want to, and I don't plan to push myself into something I do not wish to do to make others happy.

You have the right and priviledge to go up the nursing ladder like everyone else and if this is what you want, you should. Keep in mind, however, what other things were mentioned, which were basically that becoming an RN will not solve your problems...carrying yourself with confidence will alleviate a great deal of them.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2009

:nurse:I feel as though the quote "It's a dog eat dog world, and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear" was created by a new graduate nurse somewhere. MHO

After reading your post I gather that you're feeling down on yourself.

Here's a pick-me-up,

You are a nurse. Last time I checked LPN stood for "Licensed Practical Nurse", (or if you're feeling especially overwhelmed/burnt out "Less Paid Nurse".) You're still a NURSE

Let me stress that again:

YOU ARE A NURSE. RN or LPN the title still ends with the common word of NURSE.

That being said, You managed to pass the NCLEX-PN. A lot of my LPN friends who have moved on to become RNs have said that the NCLEX-PN made the NCLEX-RN easier to pass, for the simple fact; they've already done it and know what to expect when taking the NCLEX-RN (what kinds of questions are asked, critical thinking skills, prioritization, ect) They knew what their week areas are in, and use critical thinking on a daily or nightly basis.

If you are feeling particularly weak in an area, seek help. I have found that the majority of RNs are helpful, and will go out of their way to help you (If it weren't for the MDS RN at the SNF I work in being so patient with all my questions and helping me when needed, I'm sure I'd be bald now!!!)

These people who talk over you, and put you down obviously have a self esteem issue........if they didn't then why would the go out of their way to make you feel like dirt?

You obviously have the drive to keep in the nursing field. NEVER LET SOMEONE TEAR YOU DOWN.

Go back to school, get your prereqs out of the way and finish your RN. You won't be any happier until you finish, seek out new learning opportunities, ask questions and read, read, read!!!

:icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug::icon_hug:

You can do it. Never let them see you sweat and keep your head up!

pednursedeb · Sep 16, 2009

You have a confidence problem, not a RN vs LPN problem. I started out as an LVN, then went back to school and got my ADN. I could still feel bad about myself "I'm just an ADN." I don't have a BSN or a masters. Oh well, I'd put myself up against some of them any day. Going back to school gave me confidence. You don't even have to go to RN school. I found out I could set my mind to it and do well in school. I had to work hard, harder than some others, but I did it.

I had a problem when I was an LVN too, I didn't feel like I got any respect. I think that was my fault though. I work with several LVN's and I go to them for second opinions or questions all the time. They are a member of our team. They are nurses, real nurses. I don't care whether the ever become RN's or not. It's their attitude. They show confidence in what they do and feel good about themselves. If I had been that way I might not have ever gone back to school.

It really was my problem though, I just didn't recognize it.

Good luck to you. Just so you know, I had a harder time making it through LVN school than RN school. I think it was the pace of the school or perhaps the timing.

Do what you need to do to feel good about yourself. Start there first, then whether your an LVN or RN won't make a difference.

Again, good luck.