Just an LPN...

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

"Oh, you're just an LPN?" How rude is it when someone dismisses your occupation!?!? If you insert any other occupation here (ex. garbage man, stay at home mom) you would sound like a complete A-hole but somehow it is ok to say in the nursing field! What are some good comebacks to this remark?

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What are some good comebacks to this remark?
I'd rather not allow the LPN bashers to rent valuable space inside my head. Let it roll off your back like a duck. Good luck!
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

"That's what my license says. Why do you ask? Are you a nurse?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Maybe it's because they have been minimized at a time they used to work to their maximum capacity. After a while, it becomes that way from years of having been role unappreciated. Every time they turn, they are reprimanded with "your not an RN" and/or daily rule and/or role changes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
If a resident falls, they won't assess b/c they say "they're only an LPN". Um, in this state an LPN ca't do an INITIAL assessment, but fall assessments aren't initials. Or they will defer to an RN on a policy situation--something she can easily look up in a facility handbook. It's pretty ridiculous.

She called me over a few weeks ago to look at a toe that was reddened. She asked if I would call the Dr. As it didn't hurt the resident, I said I'd probably wait until the morning instead of 9:30 on a Sunday night. She did NOTHING about it and then tried to tell people that "the RN said not to call the Dr". Um, no, that's NOT what the RN said and the RN did her own documenting on that toe that totally disproves what she said. Guess who will no longer be doing things for that LPN that she is fully licensed to do. If she needs an IV, I'm there. Otherwise, she will not get another opportunity to play the LPN card and crap all over me again.

Yikes. You definitely shouldn't have to do things that the LPN is licensed to do. What an awful co-worker.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
To me it's right up there with all the RN drop outs/failed a course ones who want to know "can I challenge the LPN exam?"

I see nothing wrong with that.

What about all the Lpn's who want to challenge the Rn Nclex because they have been working for 40 yrs?

Or my fav,the ones who think that they should not listen to the 25 yr old Bsn just because they are too young?

Come on,we are all family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Thankfully, I don't have to work with her often. She will only work ONE hall, only ONE shift and she can never pick up or stay late (she has to let her yappy little dog out).

Yikes. You definitely shouldn't have to do things that the LPN is licensed to do. What an awful co-worker.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
I see nothing wrong with that.

What about all the Lpn's who want to challenge the Rn Nclex because they have been working for 40 yrs?

Or my fav,the ones who think that they should not listen to the 25 yr old Bsn just because they are too young?

Come on,we are all family.

I think what bugs most of us is when RN students who can't hack the RN program treat PN licensure as some sort of fall back or consolation prize. That's not what it is. Practical nursing isn't a Plan B for RN students who flunk out.

It's one thing if life circumstances made you unable to continue your education and you need a job now, so you bow out of the RN program and challenge the NCLEX-PN. It's an entirely different thing if you're unable to pass the RN program and you figure "I'll just be a LPN instead." If you weren't good enough to be a RN, you aren't good enough to be a LPN either.

And, yes, legally I am obliged to take direction from an RN even if said RN is a twenty-ish new grad with zero experience. The nurse practice act is pretty explicit about that. But it is exceedingly unwise for a new grad BSN to disregard the experience of a seasoned LPN (or ADN). A brand-spanking new BSN who thinks her education means she knows better than experienced LPN or ADNs right out of the gate is very dangerous. Learn to walk before you try to run.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

My favorite is when someone looks at my name badge and says, "Oh. You're just an LVN. (Usually with "that look" on their face like they're trying to figure out what that road kill was prior to meeting its end.) I want to talk to an RN." I mean really. I love that. That means I am free to go about my day and some other poor soul has the "pleasure" of dealing with the holier-than-thou resident/family member that I'm clearly not qualified enough to attend to. ;) It truly doesn't bother me anymore. I'm good with me. "Those" people's opinion of me doesn't change that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I get asked, a lot, by pts "what's an LPN?" when they see my badge. When I explain licensed practical nurse, they look confused and ask if we can only work in doctor's offices.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
My favorite is when someone looks at my name badge and says, "Oh. You're just an LVN. (Usually with "that look" on their face like they're trying to figure out what that road kill was prior to meeting its end.) I want to talk to an RN." I mean really. I love that. That means I am free to go about my day and some other poor soul has the "pleasure" of dealing with the holier-than-thou resident/family member that I'm clearly not qualified enough to attend to. ;) It truly doesn't bother me anymore. I'm good with me. "Those" people's opinion of me doesn't change that.

That's the best way to go about it. Whatever results in doing less work = more candycrush time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I think what bugs most of us is when RN students who can't hack the RN program treat PN licensure as some sort of fall back or consolation prize. That's not what it is. Practical nursing isn't a Plan B for RN students who flunk out.

It's one thing if life circumstances made you unable to continue your education and you need a job now, so you bow out of the RN program and challenge the NCLEX-PN. It's an entirely different thing if you're unable to pass the RN program and you figure "I'll just be a LPN instead." If you weren't good enough to be a RN, you aren't good enough to be a LPN either.

And, yes, legally I am obliged to take direction from an RN even if said RN is a twenty-ish new grad with zero experience. The nurse practice act is pretty explicit about that. But it is exceedingly unwise for a new grad BSN to disregard the experience of a seasoned LPN (or ADN). A brand-spanking new BSN who thinks her education means she knows better than experienced LPN or ADNs right out of the gate is very dangerous. Learn to walk before you try to run.

Exactly!!! GREAT post!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
My favorite is when someone looks at my name badge and says, "Oh. You're just an LVN. (Usually with "that look" on their face like they're trying to figure out what that road kill was prior to meeting its end.) I want to talk to an RN." I mean really. I love that. That means I am free to go about my day and some other poor soul has the "pleasure" of dealing with the holier-than-thou resident/family member that I'm clearly not qualified enough to attend to. ;) It truly doesn't bother me anymore. I'm good with me. "Those" people's opinion of me doesn't change that.

Haha! Yes, I guess it could be a get out of jail free card too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment