LPN Get No Respect

[kimspevak]

My question is why LPN's are considered not real nurses and how to go about changing the preceptions of what an LPN does? Several years ago I decided I wanted to make a career change, but wasn't sure what I wanted to do. When I considered nursing I wasn't sure it was the right decision for me. I started with the LPN program because if nursing wasn't for me, I would know without having to make a huge commitment to something I wasn't cut out for. Prior to graduating I knew that nursing was the right decision. I currently work as an LPN, but hear comments all the time that when I graduate with my ADN I will be a real nurse. Now I realize LPNs do don't have the same education as an RN, but I have seen a lot of LPNs who are good nurses and who I would trust with my care over an RN. So where does the preception come from, is it within the nursing profession itself?

[justiceforjoy]

This mostly stems from the fact that some states are phasing out LPNs. Some states require LPNs to work under the direct supervision of an RN. Some states have very narrow practice scopes.

The rest of the ignorant comments are from 10+ years ago when our jobs were essentially that of a care aide/pt. tech. Times have changed, but thinking has not. To that I say... Uh, whatever. I don't care. haha People will be ignorant no matter where you go.