LPN are we professional nurses or just RNs?

[Butterflybee]

I've been reading that changes were made in the 80s that distinguished an RN from an LPN with the making of a 'professional nurse'. What does that mean and why arent LPNs included in that? Does anyone know what the changes were that took place and why? I understand that there isn't anything that distinguishes an RN from an LPN in LTC or many times for the most part. So why is it that because a nurse and we are all nurses arent we... LPNS are not assistants....why because of additional courses taken....do RNs want to be so separated from LPNs (was it their idea). Both take NCLEX. I even did an NCLEX review with nothing but RNs. There are LPN charge nurses. So what gives? I really don't understand WHAT is going on within nursing. What happened to nursing in the 80s and why???

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

No, LPNs are considered technicians by labor classification because most receive a technical education. Yes there are alot of licnesed technicans, Radiology Techs, Physical Therapy Assistants, Ultrasound Techs, i could be wrong,

but i do think in order to be classified as a professional one needs a university degree. LPNs I think are Licensed Technicians, but still Technicians.

Of course, this is true to some extent. The vast majority of PN programs upon completion issue a PN "certification" rather than a college degree. There *are* a few practical nursing associates degrees out there, though.

And I take a little exception to

being grouped with PT aides or US techs. When I'm the ONLY nurse responsible for 49 pts in LTC, I am taking on WAY WAY WAY more responsibility than any of these techs ever dreamed of.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

As of late, I've heard of pushes for ASN/ADN RN's to be called "technical nurses" and encouragement for the BSN RN to be the only "professional nurse". /sigh.... as an LPN that hurt me to say that.

ADN and Diploma RNs earned their full title "registered professional nurse" just as much as any BSN RN. Of course there are some people who feel only those with a bachelors deserve to be called professional. Such people are full of themselves and insecure.