LPN and RN attitudes towards one another.

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a senior nursing student about to graduate with a BSN degree. I in no way find my self superior to LPNs especially considering my level of experience in nursing. I do understand that I may be in charge of over seeing other nurses even in my first job( but this does not mean I think I am any better than other nurse regardless of title). I have noticed attitudes from some LPN's towards me even as RN student for no reason. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how did you handle this? I have heard many people say the reverse that RNs are rude to LPN's all the time. Just curious if anyone else has received the opposite like I have?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Generalizations such as this are explosive. For every LPN who behaves rudely to his/her RN coworkers, there are probably 10 more LPNs who are pleasurable to work with. For some strange reason, it's the negative individuals who capture our attention, so we tend to remember them more profoundly.

There are rude people with attitude problems in all crevices of society, but I'd rather focus my time and energy on the considerate, good people.

By the way, I'm an LPN/LVN who has never been rude to my RN coworkers.

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Specializes in ED/trauma.

Think less about the title and more about what the individual is able to accomplish. In NV, the only major difference is that LPNs can't push IV meds. I reported off to a LPN one night who's been a nurse for 10 years or something, whereas I'm a new grad. (I actually met him in orientation at this hospital.) I actually learned more from him.

I'm convinced that title means almost nothing when it comes to experience in nursing. It's like comparing green and red apples.

I'd also like to add that this debate is also very prevalent between ADN & BSN RNs. After years of experience, the "education" level means next to nothing -- unless someone's just being nasty.

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Specializes in ER/SICU/Med-Surg/Ortho/Trauma/Flight.

I was an LPN first and was never rude to any of my RN coworkers, its ridiculous and uncalled for, on that note I have also been getting the same from some LPN's since I became an RN, thats when I end up lecturing them since I am a supervisor.

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I agree that title means nothing compared to experience in nursing. I work with an LPN currently who is the sweetest person and a great teacher and have also been in clinicals with RNs that where just plain mean. I agree the title should not matter but unfortunately I have witnessed attitudes from one nurse to another in many situations. I guess you just have to be respectful to everyone and try to not take someone else's ignorance personally.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am sorry to hear that this has been your experience with some of the LPNs. I am an LPN that does not treat RNs like this, I think we need each other. What may have happened, though, (and not defending their behavior) is that some RNs have made them feel less than nurses. I have had some say to me "You probably wouldn't understand, because you aren't a nurse". It is bad enough when a person thinks that because you are an LPN, you may be way over your head, but another thing when someone tells you that you are not a nurse. Or, there are plenty that feel that we are underachievers, lazy or unable to cut it to be RNs. Now, I do admit that those who do give me such treatment get what they get, but I don't initiate trouble with them.

I chose to become and remain an LPN because I know what I can handle. I am interested in basic nursing, am task oriented and not remotely interested in being in a leadership position. I am more comfortable being part of the oil to keep the engine running rather than leading the pack. But, I am a nurse, and love what I do. There are some LPNs that are embittered because they didn't choose or were unable to go further, and take it out on fresh, excited RN students and new grads. What they need to look at, is regardless of their personal feelings, this person may become your boss, and be responsible for you. You will see the same issues between LPNs and CMAs, Patient Techs and CNAs, CNAs and Home Health Aides, Patient Techs and Phlebotomists...it goes on and on. I think we all need to be more open minded on what a person can contribute but keep in mind of the liability we can cause for each other if we do the wrong thing. But, we CAN work together. I hope that you meet more that will embrace you, rather than work against you.

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An LVN where I worked at my first job was as rude, belligerent, moody, and uncooperative as could be. I was warned about her before I really got my toe wet at the job. I was present when she ran off a newly hired RN by saying "I won't orient an RN". I eventually learned that this person worked 16 hour days between two facilities for seven days a week, had a husband at home who didn't work, and four teenagers. It didn't excuse the behavior as far as I was concerned, but I certainly came to understand her better. It might be a little problematic at first with a person or two, but please realize that as time goes by and your co-workers get to know you, you will be able to see who is pleasant to work with and who you should avoid. Same everywhere, whether you're a new grad, or someone with 30 years experience. Just human nature. Go into your first job with enthusiasm and you'll do ok.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

i tell you what!!!

my girlfriend is an LPN..

i am an RN..

SHE IS A WAY BETTER NURSE THAN I AM!!!

only diff is i can do IV pushes ... and hang blood.... blah blahh

her charting is way beyond perfect...

mine is just a little above acceptable...

it doesn't matter as much as for the LPN/RN difference...

what matters is how we take care of our patients~~

:cool:

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

any RN that has that *attitude* against LPN's is someone that don't know really how it is....... sure.. RN's have more education...

but there are LPN's that have more experience.... it used to kill me when i would see a new RN grad ******** out a 20 year veteran LPN on how to do something.... uhhhh... seriously... the LPN knew how to do it... had done it a million times....

my words of wisdom are this....

if you are an RN....

respect your LPN's

they are nurses too!!

they just don't make as much money...

:cool:

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Specializes in pediatrics.

Those LPN's probably got rubbed the wrong way by some RN's so they are suspicious of you....... wondering if you are going to be a fellow nurse :nurse: or act as a "superior":bowingpur.

I know when I worked as a nurses aid in one particular hospital in CT, they treated the LPN's almost like nurse's aides. I also started out in one RN program who made it seemed like LPN's were 2nd rate nurses who work in nursing homes. I ended up going the LPN route after some time off due to my dad's death & financial difficulties). I did 2 straight years of intense studying:typing, weekly tests, driving from one clinical site to the next and in the end learning that I worked just as hard as an LPN student as I did an RN student!

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Specializes in Surgical.

I just started my RN career, and the LVNs are nicer to me than some of the RNs I work with. You'll just learn who you are going to work well with and take the others with a grain of salt.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, SICU, CCU, ER, RN Paralegal.

The key is respect for everyone you work with. I've met plenty of LPNs and Nursing Assistants over the last 30 some years who could run circles around most of the RNs I know. Also, it's a good idea to make nice to the Unit Secretary as that is the person who really knows everything on the unit.

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