lpn-rn...same difference

jschut, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2003

Plato~

It's sad that a person gifted enough to be a nurse has to resort to such hatred for his/her fellow companions.

No, dear Plato, you haven't gotten to me...only to warrant me to want to pray for you in hopes that God will touch your heart to make it whole again. Something has broken your spirit so cruelly that you feel you must lash out to hurt others the way you have been hurt.

I forgive you for your transgressions toward me, and I ask that you forgive me for mine against you.

Enough said on this subject.

Lecia · Oct 30, 2003

oopps

Lecia · Oct 30, 2003

Originally posted by Plato
You're a hopeful for nursing school next fall, and yet you are going to voice your opinion. Well, OK, but I hope you aren't writing checks with your mouth that your butt can't cover, or something like that. I wasn't actually implying a "large" butt or anything.

On the BSN LPN issue. I think it's great. I say let 'em all get BSNs! What difference does it make what they do with their free time and money?

Plato,

I'm sorry I didn't know I wasn't allowed an opinion until I reached a certain "level." Unfortunately until I'm told what that level is you'll have to deal with me contributing to these boards just as everyone does... all our different opinions/levels of experience is what makes this a good forum, does it not?

If the check you refer to is my being IN nursing school... that one already cleared the bank... got my acceptance this summer and will enroll for classes in the spring. Paid the hefty confirmation feel and all... sorry to dissapoint you, but soon I'll have some knowledge to back up all my humble opinions.

Have a lovely day/night!!!

Sekar · Oct 30, 2003

Originally posted by Plato
LPNs are not professional nurses. They have the word "nurse" in their title, but so does a CNA. An LPN is an assistant to the RN. A CNA, is also an assistant to the RN. The LPN is given technical tasks like dressing changes and med administration, and the CNA is given rudimentary tasks like ADLs and VS.

I won't even argue this one. If someone wants to dress up like a nurse and pretend, that's fine with me. But a nurse is a Registered Nurse.

Plato, You might not think LPNs are nurses but your opinion is irrelevant to the facts. Read the break down of the titles

RN = Registered NURSE

LPN = Licensed Practical NURSE

CNA = Certified NURSING Assistant (notice the difference)

Nurse is not just a word in the title, it IS the title. A LICENSED Nurse is Nurse, not just a REGISTERED Nurse. Don't like it? Tough. LPNs are the entry level for Nursing. You and others may disagree with this fact, but that's merely your opinion. Opinions are opinions and facts are facts. Opinions are irrelevant to the facts. The fact is that the Boards of Nursing in all 50 States considers LPNs Nurses. That you don't think they rate as Nurses doesn't change the fact that they are indeed Nurses. Yes the levels of education and responsibility are different between RNs and LPNs but then they are different between RNs and RNs. Charge Nurse vs. Floor Nurse, Head Nurse vs. Director of Nursing, etc....

Several Nurses on this board seem to think that education alone makes someone a professional. They have arbitrarily set a BSN as the level to determine a "professional" nurse. Why make it that level? Why not a MSN or PhD? Shoot, make it 3 PhDs before a Nurse can be considered a "professional".

It takes alot more than just an education to be a professional. Education is but one ingredient in being a professional. It takes tact, bearing, competence, interpersonal skills and a plethora of other ingredients in addition to education to be a professional. A true professional would understand that and not go around beating their chest stating "What I have accomplished is the minimum needed to be a professional".

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 30, 2003

regarding my flame suit comment, PLATO, I was talking about the LPN's on the board whom you no doubt offended with these remarks. I was not flaming you...I am an RN myself, and quite content as the PROFESSIONAL I am...but not so much so that I take myself too awfully seriously. Life is too short......

Also, I have ceased to take you too seriously, either. Poet, theorist, tragic actor/thespian, whatever you want to call yourself, I suggest YOU chill out about yourself also, for your own sake.

Have a "good one" now..

oh yes and

do go in peace.

SarahCeleste · Oct 30, 2003

I know there are some nurses who get really up in arms about classification of nursing, but the truth is that we are all (CNA, LVN--i'm southern, RN (BSN or not) extremely important to the overall healthcare profession. Like that old saying, there is no 'I' in team....and I do understand that extensive years and studying go along with the "higher educated" titles, and it does deserve our respect, but an LVN (I'm in LVN school presently) and even CNA still deserve respect in our own right. LVNs go through pretty extensive studying/schooling as well. I advise not to be so critical-----we all need help from each other!!

reyna · Oct 30, 2003

as i've said...i didn't want my post to be the start of another word war...

to answer some of your questions...i do have a bsn also been an rn and is now an lpn by choice...not because of some misfortune...i've just found out that this is the best place for me right now...

to clear up one thing also...a professional is someone who gets paid for their services...professional wrestler, professional boxer, etc...

same difference to me is that we all have the same career but different roles...you would not see a department being run by all rns do you? everyone put as much effort in studying and working...it does not matter if you studied 4 years or 18 months...it all boils down to, if you are good in what you do.

i've read somewhere...one could not be a good leader if one is not a good follower.

if you are an rn, good for you...an lpn, good for you...a cna, more power...

as long as you're not a professional bum...:)

itsme · Oct 30, 2003

So if you have a BSN and were anRN, why and how did you get to be a LPN? I am an LPn and if I had a BSN you can bet I would always be working as an RN. I guess you really have me confused here!! I dont understand how one can have a BSN RN and work as an LPN???

Teshiee · Oct 30, 2003

I agree there is a difference especially when the RN is the nurse who is soley responsible for his/her patients. I find in some nursing units LVN/RN are helpful to one another. The issue isn't really about LVN's being incapable it is a matter of scope and when a LVN feels he/she wants to do more then it is up to them to pursue their RN licensure.

Q. · Oct 30, 2003

Originally posted by itsme
So if you have a BSN and were anRN, why and how did you get to be a LPN? I am an LPn and if I had a BSN you can bet I would always be working as an RN. I guess you really have me confused here!! I dont understand how one can have a BSN RN and work as an LPN???

Good question!!

So let me get this straight, Reyna.

You went to RN nursing school. Got a BSN. Were eligible to sit for NCLEX-RN. A couple months back you said you didn't want to sit for the exam, but based on your last post you said you practiced as an RN. So, you practiced as an RN for how long? And then somehow decided you'd rather be an LPN and then what, went and took the LPN licensing exam? And what exactly did you do with your RN license? Because I can tell you now, holding two licenses like that isn't really allowed.

mattsmom81 · Oct 30, 2003

in other setting the scope of practice may vary quite a bit depending on state law and facility policy.

I was a LPN first, then went back for RN. The role is more expansive and there are more inherent responsibilities with the title RN. Again depending on the setting and the laws of the area.

In my ICU I work side by side with LPNs who are as experienced in critical care as me. One major difference? If I as a RN harm a patient its my license. If my coworker LPN harms a patient it may not only be her license, but the RN in charge as well.

To say there is 'no difference' is quite naieve. In my unit for example, an RN must make the decision: does she wish to share liability in the event of a LPNs mistake? Some do not and refuse to assume charge duties in my ICU as a result. Others are comfortable with the LPN's experience level and skill and are willing to accept the risk.

bluesky, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2003

I really agree with the holistic people here. I have to listen to my school officials going on and on ad nauseam about how UMD is top ten and BSN are the best and BLAH BLAH BLAH. ( and frankly I am at the top of my class). I don't see how taking informatics, management and science research means I am somehow a "more knowledgeable- (see I can't even spell)" nurse. Give me a break. Intelligence is found with all the N's! I really believe that the extra education is a load of bull except for perhaps pathophys and pharmacology which anyone can study on their own or take an independent class.

Why waste our time on this divisive issue? You think the physicians spend all their time squabling over which specialty is "more trained" or "more educated"? I don't see how this huge infight is helping us all move forward.