LPN versus RN Organizations

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

Am putting this question out there out of curiousity... does it seem to you that organizations for LPNs are weaker than those for RNs? If so, why? My observations is that they are trying to put a cap on the profession by not allowing LPNs to obtain the same things RNs are fighting for, such as scope of practice, salaries and such. I was thinking about joining one, but don't wish to invest my money for no positive services that serve my interest and love for the LPN vocation.

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I receive solicitations to join an LPN organization regularly, just like I receive solicitations to subscribe to an LPN journal. I don't have money for either. When I was getting close to graduation from an RN program, I received solicitations to join the ANA. I discussed this with the RNs I was working with. To a nurse, each one of them told me that they did not belong to the ANA, and that they had better things to do with their money. One of them remarked, "When I was in trouble at my job, what did the ANA do for me?" I have also received numerous solicitations from the various union organizers, particularly around the time that CA had the ratio laws on the table. Now, I could have gone for that effort. But still, I don't have money for these kinds of activities, with little or no return for me. I would rather spend my money (if I could afford it) on a charity for homeless, unemployed nurses.

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Canadian PNs don't have a choice. You are required to belong to the provincial College of LPNs. The issue our registration documents and carry our insurance. Membership is tax deductible.

My College is undergoing changes due to the retirement of the old guard and the new coming in. The old were about playing nice. Hopefully the new Executive Director will push our professionalism into the public realm.

Having said that, my union sucks.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Am putting this question out there out of curiousity... does it seem to you that organizations for LPNs are weaker than those for RNs? If so, why?
There are nearly 3 million RNs in the U.S., so it would be expected that RN organizations would have more clout and strength. As the old saying goes, "Strength comes in numbers." On the other hand, there are less than 1 million LPNs/LVNs in the U.S., so an individual would reasonably expect LPN organizations to be less powerful than the ones that closely cater to their RN counterparts.
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I know this is way late but I can't resist!

True, the population of potential members sets the stage. But I have worked very closely with different orgs and know the there can be great value investing in your carrier or hopefully, your passion. Marena supports our customers and non-customers a scholarship style rewards program. The owner figured the 40K or so could be a lot more powerful if invested back into our current customers. We have worked the longest with the ASPNS (http://ASPSN.org) but now support others like the PSAA (http://www.plasticadmin.org) and more recently the AORN (AORN.org) and the NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK's Vermont chapter. We learn from them (how to improve patient care), dance with them, give/grant membership to prospective members and even help members attend national meetings to update best practices and sharpen current skills. We LOVE to work with the passionate individual that is a LVN, LPN, RN or any care giver professional. “Non-garment user's” have also benefited and we LOVE that - MarenaRewards.com.

If they do not appear to be worth the $, what could they do or provide to help you in your carrier to be worth the $100+ annual membership?

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When I first became an LPN, I joined the NFLPN. Sorry, but it seemed all theydid was give lip service to the promotion of LPN's. So next year, I let it go...

Another question - what if the RN's allowed the LPN's join their union i.e. American NURSES Association (horrors, I know!) Gee, it may be worth an increase of 1/3rd in membership?

mc3

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

I find it interesting that the ANA will not accept us as members, yet, we have to follow their standards...

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

I've also noticed that Nurse's Unions don't seem to want anything to do with us. I feel like we are afloat in the ocean w/no rescue boat in sight!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I have belonged to the NFLPN and now the ANA because I feel that there is strength in numbers when it comes to important issues. I don't expect them to actually do anything for me personally but hopefully there will be advances or at least a halt in setbacks for nurses in general. The big issue imo with the NFLPN is that very few people were involved which is an important point in this discussion. To be successful each member must be willing to participate which includes attending meetings, attending state house rallies etc even when you are dog tired and have already worked 60 hours that week. Its not something I personally look forward to but I do it and have to say that the professional contacts I've met have been priceless and I also like staying current on issues that affect us all.

P.S. fwiw I think that one organization would be the best thing for all nurses :twocents:

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I have belonged to the NFLPN and now the ANA because I feel that there is strength in numbers when it comes to important issues. I don't expect them to actually do anything for me personally but hopefully there will be advances or at least a halt in setbacks for nurses in general. The big issue imo with the NFLPN is that very few people were involved which is an important point in this discussion. To be successful each member must be willing to participate which includes attending meetings, attending state house rallies etc even when you are dog tired and have already worked 60 hours that week. Its not something I personally look forward to but I do it and have to say that the professional contacts I've met have been priceless and I also like staying current on issues that affect us all.

P.S. fwiw I think that one organization would be the best thing for all nurses :twocents:

I can agree with that. If a person has high expectations, they may become very disappointed, even disenchanted by the lack of activity, believe it is a waste of their time and money, so they drop out.

I am in total agreement that ONE organization for NURSES, may they be LPNs or RNs is more attractive. We have to follow their standards, anyhow, so, how can it be that ANA will not not acknowledge or support us is beyond me.:banghead:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I We have to follow their standards, anyhow, so, how can it be that ANA will not not acknowledge or support us is beyond me.:banghead:

I'm going to a meeting this week and I will ask. One of my friends who is very active is a LPN Professor so maybe she can provide some insight. Does anyone know if it has ever been brought up for a vote?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I'm going to a meeting this week and I will ask. One of my friends who is very active is a LPN Professor so maybe she can provide some insight. Does anyone know if it has ever been brought up for a vote?

Please share the responses. I don't know if it were actually brought to a vote, but one of my LPN friends told me that there was a time when it was considered, but then, suddenly, it was not discussed any longer. She has been an LPN for MANY years. I'd be curious to know what happened if this is true.

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