LPN vs RN

[dcrrlb8185]

I am currently an LPN in NY. Something which hurt me today was watching my unit coodinator a single mother with years of seniority and loyalty be demoted for an RN who has been employed for 2 weeks. First let me say that this woman has done a kick-ass job. They had moved her of the unit twice and after in went to hell under other RN's care, brought her back only to do it a third time. What is the deal. In no way am I saying that RN's are bad and LPN's are good but sometimes I think people get hung up on the title. This LPN who was demoted, is a truely genuine, caring, and efficient person and puts her job even before her family and personal life. She works 60 hour weeks by choice just because she cares. Whats worse is managment was thinking of promoting an RN because of her title, even though it is a known fact throughout the facility that she does not pass pills, do tx and cant even transcribe an order right. To me it should be based on the inividual. If it aint broke, dont fix it. Yes RN's have more schooling but does that mean that they are any more capable? You know, people say the world aint fair but they never said that I'd **** on you.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I am assuming that you're in LTC?

I'm also an LPN in NYS and a lot of LPN's are feeling pretty cranky lately as the facilities actually start trying to comply with the regulations regarding which title can fill which role.

Genuine, caring, and efficient do not translate to the letters after the name that permit assessment and care planning.

[dcrrlb8185]

I understand but should LPN's be shafted because the facility arent compliant to begin with? Also we are told to be professionals and care for our resident as we would our family. When someone like that comes around I believe the facility should recognize that. But as we were told in one of our meetings, it is a business. Seems like an oximoron. Compassionate, caring, dedicated healthcare.

Maybe it's just the facility I'm employed at, that doesnt take time to value their employees.

I am assuming that you're in LTC?

I'm also an LPN in NYS and a lot of LPN's are feeling pretty cranky lately as the facilities actually start trying to comply with the regulations regarding which title can fill which role.

Genuine, caring, and efficient do not translate to the letters after the name that permit assessment and care planning.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Most LTC managers do not truly care about staff members, patients, and family members. Hence, staff members who bestow excessive dedication and loyalty upon their LTC jobs are making a big mistake. LTC management strictly cares about the almighty profit margin, and nothing else. To them, we are replaceable warm bodies who fill shifts to meet legal staffing requirements.

I am loyal to my patients. I am not loyal to any manager or facility.

While it was wrong that your unit coordinator was demoted when she was good and competent, the managers at LTCs do not give a crap about the quality of the employees' work ethics. To them, a diligent warm body is the same as a sloppy warm body who doesn't pass meds.

[dcrrlb8185]

Thankyou. I am really starting to get the big picture, as a young newly graduated LPN, I had hopes that I'd be differant but as this happens on a regular basis, I'm starting to get callused to this reality. It's sad though. My loyalty to my patients is what keeps me where I'm at, not that another place would be any differant. Not being able to afford college, because of the lack of finacial aide, when every other 'joe' gets it is what sucks more. I've heard people say that 'wow, you need to have a good heart to be a nurse.' But in some cases you look at people and ask why do you even have a license? I think there should be more strict requirements also. The aides in which I oversee, in which some cant even spell, have said, this is he only job which pays fair for only a four week course, I'd be stupid not to do it.' They are there for the money. I ask for a raise because it is deserving and get laughed at, whereas the nurse who 'threatens to leave' gets one. Are these the type of people we really want in healthcare? You're also right about the money making part. I recieved a 2.5% raise (laughable) this year, which is funny because this facility could afford to add on almost 5 million dollars in 'pretty' renovations to impress people though couldnt give there an employees suitable raise.

Most LTC managers do not truly care about staff members, patients, and family members. Hence, staff members who bestow excessive dedication and loyalty upon their LTC jobs are making a big mistake. LTC management strictly cares about the almighty profit margin, and nothing else. To them, we are replaceable warm bodies who fill shifts to meet legal staffing requirements.

I am loyal to my patients. I am not loyal to any manager or facility.

While it was wrong that your unit coordinator was demoted when she was good and competent, the managers at LTCs do not give a crap about the quality of the employees' work ethics. To them, a diligent warm body is the same as a sloppy warm body who doesn't pass meds.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It doesn't make sense they would fire her and replace her like that. I kind of feel bad for the RN as well because she isn't going to get any support from her peers and they may even "eat their young" in this case.

It does sound more like their complying with regulatory recommendations as to which title can fill which role and the regulators certainly don't care about the competency of the person whose done the job for years.

(P.S. Don't let her fool you that she's working 60 hours a week for the love of the clients and job. She did it for the money.)

[nursejane236]

It appears that your facility is choosing the RN to be in compliance. It is a sad fact that when a facility chooses an RN to be a unit manager (newly hired) over an experienced LPN that they don't value their employees. The worst part about it is the continuity of care of the patients and the morale of the staff. I don't wish the RN to fail but as experience has taught me changes such as this never work out for the best unless there has been a whole change of management as well. The real question will be if the LPN will return to her former role?

[dcrrlb8185]

No, since they've done this before, promoted than demoted her TWO times, she feels why do they even deserve her as a body. And she was salary as an LPN, so her 60 hour weeks wasnt even getting paid for. Everyone is upset over this on the unit. Finally we have a unit that runs smoothly and from what we've heard this new person has a power trip. Needless to say I've been looking elsewhere.

It appears that your facility is choosing the RN to be in compliance. It is a sad fact that when a facility chooses an RN to be a unit manager (newly hired) over an experienced LPN that they don't value their employees. The worst part about it is the continuity of care of the patients and the morale of the staff. I don't wish the RN to fail but as experience has taught me changes such as this never work out for the best unless there has been a whole change of management as well. The real question will be if the LPN will return to her former role?