LPN, will I be respected as a nurse?

Fiona59 · Jun 20, 2011

Depends on where you work and who you work with. It depends on how confident you are in yourself.

I've only ever had one patient say they wouldn't be cared for by an LPN. Forwarded their request on to my Unit Manager, who then assigned a fresh, new grad RN. The new grad kept bringing me back into the room to walk her through her skills because she was unsure of herself. That patient never turned down an LPN.

I work acute care. In my hospital we are very respected.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Also, you can't really go by the comments here on these boards. It seems like the whole LPN vs RN drama is worse in the US. Most people should not have a problem. For those who do, that's their own insecurity. You will find many facilities staffed with both.

Still-A-Student · Jun 20, 2011

I should mention that I do live in Canada. I guess my question is among fellow nurses vs patients. I suppose that if I want to be a nurse an LPN is just as respected as an RN, correct? Also we would share a lot of the same duties, and in the long run I could also do the LPN...RN track.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Since you've posted on the Canadian nurses forum, we assumed you live in Canada :) Ultimately, the decision has to be yours. Do you want to spend 4 years or 2? What are your long term goals in nursing? These are questions only you can answer.

loriangel14, RN · Jun 20, 2011

I haven't run into any lack of respect due to being an RPN.We are treated the same as an RN where I work and except for the very odd occasion that someting is outside of my scope of practice I perform pretty much the same duties.We have RPNs working in almost all areas of the hospital except ICU.I have had new grad RNs come to me for help and advice.

Still-A-Student · Jun 20, 2011

Since you've posted on the Canadian nurses forum, we assumed you live in Canada :) Ultimately, the decision has to be yours. Do you want to spend 4 years or 2? What are your long term goals in nursing? These are questions only you can answer.

Yes, silly me I guess I didn't need to specify did I....my ultimate goal is to work in the NICU. While I'm looking at job postings in Alberta there is noting listed for NICU for an LPN, is that because it's not a job I would be able to hole or is there just nothing open. The amount of school doesn't bother me at all.

Thanks for your input.

Krista

Fiona59 · Jun 20, 2011

LPNs in AB have about the broadest scope of practice in Canada and the most opportunities employment wise.

NICU and PICU are about the only two units that currently don't employ LPNs. Having said that, with the way scope of practices is constantly changing, who knows in what will be happening in five years?

Why are you fixated on NICU? I've had friends go over to ICU, do a year and find it out just wasn't what they expected or wanted.

I started out thinking I'd enjoy Geriatrics. Never been so wrong in my life. I'm a surgical nurse. I found my niche and I'm happy on a surgical unit.

loriangel14, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Many people vision in their mind of where they see themselves working. Quite often that changes when they actually experience it or do a placement in another area and end up loving that instead.Wait until you have had some experience. I did a placement in a large mental hospital and thought I would hate it.I loved it. While I didn't end up in mental health I did gain valuable experience.If the facility had been closer to home I would have applied.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Right. I was adamant that I would not work in seniors health or LTC.

Fiona59 · Jun 21, 2011

Right. I was adamant that I would not work in seniors health or LTC.

... and we all know how that changed.

Guest233447 · Jun 21, 2011

A new grad LPN from my class is currently being orientated to the NICU here... so it does happen.