"LPNs are glorified CNAs"

[nursetnc]

I am in my last semester of an ADN-RN program. In my state you have the opportunity to become an lpn after finishing the second semester of an rn program. Having worked at a SNF as a CNA for years, I jumped on that change. I studied hard for the nclex-pn and was ecstatic and proud when I passed and officially became a nurse. Today I was at the hospital doing a clinical for my rn program and I mentioned to a patient's family member that I was already a nurse, an lpn, but I was working on finishing up my rn. She replied that "that's good because lpns are just glorified cnas anyway." Um... that really rubbed me the wrong way. While I have mad respect for cnas and believe that it's an incredibly important and meaningful job, I could not have been an lpn and been good at my job with just a cna education and experience. I have attended many lectures, studied many hours, and done hundreds of clinical hours to be able to sit for, and pass, the nclex. I know she didn't mean it that way, but it made me a bit upset to be called a "glorified cna" after all the hard work I've put into obtaining my nursing license. I don't think people really understand what it means to be a nurse and how much critical thinking and constant learning is required. Does anyone else have any similar experiences or thoughts on the situation? I'm interested to hear other's experiences!

[Crystal-Wings, LVN]

Anyone who thinks that is ignorant and not worth the energy arguing with.

[Fiona59]

I work in Acute Care in Canada. The only way to become a nurse is a two year PN programme or four year BScN.

i push the same drugs as the RNs on my unit. I carry the same patient load. I report only to the Charge as do the RNs. Our assignments are by room block, so if ou patients change during the shift we deal with it. Fresh ICU discharge? We take them.

The main difference between the two nurses on my unit? LPNs can’t SPIIKE Travisol or blood bags.

I wish I could say, I can’t look after patient X, because of expected outcome. Did try it once, my Manager just looked at me and said you or a new grad RN? I’d rather have you care for the patient, you know what you are doing.

[SHlpn50, LPN]

When Ppl say stupid things like that , right away i ask them if they have ACLS PALS wound certified, i have them all. I’ve worked in ERs not here in NJ but in other states. Here in NJ LPNS can’t push most meds, hang blood products and pronounce. Other than that a well experienced LPN can run circles around some RNs, To make that statement worse , CNAs can make or break you, they (most) bust their *** , people who say that about LPNs are ignorant.