LPN's just glorified nurse aids in LTC? Huh?

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I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

Pay them no mind.. having worked in LTC for 17 years as an LPN and RN... they are so far from the truth!!! An LPN is a NURSE... I don't care how you spell it, what alphabet is behind his/her name... and they provide excellent care!!! (The caring and concientious LPNs that is... same goes for RNs). LPNs deserve to hold their heads high and be proud of the work they do!!!

I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

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I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

I do not know about other states but in Illinois the Nurse Practice Act indicates that LPNs can do anything but IV Push meds and IV Heparin Flush. LPN can not work with Central Lines but may do Peripheral IV lines.

I am a Registered Nurse who was an LPN for 12 years before getting my RN. I am now a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and prior to this was Director of Nursing in this same Nursing Home. LPNs carry out the same duties as the RNs except the IV Push Meds, Heparin Flush and Central Lines. I have great respect for and confidence in the LPNs who work at my facility and in my 25 year nursing career I have met more LPNs I would let take care of me than I have RNs. Oh, by the way, my Assistant Administrator is an LPN and she is brilliant.

Perhaps some RNs are afraid they will lose a jewel from their crown if they acknowledge that LPNs are nurses too.

Don't be discouraged! :balloons:

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

Question?? Was the nurses you spoke to RN's or LVN's. LAWD, I hope Im not starting something here...

I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

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I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

I can tell you that in Connecticut where I am from LPN's in LTC work as charge nurses. They pass meds, do treatments, breathing treatments, trach care, tube feeds etc. It states in the scope of practice for LPN's in this state that they can do everything that an RN can do as long as they work under the general direction of an RN. LPN's in this state can't really work in a critical care setting, but with stable patients. This is because RN's have more training to work with critical patients. LPN's don't.

I am studying for my state boards at this time as an LPN, but plan on continuing my education. Not because I believe that it's not worth it to be an LPN, but because I love learning. As far as doing ADL's with Patients in long term care, I would definately help out in any way I could if I had the time. (Most of the time you're so busy you don't have time to breathe!!!) This is one of the reasons I went into nursing in the first place, to take care of people. What kind of nurse would I be if someone needed to be changed and I said "that's not my job, it's the CNA's job." Any RN who says derogatory things about CNA's, LPN's really shouldn't be a nurse. Most RN's I know see the hard work that CNA, LPN's do and commend them for it. It's not a question of who is better than who, but how you care for the patient. I guess I've gone on enough, but let me leave you with this thought. Usually when someone is putting someone else down, it's because they need to feel better about themselves and putting other people down makes them feeel superior. I guess you should pity them, and continue on with your education in whatever way works for you. If you truly want to be a great nurse, no matter what your title, you will be. Good Luck!

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I recently had a couple of nurses tell me that LPN's are just basically glorified aids in LTC settings.

I though that LPN's did mostly the same work as RN's in the LTC setting.

I know that everyone needs to be a team and pitch in and get whatever needs to be done, done. But LPN's as glorified aids? Why go to LPN school then?

What are typical LPN duties in a LTC setting?

LPN's are professionals who have studied hard in nursing school and have passed a State Exam to be licensed to care for patients in whatever capacity they find themselves. For the amount of responsibilities and work to be done by LPN's in LTC facilities they are certainly (Low Paid Nurses). There is a scope of practice handout that each State will send out to you upon request that will show exactly what it is that you can do and not allowed to do as an LPN. Please be proud of yourself for being a Nurse whether LPN OR an RN. Stay focused. Pistol

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First: you will always run into someone with that opinion, wether it's another nurse or an aide. after almost 20yrs i've learned to ignore them.

Second: the only difference between the RN's and LPN's at my facility besides pay, is that the LPN's can't start IV's. the LPN's do blood draws if lab is not available. I have started IV's before and know how to draw blood from IV lines and have even had to teach a few RN's how to do these things.

Most of the RN's around here work in the hospitals not LTC, which means that LTC couldn't exsit without LPN's. We all fullfill a function. So here's my take on the whole thing:

I can't do my job without the aides, the Doc's can't do their jobs without us nurses, and the resident would never be taken care of without all of us.

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First: you will always run into someone with that opinion, wether it's another nurse or an aide. after almost 20yrs i've learned to ignore them.

Second: the only difference between the RN's and LPN's at my facility besides pay, is that the LPN's can't start IV's. the LPN's do blood draws if lab is not available. I have started IV's before and know how to draw blood from IV lines and have even had to teach a few RN's how to do these things.

Most of the RN's around here work in the hospitals not LTC, which means that LTC couldn't exsit without LPN's. We all fullfill a function. So here's my take on the whole thing:

I can't do my job without the aides, the Doc's can't do their jobs without us nurses, and the resident would never be taken care of without all of us.

Well stated. The voice of reason on this topic! JS RN

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Just curious, but what is the diff btw an LPN and the diploma RN's? Aren't they both only a year or two of school total?

I can tell you that with all the confusion, even among us nurses, about the different nursing ranks there will always be a messed up heirerarchy. Not that I know the solution, but having jobs that overlap leads to confusion, poor leadership, and graying of boundaries.

I applaud anyone who goes to school, education is the means to a brighter future, I just always wonder about the direction to take. I personally have a BSN, but have been asked many times about the diff. between LPN's vs. RN vs aide education. Most of the time I say I dont really know, other than to say the pay diff is quite drastic between each step.

My wife is a Diploma RN, She had 3 yrs of school primarily focused on nsg and not all the other courses required for a ADN program. She actually went to school longer than them... I guess having a few electives and different pre reqs makes the differnce.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I have to say I am sick of this thread. I am also sick of the frequent bickering between RN and LPN. Read your job description and go by that. I work in places that utilize LPN's in every unit in the hospital. Some have more training than others and that goes for the RN's as well. every one has a team. In a perfect world everyone does the same thing so they are interchangeable. Follow the chain of command and just go to work and do your job and then go home hug your kids and other loved ones and move on to the next day and do the same

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I have to say I am sick of this thread. I am also sick of the frequent bickering between RN and LPN. Read your job description and go by that. I work in places that utilize LPN's in every unit in the hospital. Some have more training than others and that goes for the RN's as well. every one has a team. In a perfect world everyone does the same thing so they are interchangeable. Follow the chain of command and just go to work and do your job and then go home hug your kids and other loved ones and move on to the next day and do the same

Sorry you're tired of this thread :stone , but the format is so we can all discuss issues and share info with another nurse

so you can

1. ask Brian to close the thread

2. or unsubscribe to the thread

we all have choices....

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I have to say I am sick of this thread. I am also sick of the frequent bickering between RN and LPN. Read your job description and go by that. I work in places that utilize LPN's in every unit in the hospital. Some have more training than others and that goes for the RN's as well. every one has a team. In a perfect world everyone does the same thing so they are interchangeable. Follow the chain of command and just go to work and do your job and then go home hug your kids and other loved ones and move on to the next day and do the same

I have to agree with you. It seems this all has been said before a million times. I'm unsubscribing and not going to bother reading it anymore. I don't think there's anything new to see here.

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I have to agree with you. It seems this all has been said before a million times. I'm unsubscribing and not going to bother reading it anymore. I don't think there's anything new to see here.

Maybe when those with the holier than thou attitudes stop and get off their high horse and realize what the common goal is instead of patting themselfs on the back evry 5 mins and belittling others around them we could all work together in a happy medium.

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