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

Published

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?

it still is...i'm the charge nurse at night

Well, I'm the only nurse at nite... hence charge nurse also :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/HPS6/Nursing/documents/LPN-ivtherapy.pdf

I think this pretty much answers the IV medication question... At least for Washington State.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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.

well we know that's not going to happen ...what's next doc? :coollook:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a nursing student who will be done with my LPN portion in October. I plan to take a short break and continue for my RN in Jan.2006 but during my break I plan to take the state boards for the LPN. As much as I have learned and from what I understand in the scope of practice there are only a few slight differences between an RN and LPN such as giving IV push meds and hanging blood. I work as a nurses aide in a rehab hospital along side many RN's and LPN's and I know LPN's who work in LTC. The LPN's I've worked with and know are very knowledgeable and provide excellent care and I can't believe any RN would say such a thing. That just adds to my list of the type of RN I will not be. I believe an RN needs to be willing to do anything in regards to the care of a patient; from a CNA duty on up to the RN duties; all of these duties are part of nursing and a GOOD RN doesn't have such a better than everyone attitude and respects and works well with all in the field; from CNA up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am a nursing student who will be done with my LPN portion in October. I plan to take a short break and continue for my RN in Jan.2006 but during my break I plan to take the state boards for the LPN. As much as I have learned and from what I understand in the scope of practice there are only a few slight differences between an RN and LPN such as giving IV push meds and hanging blood. I work as a nurses aide in a rehab hospital along side many RN's and LPN's and I know LPN's who work in LTC. The LPN's I've worked with and know are very knowledgeable and provide excellent care and I can't believe any RN would say such a thing. That just adds to my list of the type of RN I will not be. I believe an RN needs to be willing to do anything in regards to the care of a patient; from a CNA duty on up to the RN duties; all of these duties are part of nursing and a GOOD RN doesn't have such a better than everyone attitude and respects and works well with all in the field; from CNA up.

You know I was a LPN for ten years, and I used to be one of those that would say there is not much of a difference in the job assignments of LPN's and RN's,until I became an RN. True if you are working in long term care or in a hospital setting you can see both working side by side. But there is a difference; the knowledge base of the RN is larger. You can not equate the two, that is why you will be continuing on to go to school for more education; to increase your knowledge base. There are more than slight differences in RN's and LPN's one example is :the Nurse Practice Act, an LPN cannot do the first assessment, (even though some may do it and have the RN sign later.(I have seen a lot of things)). I'll bet after you get your RN, you will have a different insight, write us a year later with your findings....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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.

Yeah, well I don't have this attitude, so don't direct your comments to me. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been an LVN for 30 years. 26 of those I worked in LTC in the following capacities: MDS Coordinator, TILE Assessor, Charge Nurse, Floor Nurse and last but not least, Assistant Director of Nursing. Occassionally I wiped a few butts and gave a few baths, but that goes with being a nurse. LTC is one of the few places that LVN's are really respected for their ability and knowledge. Maybe you are working in the wrong facility. NEVER be ashamed of being an LVN or LPN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have been an LVN for 30 years. 26 of those I worked in LTC in the following capacities: MDS Coordinator, TILE Assessor, Charge Nurse, Floor Nurse and last but not least, Assistant Director of Nursing. Occassionally I wiped a few butts and gave a few baths, but that goes with being a nurse. LTC is one of the few places that LVN's are really respected for their ability and knowledge. Maybe you are working in the wrong facility. NEVER be ashamed of being an LVN or LPN!

There's nothing wrong with being a LPN, CNA or whatever a person chooses in life, as long as they are happy with their job. That's what is really important. But my question to you, have you ever thought about continuing on to be an RN?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree topic is slighty old. The majority of all the nurses agree. 1) We

are all important. 2) No one disagrees that RNs have more training-this

does mean in most cases A. they make more money B. this does not

make ALL Rns better nurses. 3) Every state has a different practice act

for all nurses-we would be wise to follow that. 4) No one would have been

upset, if that nurse from Cape Cod, had not stated in so many words that

she would not want an LPN to take care of her. All nurses be well take

care of the Pts. and continue to learn because it can only benefit you and

those you take care of

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Corrections, LTC, and Detox Nurse.

Well, it really depends on where you work. Each LTC is different. When I started in 97 the facility I worked at the LPN's did aal the work except meds on the Medicare ran floor. Shortly after, maybe 6 months, they stopped it and we went to passing meds and treatments. LTC doesn't usually utilize their LPN's this way. In the hospital you may end up doing everything except be charge nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

it's sad how the medical field treat each other because of the title they have. it is all hard work and a lot of studying no matter what level you are on. most people like that are snooty about everything including what kind of car you drive or what kind of house you live in!!!!!!!!! it's really sad for them. you keep working and hold your head up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately (in California anyways), its the truth. I worked at Scripps Memorial for 8 years. First as a CNA and then as a LVN. The ONLY thing that changed in my job discription was that I also had the responsibility of passing out the meds. So, basically I added more work to myself... though I did get a small raise in pay. I have recently moved to another state and hope that things are different here.

Janina

i tend to ignore these kind of comments because they obviously have no idea what an LVN does. Where I work, the CNA's do the CNA job (no kind of invasive procedures at all, like f/c, They do nothing that I went to school for except the ADL part of it and V/S. Even with that, if I think the v/s for that rsdt is off, I go recheck it myself and get the accurate numbers. I can definately say I am not a 'glorified NA'. I am a LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE!!! and very proud of it.

People are gonna think what they will though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion