Does the existence of LPN's make being a RN more impressive?
This question has nothing to do with the competence of individual RNs or LPNs. I do not intend to offend LPNs by posing this question (isn't that what everyone says?). For what it's worth, I am a RN who used to be a LPN and I have a high regard for anyone who is good at his or her job. I realize a title has no bearing on competence.
I'm struggling to find the words to communicate my thoughts, so I apologize in advance if this doesn't make sense. What I am attempting to ask is something along the lines of: If all nurses were RN's, and the LPN role was completely eliminated, would that eventually lead to less prestige for the "RN"(prestige probably isn't the right word). I will use SNFs as an example to help clarify my question. In some skilled nursing facilities, most of the floor nurses are LPNs (I realize this is changing in some areas). When a RN works in LPN-dominated facilities as a floor nurse, they are sometimes admired (secretly or overtly) by other staff members who strive to become a LPN/RN or who have placed the title of RN on a pedestal (sorry that sentence sounds so pretentious). I have observed that RNs (the title, not the individual) seem to be more prized outside of hospital settings where LPNs are more prevalent.
An "all RN world" would likely result in the expansion of the pseudo-LPN/non-licensed roles (which is already happening to some degree). Would this be beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to the standing of RNs?
We all know that there is a push by professional nursing organizations to eliminate LPNs/ADNs in an effort to improve the professional image of nursing and redefine what it means to be a nurse. We are also all aware of the obstacles that make this option impractical in certain areas.
What do you think of this compromise?:
1. Entry-level RN: BSN+ only
2. Merge the existing ADN/Diploma and LPN programs to an 18 month "Practical Nursing Program"(a few PN programs are currently 18-24 months) . This option would preserve the LPN role while simultaneously combining and eliminating entry-level ADN programs. In other words, just combine LPN and ADN programs. Add or subtract six months to the existing LPN and ADN programs to transition to the new 18 month PN programs (similar to the Canadian model). Hospitals could continue to use LPNs with extended training to prevent nursing shortages in rural/underserved areas.
I regret that this option implies registered nursing collectively has low self-esteem and needs another nursing role beneath it to elevate (or preserve?) its professional standing. That being said, if there were no other nursing roles below RNs, would RNs end up at the bottom of the licensed totem pole? Or would non-licensed support staff seep into new segments of healthcare and become the new de-facto LPNs, making this a moot point?
In essence, if we are all beautiful, is anyone actually beautiful, or does the word lose its meaning? I'm sure nothing posted above is an original idea and it has probably been beat to death already. I just want to see fresh perspectives of what nurses think of this concept. I doubt any significant changes will take place in my life time, so this is more of a theoretical inquiry. I apologize if my post comes across as pretentious. Please be nice.
I see your point. I am around mostly surgeons and intensivists. The ones I am familiar with are mostly prima donnas, so they all think they are hot stuff. I guess I overlooked the part where they believe the other services aren't quite up to their level.
However, my point was more that all docs believe that the profession itself is deserving of the utmost respect from laypeople. Nurses, in my experience, often belittle themselves by saying dumb things like "I'm just the nurse," implying that the nurse title is nothing special. I hate that.
Ahhh, yes. I agree. Every single tier and specialty of nursing is so important. Yet I hear nurses say, I just work in an office...I want to get back to real nursing....The profession does tend to be self deprecating, and deprecating to others. I'm really proud of my mom, and think she is a wonderful nurse, and she has worked in a physician's office for over 20 years. When I graduated I ended up working with her in the office for a while. Meanwhile my fellow grads were surprised and baffled that I wanted to work "just" in an office, as if it isn't real nursing.
SleeepyRN
1,076 Posts
Ahhh, yes. I agree. Every single tier and specialty of nursing is so important. Yet I hear nurses say, I just work in an office...I want to get back to real nursing....The profession does tend to be self deprecating, and deprecating to others. I'm really proud of my mom, and think she is a wonderful nurse, and she has worked in a physician's office for over 20 years. When I graduated I ended up working with her in the office for a while. Meanwhile my fellow grads were surprised and baffled that I wanted to work "just" in an office, as if it isn't real nursing.