Updated: Published
So sad to say, but this is a sad post. ;(
I have been an LPN now since 2013, passed my NCLEX with flying colors and landed a dream job in Critical Urgent Care with a large company. Over the course of my short career I often get the 'oh you are not an RN' jab by some patients, and even a few co workers but today really put the icing on a cake.
While dealing with an abuse problem, I was told by a family member, who quickly let me know she was a retired RN, that since I was an LPN, I was too 'incompetent' to understand nursing, and should not have a license, and how she has never worked with what she seemed to be a worthy-of-her-presence LPN in her career. She used words to me like 'stupid' and 'incompetent'. Now, as I am indeed an LPN, I can tell you that I can stick a 16g needle in a superficial vein quicker than you can say 'CODE BLUE' Also, I often get the whole 'you are not a real nurse' because I am licensed and not registered.
This really hit hard to me today, I am currently in a BSN RN program, and should let this go, but I wish there was an actual organization for support for LPNs, like we have things such as the NLN, and the ANA, but something official and specialized for put-down LPNs. Or even if there could be some awareness, like a 'we are nurses too' campaign.
It's just frustrating, I love all my nurse family, lpn or RN. I just wish we didn't get beat up on in particular for being LPNs as much.
I was told by a family member, who quickly let me know she was a retired RN, that since I was an LPN, I was too 'incompetent' to understand nursing, and should not have a license, and how she has never worked with what she seemed to be a worthy-of-her-presence LPN in her career. She used words to me like 'stupid' and 'incompetent'.
There's a certain kind of person whose only strategy to feel good about themselves, is to put other people down. Sometimes it's how a person handles a stressful situation. Either way it's a character flaw or a defective coping mechanism that they have, and it's doesn't have much to do with you.
Unfortunately I don't think that a professional organization creating awareness about the role of an LPN would do much to change the behavior of this type of person.
You are a nurse. You know it. Never mind her.
This really hit hard to me today
Calling somebody stupid is rude and mean behavior. Don't give her the power to affect how you feel.
Chin up!
I'm in a(n) LPN program now and it is INSANE. Thanks for this post, I've already encountered the eye rolls and the "Well, RNs have better jobs, there is less grunt work" (I happen to LIKE the "grunt" work, thank you). I just ignore them because most couldn't make it through if they wanted to.
You go, Nurse!
A lot of people where I'm from can't finish high school, let alone finish a nursing program be it PN or RN. I wish someone would insult me because I'm a LPN. Would not be a pretty sight.
People who do that are miserable themselves and have to find other people to tear down to make themselves feel better. Don't ever let anyone throw shade on your accomplishments.
So,so sorry about your relative. But I will tell you this: As an LPN you will ALWAYS have people try and convince you that you aren't a nurse if you aren't an RN or BSN. I have heard it so many times, I get sick of it. My response? I'm already a GOOD NURSE, and I don't apologize for ANYTHING. If you are an LPN then be the BEST LPN you can be! I have a Bachelor's degree in Health Care Management, and have NO desire to be an RN. I am a nurse, and a bloody good one! Whatever 'alphabet soup" is behind my name does NOT define me. Unfortunately this is where nurses tend to eat their young, because RNs, as well as BSNs ( some) believe that they are superior. As for me? I like doing patient care! I like helping the CNAs if they need help. You MUST be comfortable in your own skin, and don't EVER let anyone undermind the fact that you have studies, passed boards and work as a NURSE!!!!
That's crazy that people would be so openly disrespectful!
I'm a new grad RN. I have accepted a job offer, but haven't started yet. Meanwhile, my sister-in-law has been an LPN for years. While I have done more course work and may have more theoretical knowledge, I have no doubt that her clinical skills are far and away superior to mine. She works in a nursing home, and she trains the newbie RNs. I would be an absolute fool to denigrate her obvious abilities just because of our titles.
The initials after our names are not what determines how competent we are. It's what we do with patients in our care that counts.
I was an LPN before an RN.
One shift I was paired with a float nurse who did not want to work with me because I was "just an LPN". Throughout our 12 hour shift together she managed to tell me and every other member of staff how unfair it was she was burdened to work with me, how dangerous it was having an LPN in an acute setting with my limited knowledge and skills yadda yadda yadda.
So during the shift I was feeling very sorry for myself when all of a sudden a patient of ours took a turn. Did the RN step up and handle the situation? No! She completely panicked and fell apart. I had to step in, take control and intervene.
Did she thank me for helping her out? Did she apologise for the way she had acted with me all day? No.
The point of this post is that people are stupid. Don't let people's insecurities about their own title influence your own practice. And if someone isn't in the health care profession, take their judgements about LPNs with a grain of salt.
I am a nurse, and a bloody good one! Whatever 'alphabet soup" is behind my name does NOT define me. Unfortunately this is where nurses tend to eat their young, because RNs, as well as BSNs ( some) believe that they are superior.
Not trying to be snarky,but alphabet soup refers more to certifications and educational level rather than license.
For example: Rn,CRRN, CCRN
Also signing:
Rn Msn......instead of just writing Rn after your name.
I have no problem with either,and i actually prefer doing it that way;after all they did earn it.
RNs, as well as BSNs ( some) believe that they are superior.(Qoute)
All Rn's are licensed as Rn's whether they have a Bsn,Msn, or Adn Degree.
I agree with what you are saying for the most part except those two things.
I've been an LPN for over 16 years; I was a nursing assistant for 12 years prior to becoming an LPN. I've trained RN's who didn't even know what the generic name for Tylenol was... "What is acetaminophen?" (Shakes head) Also, one RN didn't even know the chemical symbol for potassium! I'm not "bashing" RNs; I'm currently studying to become one myself. I just have to laugh when the whole "Real Nurse" VS "Low Paid Nurse" debate surfaces. We are ALL nurses, and what the initials are behind your name should have little bearing on how you practice nursing. 'Nuff said.
I'm in a(n) LPN program now and it is INSANE. Thanks for this post, I've already encountered the eye rolls and the "Well, RNs have better jobs, there is less grunt work" (I happen to LIKE the "grunt" work, thank you). I just ignore them because most couldn't make it through if they wanted to.You go, Nurse!
I always have to bite my tongue when I hear "RNs have better jobs and have less 'grunt' work"...the RNs that aren't willing to do the grunt work, these are the ones that shouldn't be nurses. I'm currently going back for my RN and when I first started working as an LPN years ago the RNs and LPNs that their own separate patient assignments in acute care. We did all of our patient care along with the more intense nursing responsibilities because it was a primary care set up. There's nothing wrong with 'grunt' work, it's part of being a nurse and caring for our patients.
I always have to bite my tongue when I hear "RNs have better jobs and have less 'grunt' work"...the RNs that aren't willing to do the grunt work, these are the ones that shouldn't be nurses. I'm currently going back for my RN and when I first started working as an LPN years ago the RNs and LPNs that their own separate patient assignments in acute care. We did all of our patient care along with the more intense nursing responsibilities because it was a primary care set up. There's nothing wrong with 'grunt' work, it's part of being a nurse and caring for our patients.
YES! I *WANT* to help toilet, change, shower in ADDITION to assessing, passing meds, changing dressings and everything in between. I grow to LOVE my patients and I want to take care of them. If I have the time to help with ADLS I am all over it because I get to chat with them, maybe make them laugh, make them feel better and comfortable.
Honestly, I'd rather be a CNA forever if it payed better and the patient load wasn't so over the top. I do love nursing and I love to learn, but the job I love most is the role of the CNA.
People are so dumb. What do they think you are then? What do they think LPN stands for? Little pretend nurse? No. It stands for licensed practical nurse. I'm 28 and ill b 29 in a couple of weeks and I've been an LPn since I was 21. I haven't been able to go back to school due to financial reasons and have to work full time and couldn't afford the $28,000 for the Lpn to RN bridge program that's only a year and is the only bridge program where I live. But I've finally had enough and am applying to go bit will still b on a 2-3 year long waiting list but it will be worth it in the end.
andreasmom02
372 Posts
This debate has went on for years and years. Yes RNs have more school, yes, LPNs typically work under the direction of an RN. However, LPN stands for Licensed practical NURSE. I'm an LPN and am proud of my license. Some of the best nurses I've ever worked with were seasoned LPNs who even some taught RNs. I once worked under an LPN in an urgent care who was the director of nursing, yes even over the RNs. She had been a clinic nurse for 15 years, and was a good one, & got a supervisor desk job there. Just try to let it roll off of you. There are jerks in all career paths. Unfortunately with nursing, nurses deal with patients' families, and are often talked to like maids. My cousin is an RN, FNP and deals with the same things with the doctors... The doctors are "oh so Godly & superior" and the FNPs work under them. It really is a never ending cycle. It becomes a problem when you let it bother you. I myself have decided to leave floor nursing all together to pursue a career in medical coding. Too much drama for me in the nursing field. Good luck with your RN-BSN!