LVN not a "real nurse" .... how to handle that?

EmmyBee · May 27, 2010

I realize this isn't anything new, but aside from "ignore them" what can you do when faced with the comments that LVNs aren't real nurses?

I checked out your profile, because I wasn't sure if you were already an LPN or not. That way I could try to help you answer your question. :)

First, let me say that LPNs ARE real nurses. Yes, RNs have more education and responsibilities. But LPNs still had to go through school, clinicals, and sit for their boards, just like RNs. So I look at it like this, just as there are different kinds of doctors, teachers, etc, there are different kinds of nurses. Forget real or fake.

I have been an LPN for over 10 years, and am currently about to start my 4th semester (out of 5), in an RN program. So I definitely have been on the receiving end of negative LPN comments, a time or two. But you just have to stay positive and keep focused on your goals. It is YOUR career and only you can decide what's best for you, and the route you will take to get there.

On one of your posts, you said you were planning on going forward to become an RN, and maybe even a nurse practitioner. So if someone questions your reasoning for becoming an LPN right now, you can say it was the path you decided to take for several reasons:

1- You could work as an LPN, earning a decent income, while continuing on with your nursing degree

2- Many times it is easier to get into some sort of bridge or transitional RN program, once you already have your LPN license, as opposed to trying to get into a generic program, which can be more competitive

3- Because you want to test the waters first, to see if nursing is truly what you want to do, before you invest a lot of time and money into a degree program

You will always have people out there who want to bring you down. But as long as you are content with what you're doing, I say forget about what others have to say. Good luck! :nurse:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 27, 2010

I realize this isn't anything new, but aside from "ignore them" what can you do when faced with the comments that LVNs aren't real nurses?

Just tell these people that the "N" in LVN stands for "NURSE."

Also explain that the board of nursing's position on this issue is the only one that truly matters, not the opinions of the people who make the foolish comments.

josh1974, LPN · May 28, 2010

Ask MY residents if Im a real nurse! We L's (in LTC) do everything an R does except iv push lasix and dc piccs. And responsibility? Im charge for 3 halls. Been a nurse for about 8 1/2 months. I have an L with years more experience and a new RN that I, ME, am in charge of. Yeah, we are "real nurses". Don't let anyone ever say different.

Fiona59 · May 28, 2010

I had this from a BIL years ago. He asked if I "wasn't smart enough to get into an RN school" Uhm, no, where I live the number of seats available v. the number of applicants is ridiculous. Roughly 100 applicants for every seat.

So, I asked him if he could sit with the dying, code a newborn, start an IV, know when to hold specific drugs, and deal with a psychiatric patient with a fresh colostomy. I can and I'm an LPN.

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · May 28, 2010

Hi there, LVN/LPN are real nurses. It's all in your attitude. People who think we aren't, just don't understand the difference. LPN's are PRACTICAL nurses meaning we have experience and training in practical applications of nursing. We are best at the actual "doing" things like foleys, injections, med administration, NG tubes, hands-on caring. RN's have more education in the philosophy and knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how the body works, leadership, etc. RN's understand more of the "why's". It's two different skill sets, neither one is better than the other--just different. Both are nurses, both are to be appreciated for their skills. Both are needed on a successful:nurse: team

1uvakindmom · May 29, 2010

Hi there, LVN/LPN are real nurses. It's all in your attitude. People who think we aren't, just don't understand the difference. LPN's are PRACTICAL nurses meaning we have experience and training in practical applications of nursing. We are best at the actual "doing" things like foleys, injections, med administration, NG tubes, hands-on caring. RN's have more education in the philosophy and knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how the body works, leadership, etc. RN's understand more of the "why's". It's two different skill sets, neither one is better than the other--just different. Both are nurses, both are to be appreciated for their skills. Both are needed on a successful:nurse: team

LOL! This is exactly what one of my teachers said in my LPN program...that LPNs know the "what" and RNs know the "why"

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 29, 2010

This sort of polarization exists everywhere. I noticed in the clinic I work in that the nurse practitioners (who ARE RNs) and physician assistants are treated badly by the residents and attending physicians. The attendings dump patients on the 'mid-level providers' that they don't want to be bothered with, their panels are severely overloaded and they are just as burned from such comments as LPNs.

From the layperson, these disciplines assess, prescribe and treat, but their level of education is different. People say to them "Why aren't you a doctor?". It will not end. I think that each person has to decide what is best for them and know that when they are ready, they can also upgrade or even decide that the entire rat race is not for them and move on to greener pastures.

I agree...it is about attitude. I don't deny that on certain days, it is incredibly annoying to hear these comments, but it is not often. I know I made the correct decision for myself, my co-workers and patients.