LVN's vs. The rest of the class...

[phoenixfire]

I've noticed in my nursing classes lately that the LVN's who are there to complete their RN seem to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I highly doubt that this is something that goes across the board, but one LVN said outright (to the instructor, an RN of 30+yrs) "I do everything an RN does, I just dont get paid as much". The instructor just raised her eyebrows, but the rest of us were looking around at this particular student like "What the heck?..." Now, I'm sure that there are places and situations where an LVN would have some of the responsibilities of an RN, but its really bothering me that these few students have the attitude that they are better than the rest of us. I know that not all LVN's are that way, just as all Nursing students are not catty, but I was wondering.. how far does this type of competition (or attitude, take your pick) really go? Is this the type of thing I can expect in a workplace?

[annaedRN, RN]

I am so thankful to have had my LPN for 8 yrs before I got my RN. I was just as much of a nurse with my LPN as I am now with my RN - there was many things that I did before that I continue to do now. But, I can honestly say that I learned SO much more about pathophysiology during my RN training than with my LPN. I feel my experience as an LPN was a wonderful foundation on which to build my career as an RN. The increase in pay was only a small part of why I chose to get my RN. So while there is no doubt in my mind of the value of an LPN, I know from personally furthering my nursing career - as an RN, the knowledge and responsibilty does increase. I don't think that there is such a thing as "just" an LPN or ADN - every nurse is valuable in whatever role they hold.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

I am surprised an LPN was that brave to say that in class!

I am an LVN, currently in RN school. I know that my education was not as detailed as that as an RN. And there is a REASON for the pay difference.

I always wanted my RN, but I believe an LVN learns a lot of technical skills that helps to aid them when they enter RN school.

All the LVN's in our program are very nice and try to help the "greener" students and give them tips. Sounds like you got some attitude problems. I learned though in LVN school a lot of the attitude problems ended up failing out.

I wouldn't confront her because I doubt it would do any good. She's already digging enough holes on her own just fine.

Good luck!

[Jules A, MSN]

The bottom line is, no matter how much experience they have, they were not trained to think like nurses.

I usually think you are right on target so it make me sad to read this, I will respectfully disagree: LPNs are nurses and therefore also trained to think like nurses.

[ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN]

Let me correct that then... they are not trained to think like Registered Nurses.

Seriously, I mean no offense to LPNs.

[gt4everpn, BSN, RN]

i'm an lpn and am currently in school for my rn, i'm the same age of most of the kids in my class and the dont know i'm a nurse cuz of my age and i dont tell them i am unless they see me in my uniform or the subject of work or nursing comes up! of course i'm happy to have nursing experience already and expect all the wow's and shocked faces when i tell my peers im a nurse but i dont rub it in, were all their for one reason our rn, makes no differnce! dont worry about those dumb lpns in your class its just their opportunity to cover all thier insecurities! lol!