Missed informed people about LPN profession boils my skin

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2009

I think that every discipline has something to offer in health care. You don't hear them say to get rid of respiratory therapists, CNAs, phlebotomists, dietiticans, physician assistants or others, why is there such controversy about being responsible for LPNs? That never ceases to amaze me. Oh, well, it doesn't change my mind and I know that it is not the title, it is what work and integrity is placed in the work assigned. The degree does not improve the person. That is an internal thing that each individual has to decide for themselves.

There could be many reasons, but for RN's some of them feel threatened that they will be phased out because the LVN is cheaper than the RN, and they will only need a few of them because the floor will be pumped with LVN/LPN. That's just my thought, but I can be wrong.

See the LVN/LPN is more expensive than the CNA so a CNA is preferred. You really can't touch the RT's because then it would be left to the RN/LVN to take care of breathing treatments. Phlebotomists you really can't get rid of either because then that responsibility would be left to the RN/LVN. Oh if anybody dare get rid of the dietician then the kitchen would go crazy. PA's are good because they work under the Physician and can do most everything the Physician can do when it comes to general care. I think regarding LVN/LPN it's because we're right in the middle of the chain of command, CNA-->LVN-->RN. So we're picked on even though we do more than a CNA and less than a RN.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2009

::sigh:: I feel the same way too. My mom has been an RN for over 30 years, so I mentioned that I was thinking of trying to get into an LPN program first b/c the RN programs around here are so hard to get into! But she just gave a "are you crazy look" & said no1 uses LPN's anymore. I don't want to work in the hospital setting at this stage in my life- just not my cup of tea. That being said, LPN's are in high demand in nursing homes & assisted living facilities(my ALF has tons of LPNs !!) . I do think that I'd like to be an RN but imo I think getting there would be easier if I took it in baby steps.

mellymelblueyz · Jul 25, 2009

I know what you mean! I just passed the nclex-pn and I don't know how many times I've had to teach people about what a LPN really is and what we do. So many people think we are just (and this is the exact word i've heard) "glorified CNA's". CRAZY!! I have been in some heated talks about this. I know one thing, the people who think this are not people who know anything about what nurses do!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2009

LVN/LPN are "Glorified CNA's" Hmmmmm, now that just chaps my hide. I went to look at my diploma, and it clearly states "Vocational Nurse" It doesn't say "Glorified CNA"

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 25, 2009

I suspect that even some RN programs have not informed them of the role of LPNs because I can't even count how many times I had to inform them of what I can and can't do. I tell them that I am not a 'mini-RN' or 'replacement RN' regarding some of the things they have asked me to do that are out of my scope of practice. For example, we can't take lab results; the lab tech has to be transfered to an RN to speak to for her to follow through. Or, I can't interfere with central lines for ANY reason. People will say "well, the LPNs do it" and I say "well, those that do are WRONG".

For me, it is not about the fact that we can do it (I mean, we aren't stupid), it doesn't always take a rocket scientist to do it, but, if we continue to do things we should not, if something happens, our pitiful licenses are just as much as risk as theirs, so, I say no. I can't help if they are swamped.

NC Girl BSN · Jul 26, 2009

Its not gonna get any better. Most of the people who talk down on the profession in my case was CNA wannabees. You know the ones that everytime you turn around they are taking prerequistes to get into a RN program one of these days. Five yrs later they are still singing the same song. Those are the ones that usually put the LPN program down. Well even though it was not popular, I did the LPN program anyway and it has helped me gain so much confidence in my nursing. Right after LPN school, I enrolled in Excelsior College ADN program and graduated the next year. When I started applying at Hospitals, I got offers at all three because of my previous expereince as a LPN.

Don't let others squash your dreams. Go for the LPN if you can't get into a RN program. It was the best decision I have made in my career.

Cmineiro · Jul 26, 2009

Hello,
I am a prenursing student trying to make a decision or not to go the LPN route first or stright for RN. I just started a new job this month and I was talking to the other girls in my training class about the benifits and one of those benifits is tuition assitance. Well there is a private LPN program right in area in which I will be working at. I mention that I might want to do LPN first. Then the comments came you know the ones. LPN's are just CNA's that passed Medciations. That LPN's will be phased out due to CNA's being certifited to passed medications. The other one is that LPN are going to be "phased" out. I explain to these girls that no of the information is correct and the LPN are nures. That most LPN's does about 80% of what a RN does. That because of our aging pouplation that there will be more of a demand of LPNs. But noone believes me what should I do?

You are not alone there mydee. i'm a recent LPN (grad 3/09). Throughout my 2 years LPN schooling i've heard neighbors, other HCP making those comments we are hear, such as " Oh, LPN? but you going for your RN right? - OH, you going to be a Low Paying Nurse - LPN? and the best of all - LPN, just a CNA certified to give drugs"... I just wonder if you are a teacher, or a dental hygienest or a PA, do ppl ask you "so are u going to became a principal at ur school? are you going to became a dentist? are you going to became a MD? it is irritating sometimes. i try not to pay attention and just smile, but man, we all have our different functions in the interdisciplinary health field. I m personally going further with my educations. Some ppl at my school didnt want to. There is nothing wrong with it. But for all of us in this field, perhaps is time for us to realize that we are all interdependent of one another. we need the pcas, cnas, as well the RN needs us and the others, as well as the Doctors and so forth.

So be a PROUD whatever tittle you hold and just do an extraordinary job under your scope of practice and for all LPNs out there, recent grads or those with years of experience, in LPN-RN transition or not, we are NURSES so lets be a good darn NURSES!!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 26, 2009

its not gonna get any better. most of the people who talk down on the profession in my case was cna wannabees. you know the ones that everytime you turn around they are taking prerequistes to get into a rn program one of these days. five yrs later they are still singing the same song. those are the ones that usually put the lpn program down. well even though it was not popular, i did the lpn program anyway and it has helped me gain so much confidence in my nursing. right after lpn school, i enrolled in excelsior college adn program and graduated the next year. when i started applying at hospitals, i got offers at all three because of my previous expereince as a lpn.
don't let others squash your dreams. go for the lpn if you can't get into a rn program. it was the best decision i have made in my career.

this sounds so familiar. i was able to become an lpn because my job offered a program for us to be paid a full salary while on leave to go to nursing school. in fact, they made a deal with the school that they would accept our students into the lpn program (because we would be their first class for the lpn-rn bridge) as long as we had a c average. they chose about 100 of us. there is a girl who, even being allowed a full time leave with pay was not able to pass the pre-requisites to become either an lpn or rn. i graduated from the lpn program and have been working, but this girl did not. i run into her one day and she tells me she is back in school, and why would i just settle for lpn!? well, i had to come out of my bag. i told her "you were not able to pass the classes while you were on leave of absence with pay...now, suddenly, you are working and paying for your own tuition verses attending on the job's tab and you seriously think you will pass, now??" shut her butt up. she's still "taking classes". i'm still a nurse.

if she or others make it, great for them. i know what is best for myself.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2009

The LPN desigination is wonderful. You can make a great career out of being an LPN, or you can use it as a stepping stone to become an RN or other type of healthcare provider.

I have an interesting job with a certain level of autonomy, some supervisory duties over the CNAs, and a decent income. Many people in this terrible economy can only dream of being an LPN. I'd much rather have a stable job as an LPN than to be unemployed, broke, penniless, and losing a house or apartment to foreclosure or eviction.

If you think you've got it bad, there's someone out there who's got it worse. The naysayers who bash LPNs really need to become more informed, or shut their mouths altogether.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 27, 2009

The LPN desigination is wonderful. You can make a great career out of being an LPN, or you can use it as a stepping stone to become an RN or other type of healthcare provider.
I have an interesting job with a certain level of autonomy, some supervisory duties over the CNAs, and a decent income. Many people in this terrible economy can only dream of being an LPN. I'd much rather have a stable job as an LPN than to be unemployed, broke, penniless, and losing a house or apartment to foreclosure or eviction.
If you think you've got it bad, there's someone out there who's got it worse. The naysayers who bash LPNs really need to become more informed, or shut their mouths altogether.

As usual, I agree with you totally, Commuter. When I walk into work disgusted and tired, I do say to myself that there are people that WISH that they were employed doing ANYTHING and plenty that also wish that they were LPNs. It is this way across the disciplines. I remember having a friend who was a Home Health Aide who would have given her right eye to be a CNA and probably her firstborn to be an LPN. But, she had no high school diploma, too many years passed for her to gain the confidence to sit for her GED after having failed several times. My heart bleeds for her because she would probably make a great CNA.

bethann27 · Jul 28, 2009

In my area of Alabama LPN's are hired in the hospitals @ VERY low pay and then certified in house to perform all the extra skills that the board says we can't do. The RN's have to be there for supervise. Of course everyone here thinks that you can't be hired in the hospital as an LPN because the jobs aren't advertised. Basically, it's a good program for new grads to get experience while the hospital gets cheap labor.

I've had lots of people make comments like "oh when you get your RN you can work in the hospital" . . . well I never intend to work in the hospital even after I finish my bridge program. My calling has been for geriatrics since beginning my education - either in LTC or private duty nursing. So, I guess it's okay to have "just an LPN" take care of mother after she doesn't know who she is or where she is?!? What are people really thinking?!?

Happily celebrating a 1031 HESI score! Have a great nite =)

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2009

It's definately the lack of education regarding the LPN/LVN and what we do! It's stupid if you ask me. Someone should write a loose-leaf about what a LPN/LVN does and how they're a valuable part of the health care team. WE ARE NURSES TOO! :nurse: