Not a nurse? Then, why does LPN stand for Licensed Practical Nurse?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Ugh... Sorry if anyone else is putting up with this.

SCSTxRN,

You are absolutely right, but I'm mainly talking about in common courtesy, just walking down the hall ways during orientation and being introduced to staff, it's sad how many people felt the need to go out their way to roll their eyes or look the other way when we're just saying good morning or being introduced.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Any RN that speaks to anyone in that way has reduced his/her integrity and professionalism. I am an RN, I was an LPN. I know that both are invaluable as healthcare partners. I wish everyone agreed. I have to say that I am really glad that I was an LPN prior to RN because it changed my outlook on things. I worked my butt off for RN, but I did for LPN too. Do *not* ever let anyone say "just a LPN " or "just a CNA". It is the worst phrase and divides us- we need way more together and a lot less apart.

I have a large tattoo on my lateral LLE (lol) that says L.P.N. surrounded by wings and a syringe. It's a permanent reminder that No matter how far UP I go, I'm never above anyone. Humility goes a long way.

LPN= Loving, Passionate Nurse

B

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
I worked as a CNA while in school for my BSN. While I've never been an LPN, I've worked with several in both LTC and acute care. I also get the question (although my badge says RN in large letters) if I'm an RN or LPN. One day my patient asked me that and then chuckled, stating "that means real nurse, right?". I was so infuriated. I put on my sweetest smile and said "Actually it stands for registered nurse. And your nurse today, the LPN? She has 20 years of experience on me, I think if anyone is a "real nurse" it's her."

Like another posted, people will always have something to say about CNA vs LPN vs RN and ADN vs BSN...you just have to roll with it. As long as you are working in an environment where your coworkers are supportive and not making these sorts of comments, and you're confident in your own skills, keep your chin up!

Great post. I'm contemplating getting my LPN first so I finish faster. Recently I've had a few comments that I don't really work in the medical field as a CNA. Huh?!?

"No day but today"

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

CNA's I believe that act they way are jealous by the fact that you are a nurse. Some of my classmates have experienced CNA's being mean towards them during clinicals as well I believe its jealousy.

Agree. I would NEVER imply such a thing. I know first hand what it's like I have people think they're better than you or my job is below them.

"No day but today"

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To me, the sheer absurdity of someone saying LPNs aren't really nurses is such that I consider it a non-issue. It's like someone looking at a dog and saying it's a starfish. Since it's such a bafflingly stupid thing to say, it doesn't offend me.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Yeah I know weird right. But there are old threads about this some where in the archives on this site
Title nurse protection in the states that have it....include LPN/LVN's. The have gone to school and have passed the state licensing exam. Now some states restrict the LPN's scope of practice more than others but the are nurses.Title "Nurse" Protection: Summary of Language by State

Title "Nurse" Protection

Background

Restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for licensure as outlined in each state's nurse practice act is a protection for the public against unethical, unscrupulous, and incompetent practitioners. Nurse practice acts describe entry level qualifications such as education, practice standards and code of conduct for continued privilege to practice nursing. Limiting use of the title "nurse" to only those who have satisfied the licensure requirements ensures the protection the public deserves.

At least 37 states are known to have language in their Nurse Practice Act; either explicit in restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those who are licensed or implicit language restricting use of any words implying the individual is a licensed nurse.....

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Specializes in NICU.

I am in school to become a registered practical nurse...and I have a friend who is in the BSCN program. She constantly reminds me how much harder her program is, how easy I have it, and how I'm "just"going to be an RPN and can't do all the things she can. The ignorance is laughable, because at least here in Ontario, the gap between RN and RPN is pretty narrow. All the things she says we can't do...we can, and do! And I've realized, that she really knows nothing about what we do, and neither do many other RNs and BSCN students (mainly the latter). I will be a NURSE in a years time, and a darn good one! I'm loving the quote "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -Elenor Roosevelt....it's true!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Do *not* ever let anyone say "just a LPN " or "just a CNA". It is the worst phrase and divides us- we need way more together and a lot less apart.

LPN= Loving, Passionate Nurse

B

Agreed.

One thing I have noticed--and this in NO WAY excuses or justifies LPN/LVN bashing--but a lot of LVNs are quick to belittle themselves or put themselves down. Lord knows how many times I've heard LVNs say they're "just" a LVN or consider themselves inferior to RNs when they are not.

Again, it doesn't justify rudeness. But if LVNs look/comment so poorly upon themselves, it doesn't exactly encourage others to speak up otherwise.

So in addition to discouraging it among non-LVNs, discourage that attitude among other LVNs as well: be proud of what you do and don't think yourself any less of a nurse because your title is somewhat different.

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

I'm a LPN working in a Wound Healing Clinic. The *only* thing I am not allowed to do is new patient admissions, but I can do everything else, and in addition I run the Hyperbaric chambers. Not one patient since I have been there has asked me if I am a LPN or RN. They see that I am competent to perform the procedures ordered by the physician and educate them prior to leaving the clinic and that is what matters to them.

The two RNs I work with have yet to make any derogatory statements about my title. We work as a team. While they enter new patient info. into the computer, I obtain vital signs, measure wounds, take photos of wounds and do wound care ordered by the MD. RNs and LPNs should learn to work together as a team. At the end of the day it's all about the best possible outcomes for the patient, not who is more competent than the other because of some letters behind a name.

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See how typing can change the meaning of things... Yes, venting. Yes, I have been told 2 times in one week that I am not a nurse in one way or the other. I had just let go the last time someone said it to me. That was about a month ago. I honestly think the issue seeps from me and people pick up on that.
You said it yourself right there. The issue steeps from you. I hear so many LPNs complain about RNs making them feel inferior. It is YOUR inferiority complex. I'm proud to be an RN and I'm not going to let LPNs make me feel guilty because I continued my education. I made that mistake with my firsy job. LPNs had a stick up their butt about the RNs. They bullied me into crying my eyes out and quitting. So LPNs have the power to make RNs feel like crap too. People say ignorant things because I "only" have an associate's. I KNOW I am just as good a nurse as a BSN.
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We are all "Ns", as I like to say. Different Ns with different scopes of practice, but I'm an N and you're an N and that's the truth no matter what others might say. We have a supervisor who constantly says "Nurses and LPNs" and I always correct her (pleasantly of course) "You mean RNs and LPNs..?"
Perfectly worded. We're all nurses with different scopes of practice. Just because I know EKGs and some other critical care concepts does NOT mean my nursing judgement is better or that I apply the nursing process more efficiently than LPNs. Just try to understand that your emotions about it are within your control. Just please don't do what a bunch of LPNs did to me because of their complexes and bully anyone. The nurse I admired most at my first job was an LPN but she turned on me in an instant. I wish I never let anyone make me feel as low as many of the LPNs did.
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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Agreed.

One thing I have noticed--and this in NO WAY excuses or justifies LPN/LVN bashing--but a lot of LVNs are quick to belittle themselves or put themselves down. Lord knows how many times I've heard LVNs say they're "just" a LVN or consider themselves inferior to RNs when they are not.

Again, it doesn't justify rudeness. But if LVNs look/comment so poorly upon themselves, it doesn't exactly encourage others to speak up otherwise.

So in addition to discouraging it among non-LVNs, discourage that attitude among other LVNs as well: be proud of what you do and don't think yourself any less of a nurse because your title is somewhat different.

The entire profession puts themselves down! I can't tell you how many times I have heard I'm "only" a CNA,LPN,ADN. I get sick and tired of hearing this.

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