Question for LPNs/LVNs

lpnandloveit1 · Oct 7, 2001

I became an Lpn because I love bedside nursing. I have no desire to become and Rn at this time. I am 47 years old and have been an Lpn for 26 years. that said I would like to make and observation. when things are quiet on this bb someone will ask this question or one like it, hoping for a battle royal.

mattcastens · Oct 7, 2001

Thanks for the replies, folks! You've definitely answered some questions. To clarify:

1) LPNs are valuable members of the team -- I would never suggest otherwise.

2) I work in a CVICU, where there are no LPNs. As an RN I do all of the patient care with the assistance of a nursing assistant.

3) The reason I became an RN instead of a MD is because I like direct patient contact. You get that as a nurse (no matter what "breed").

4) I was in no way intending to start a flame war. I was simply curious. :)

Slowone · Oct 7, 2001

lpnand loveit1 you said it! when things are quiet on the board issues like this do pop up. Maybe we should start discussing circumcision again what do you think.?!

Have a great day guys!

RNPD · Oct 8, 2001

quote:

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Originally posted by RRMLPN

why did you become and RN instead of a doctor???? not being mean.. just trying to enlighten you.. have a great day

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I have to comment here-LPNs and RNs have the same basic philosophy-NURSING. RNS may make more and have more responsibilities and more opportunities, but LPNs are nurses as well.

But being a nurse and being a doctor are very different. Nurses care for the PATIENT-this includes the physical and emotional and cognitive needs as well as familial needs. Doctors diagnose & treat disease or trauma; as a result they are not holistic (for the most part anyway. I recognize that some docs practice holistic medicine; however that is not the nature of the profession).

I have to ask why a nurse would make such a comparison? I could have been a doc-had the grades, and the opportunity, but after doing premed realized that I didn't have the interest. But nursing? Well, I love caring for people as a nurse and could never have felt the same satisfaction if I were a doctor. Now if only I could make the same kind of money........!

(BTW-there are no LPNs in the facility where I work. I do direct patient care as well as all paperwork. Patient care never suffers for paperwork-even if I have to stay an hour after my shift ends).

Nurseypooh · Oct 8, 2001

The reason why I became an LPN was simple....it was a shorter course....and less money...I do not regret it...I am working in a behavior management unit, where I do almost everything that an RN does, and I make almost the same as our RN's...I have been there for almost 10 years and I am making almost $20 an hour...I cannot complain...I know that this is not the norm for LPN's, but at this point in my life, I do not see myself leaving this place ofa employment, and if I was to go back to school for my RN...I would waste my time and money.

antralan · Oct 8, 2001

well matt some times its better to keep your mouth close.I now you did't like her asking why you not a DR .Thats the same for us L.P.N/L.V.N. You don't know a person situation .We all need to be respected RN/LPN/LVN. I'm a proud L.V.N. Also i'm proud of you we need RNs.. please next time think before you ask something that might affend someone well take care. antralan

nurseleigh · Oct 8, 2001

Maybe we should start discussing circumcision again what do you think.?!

PLEEEEEASE Don't start the circumcision debate again!!!!!

lol

Traci

Shanners_SPN · Oct 8, 2001

Well first off...I am a PN student and my instructor, a RN with her BNS and worked on her MS, told us that LPN's and the 2 year ADN are considered the "technical" nurses...only a 4 year BNS is considered to be the "Professional" nurse. (which I think is stupid cause no matter what kind of nurse you are you have BOTH technical AND professional skills)

For me it was simple...I got into the RN program, BUT I didn't want to take a bunch of senseless classes...I wanted to go right into pt. care cause that is what I want to do.... I have had MANY MANY RN's tell me to go the LPN route first and that will make me a better RN in the long run. I believe them! These classes are TOUGH! We have ALOT of procedures just in the first 4 weeks! We are starting clinicals this week :eek:

Also...I can do this class,get out of the class in July and have a job waiting for me...work for a bit and then go back to college with advanced placement and only have like 2 semesters to go and have my ADN! Can't beat that! My school has a 100% passing their NCLEX-pn for 25 years! THAT is awesome!

I eventually want to be a Midwife or a NP...but right now I am 24 and just taking it one day at a time....one small "baby" step @ a time.

Shannon

TracyB,RN, RN · Oct 8, 2001

I started out as an LPN for the financial aspect also. Young mom, terrible marriage, blah blah blah. You know the rest. It had always been the plan to continue my education. I am planning on going back for BSN next year. Still need to raise the family & all.

AS for Shanner's post & her comment about the instructor saying that only a BSN is considered a professional. Here in Illinois, the RN license says "Registered Profesional Nurse" and that is with an Associate or Bachelor degree. Maybe Ohio has different standards or something. Hmmmmmm. . . . .

RRMLPN · Oct 8, 2001

in response to why i chose that statement....all in fun basically..lol,, cause i sometimes tire of hearing.."why didn't you just get your RN license"... no meaness meant at all.. (and none taken i hope:) ) maybe i should have said.. why didn't you just go for your masters instead of associate.. or bachelors?? but i just didn't think of it at the time dang it!! i should have read my quote before i typed huh..lol.. have a great day!!

RNPD · Oct 8, 2001

Hi RRM-thanks for the clarification. I did understand what you meant-it's just that I get tired of hearing people say to me-"You're so smart. You could have been a doctor". BUT I DIDN'T WANNA BE A DOCTOR! I want to be the best damn NURSE I can be! Don't we need smart nurses as well?

And Shanners-your instructor is ignorant. Here in NY my license is "Registered Profesional Nurse" as well. I believe it to be the same throughout the states as we can get a license endorsement to practice in any state and all take the same NCLEX-RN. Tell your instructor to get her facts straight. The ANA has been trying for years to get the minimum requirement for a RN to be a BSN (like over 35 years!). They would make diploma and ADNs "technical nurses" and BSNs "professional nurses". This was in the position paper of 1965, and repeated once or twice over the years. The ANA really doesn't have a place for LPNs (no judgements here-simply stating a fact). Now since our profession is already confused enough-both the public as well as other medical professionals-this further delineation within the profession of nursing will only confuse everyone further.

I have felt for years that BSN should be the minimum for RN licensure, and they should be the "professional" nurses. (I am an ADN, BTW). Diplomas and ADNs should either be grandfathered to keep their RN status, (my preference 'cause it's easiest for ME!), or given a period of time to obtain their BSN-with financial assistance from the ANA. LPNs should be the "technical" nurses & do the work of CNAs, with additional nursing responsibilities since they have a license and skills that are so useful. CNAs should be banished from working in acute care. I guess they might have a place in LTC, but personally, I would like to see every one who cares for patients to be licensed. I know some great CNAs, but too many just don't care.

Now the above scenario is my dream I realize. Yes all of this would cost money. Too bad. The AHA & the AMA & the insurance companies have plenty of money. If they cared about patients, they would want this for their patients. Unfortunately they only care about profit. I recently heard a radio survey. The announcer was shocked to see that the survey asked docs what their biggest motivator was-patient care or money. Guess which won? And these docs weren't even embassassed to say it. Now of course we all want money. I want it as much as anyone. But I truly can say that MY motivator is patient care.

I do understand the lure of quickly learning a skill and making money. What you do after all depends on your ambition. If you are happy where you are and with what you make, why worry about it? I myself am not so ambitious. I like direct patient care, make decent money as a per diem, work when I want, and have no real desire to do anything else. I don't want to work full time or be a manager. So why do I need a BSN? I don't, but I would still like to get it, because I don't believe that education is ever wasted, and i still think that to be a professional we should at least have a college degree.

That's the end of my soapbox! Please no offense anyone. I have respect for all people and definitely do not mean any disrespect to anyone.

lpnandloveit1 · Oct 9, 2001

RNPD in response to the ANA position paper of '65 having no role for the lpn's, I believe this is where the myth of "grandfather clause" lpns to Rn's came from the way it was presented to us back in the middle ages was BSN and above would be PN or professional nurses and andthing less then a BSN would be RN or regestered nurses. Ain't gonna happen.