Questions for Veteran LPN's..

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2010

I'm definitely not a veteran LPN, since I only worked as one for approximately four years (2006 to 2010). However, I have done my fair share of ostomy care as an LPN, and I still continue to empty and/or change ostomy bags as an RN. All levels of nursing do some "dirty work," regardless of the grade, title, or licensure that one holds. Personally, I'd rather deal with poop than other aspects of the job such as obnoxious family members, rude doctors, unsympathetic managers, and overly demanding patients.

Many LPNs deal with people who believe that they are not real nurses. I've heard derogatory nicknames such as Little Pretend Nurse, Let's Play Nurse, Low Paid Nurse, Licensed Practical Nuisance, and others used toward LPNs. A small handful of RNs have expressed unfavorable attitudes toward LPNs. The occasional visitor might ask for the RN's supposedly "expert opinion" about a patient's condition, even though the LPN has spent all shift caring for the patient and knows him/her best. Some facilities in the U.S. severely limit what the LPN can do, which can leave some frustrated and feeling trapped. In addition, many hospitals in the U.S. have limited their hiring of LPNs, so our main workplaces are nursing homes, home health, rehab, and other less-sought-after specialties.

PfromFL · Jul 31, 2010

Thank you for your reply. :) As far as the dirty work, are LPN students slowly integrated into those procedures, to give you time to adjust? I do not get sick easily, I just want to be prepared in advance. In my area, there are alot of LPN positions right now, many in hospitals and doctor's offices. What are the negatives in working rehab? From what I've been reading, home health care is a good choice because of it's flexibility, but you need experience- the best of which can be acquired working in a ltc facility. I'm new and trying to learn as much as possible and I figure the more I learn before going in will prepare me even more.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2010

Not a vet LPN (my 2 yr anniversary just passed as a matter of fact) however, I can only speak from my LPN schooling. We were taught and able to do basic skills in the very beginning of schooling (bed baths, etc). When we went to the clinical sites, we were paired up with another student and we took care of one patient all day. Now that included everything from bed bath, to incontinence care etc.

In my eyes, there was no time to adjust to the "dirty work". Most of my class (including myself) were CNA's. We did have a few that had never worked as CNA's, actually had never worked in any health care position, and several of those had no children, nieces/nephew or friends with kids so they had never been exposed to cleaning up another human being. They were fine on our first few days. They were more scared the first time they had to perform the duties, but soon were performing as if they had been doing it all their lives.

If you have kids or have ever helped care for a person who was sick, you should be ok. Think of the patients as just bigger human beings who need assistance. Over time most of us don't even really notice the "dirty work", it becomes part of the job of compassionately caring for someone who needs you.

Anne36, LPN · Jul 31, 2010

LOL, sometimes I think that is all LPNs do is clean up after people from the threads I have read. That does not require even the pre-req classes Im taking. Someone tell me an LPN does more than babysit and clean up poop all day. I would say it is a wasted education if thats the bulk of the job.

rnlately · Aug 2, 2010

LOL, sometimes I think that is all LPNs do is clean up after people from the threads I have read. That does not require even the pre-req classes Im taking. Someone tell me an LPN does more than babysit and clean up poop all day. I would say it is a wasted education if thats the bulk of the job.

Not a wasted education at all. Yes I do occasionally clean up poop, as do RNs; but understand this: a nurse is responsible for total patient care; not just some. Total patient care involves everything from "cleaning up poop" (as you say), administering medicines and treatments, comforting anxious patients/family members, and being a much needed shoulder to cry on. I'm afraid a lot of people are interested in nursing because they've watched a few shows on TV that make it glamorous. Trust me, there is nothing glamorous about my job but that's alright. I became a nurse because I genuinely desire to help people; nothing more, nothing less. With that being said, nursing is definitely not for everyone.

BeverlynBama · Aug 3, 2010

I work as an LPN in the largest clinic in the region where I live outside hospitals. LPNs are the supervisors where I work and when needed do patient care.

I love my job and what it entails. I am older went to college after my kids were grown so LPN is good for me.

guest2210 · Aug 3, 2010

If you really want to get accustomed to the "cleaning up poop" aspect of being an LPN, might I suggest you work as a CNA prior to starting school. I've been an LPN for 28 years and have done it all, but also worked as a nursing assistant(no CNA back then...LOL) prior to that. During clinicals in a nursing home, you do ALL of the patient care on one patient for the day.

systoly · Aug 5, 2010

I'm definitely a veteran (Army Medic)

The previous post is excellent advise. Working as a CNA before nursing school will definitely give you an edge.

If "getting stuck" refers to needlesticks - that is 99.999 % under your control (yes, I was stuck once with a dirty needle, but it was my fault)

Pee, poop, upchuck, etc. - yep, it's all part of it, but just part of it

Being looked down upon - If you don't look down upon your self, others will have a hard time to do so - respect doesn't come with a title, it's earned

To TheCommuter

You may not have the time in grade, but you have the knowledge and wisdom

of a veteran.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2010

To TheCommuter
You may not have the time in grade, but you have the knowledge and wisdom
of a veteran.

Thanks, systoly. . . I'm absolutely flattered. :up:

belgarion · Aug 5, 2010

Every nurse has his/her own level of tolerance as far as the "icky" stuff. I grew up on a small ranch so there isn't much that gets to me. I know some nurses who are just fine with puke and poop but turn dead white at the sight of respiratory secretions. Some can't stand the smell that comes from a draining wound while other can't stand old fashioned body odor. You will find your own "Achilles heel" and learn to adjust to it.

Commuter brought up a really good point about some states and facilities restricting what an LPN/LVN is allowed to do. Reading some posts in this forum it seems that some states are so restrictive that an LPN can barely pass meds without an RN personally inspecting each pill. Others, like Texas, have a very broad interpretation of an LVN's scope of practice, basically leaving it up to individual facilities to decide. So really, what you can do depends on what state you are in and who you are working for.

catlvr · Aug 5, 2010

I work in a skilled nursing facility, side by side with RNs. We do the same thing in this setting, with the exception of central lines (our facility does not hang blood). I'm fortunate that they all have respect for the LPN role, and consider the individual rather than the degree. I haven't had any family members get caught up with the degree, either. I really do believe that it depends on your knowledge and how you present yourself.

They are, of course, paid quite a bit more. I'm working on my RN online; wish that I could go to a bricks and mortar school, but you know how life gets in the way...

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LOL, sometimes I think that is all LPNs do is clean up after people from the threads I have read. That does not require even the pre-req classes Im taking. Someone tell me an LPN does more than babysit and clean up poop all day. I would say it is a wasted education if thats the bulk of the job.