"Are you an RN OR LPN ????"

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Okay, I guess I have a question relating to....well I'll just give the situation...I usually introduce my self to my patients after I recieve my assignment and report. And I start out..."Hi, My name is Ally and I will be your nurse today....." Then usually 2 times out of 10....Ill get a question from my patient saying " Are you an LPN OR RN? " I have no problem answering thier question after that. but I was wondering does this happen to anyone else but me?........

I don't know what I feel about it really but i find it kind of odd that you get patients with no medical background asking whether youre and LPN or an RN...Just makes me feel alittle uneasy sometimes...lol... IT's like Hey I wonder is it for legal purposes.....

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Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.

Nobody asks, but they do look at my badge which clearly says RN.

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Hang in there. And don't assume they have no medical background. Even if you think you are sure about that. Really.

You may be right, but hey, it could be worse, they could be a lawyer.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am noticing more and more patients and families that I see in the hospitals are actually asking me to write down my name and position. This happens at one particular hospital quite frequently. I have no problem providng my name and title to patients as this ensures they know who I am.

If they really want to find out - its on the chart anyway. However, I always introduce myself (every time I see the pt) of who I am and what I'm there to do.

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Specializes in SICU, EMS, Home Health, School Nursing.

I just address myself as their nurse, but when I write my name on their board, I include my title and I will tell them what it is if they ask. My name badge also has this large thing on it that basically shouts out that I am a RN.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

They did a study in our community and basically found that it makes patients feel more comfortable if you introduce yourself, give your name and credentials, and then tell them something about your background ("I have been a tele nurse for X years" etc).

I tried to incorporate that into practice when I was in nursing school but it is weird to give that much information so early in the morning when they've just woken up. On the other hand, I've been in the hospital when the nurses didn't even introduce themselves.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

I think part of that is because the media is telling people they must have and demand the best care. Sometimes they think that can only be supplied by an RN, again media. Maybe if you explain to the patient along with who you are what you will be doing for them today. " I will be bringing in your oral medications, changing your dressing after the doctor writes an order to change it, helping to bring your meals and maybe helping with your bath if needed along with (your other co-workers and their titles). Sometimes patient education isnt always about their illness but about which staff are going to be doing what and how it relates to their care.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
I start out..."Hi, My name is Ally and I will be your nurse today....." Then usually 2 times out of 10....Ill get a question from my patient saying " Are you an LPN OR RN? " I have no problem answering thier question after that.

My question would be why do you have a problem stating that you're an LPN prior to the patient asking? In all honesty it sounds like you may be worried that the patient may rather have an RN? I understand that feeling as I used to be an LPN.

The LPN's I worked with were "awesome" and I would feel extremely comfortable with any of them taking care of me. Show your professionalism and the title won't mean a thing.

When I go get pts for imaging I tell them "Hi my name is _______, I am an RN and I work in medical imaging, I will be giving you _______medication or whatever the case may be. I think the patient should know and no matter what you are an RN or an LPN state it proudly from the git-go. I do know that up on the floor each room has dry erase board with all the necessary information written on it for the day.

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I was an LPN for several years in this hospital before becoming an RN this year.

As an LPN, I always wrote my name and title first on their board (we have white boards by each bed) and introduced myself as the nurse who would be taking care of them. I'd write the name of my covering RN underneath mine, and state that we were working together as a team, so they might she him/her from time to time. Like this:

Nurses: Jean, LPN

Jane, RN

I left it at that, but would give more info if they requested, of course.

That way, they would know there was an RN responsible for their care, and they wouldn't be surprised if she came in to do something that I couldn't (hang blood, etc).

On a daily basis, no, I don't have anyone ask if I am an RN or an LPN. But since my name and title is on the board, they really don't have to ask.

Only once did I have someone request an RN over me. Fine, I turned them over to my covering RN. I didn't tell them that she had only been out of school less than 6 months. If the title means everything to them, they can have it. Me, I'd reserve judgement until I saw my nurse in action.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I have been asked that on a few occasions, and we have a frequent flier at our facility that demands to have an RN when she is admitted. Actually, she demands a whole lot of things when admitted.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I usually introduce myself as their nurse, because I AM. If they want specifics, I'll tell them. It is not about shame, an LPN that introduces herself as 'a nurse' is telling the truth...we are. It is true that media, and some RNs try to diminish the role of the LPN for whatever reasons, and we can't control that. Sometimes, I notice that after explaining a complex situation to them easily, it will come out, when some patients ask how long it took me to become a nurse, and when I say I'm an LPN, it shocks them...as if LPNs should not have knowledge or intelligence. To me, to be a nurse on any level, one should be articulate in speaking, writing and be professional. No title should be exempt from that.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
To me, to be a nurse on any level, one should be articulate in speaking, writing and be professional. No title should be exempt from that.

I agree 200%

I usually introduce myself as their nurse, because I AM. If they want specifics, I'll tell them. It is not about shame, an LPN that introduces herself as 'a nurse' is telling the truth...we are.

No it's not about shame. An LPN and an RN are both nurses. I used to be an LPN, I have worked with LPN's who were awesome, much better than RN's. I have no problem what-so-ever with the differences between an LPN and RN. Basically there is no difference other than the education.

Respectfully, having been an LPN I feel qualified to say that many LPN's, me included, did not or do not state their title because they know they will be perceived by most patients as being less than a nurse. I can admit it, I did feel somewhat embarrassed stating I was an LPN. I realized it was my issue but it didn't matter, I couldn't help feeling the way I did. I have no problem stating I am an RN. It's really messed up but it is the way it is.

I only went back to school to get my RN because I wanted a college degree. I felt it was important for our children to know that both of their parents had a college degree. In hindsight, it was the best thing I ever did for myself because the opportunities that opened to me being an RN have been tremendous not to mention the increase in pay. :w00t:

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