Although this statement may be somewhat true depending on what state you live and where you work. I see that it doesn't go lightly with RNs sometimes and I see why. They did more schooling, and those differences in scope of practice can create challenges for them. I do my own admissions and RNs co-sign. I have never written inaccurate info but I imagine if I had, it would put a lot of stress on my RN colleague. I do 95% of the same skills in LTC but when I need to do IV push I need to pull the RN from her own patients to help with mine. I am a team player so when this happens I usually go stock her cart and check her blood sugars. We work well together. We respect each other, but we don't have the same license and I can't do 100% of her job. That doesn't make me any less of a nurse but it doesn't make me an RN either.
We are colleagues, we are nurses. We help each other. But I am in school for bsn and realize it's not the same.
Saying that that you could do everything an RN does is not only inaccurate but it perpetuates the divide. Why not just say,you are a great nurse. You do your job well and you are needed and valued. My RNs need me and I need them.
Maybe the scope of practice is different in NJ, but I am an LPN and I do everything an RN does, without the co-signature of an RN. I assess. I care plan. I educate. I hang IV's. I start IV's. I draw blood. I pass my meds. I mix IV medications. I inject. I do everything, but push IV meds. I am compensated more than most BSN's I know working in hospitals. I am given more bonuses and more over time than you can imagine. Do I work in a hospital ? No. I have been in a SNF since I received my license. But I'm writing this because I'm tired.. SO tired of hearing 'oh, you're just an LPN. You don't do what RN's do' ..
I like your post. I worked my way thru RN school as a CNA. I wanted to first help pay for college and second start at the beginning so I would know what it's like. I know how to work with CNA's now and have a great deal of respect for what they do. We should all work together and not put down anyone.
I've worked my way up the educational ladder, so to speak. LPN, ASN, BSN, and now working on my MSN. And let me tell you...LPN school was TOUGH. I call it my nursing boot camp. I have respect for all nurses who work hard, regardless of credentials.
kaygan91
1 Post
Maybe the scope of practice is different in NJ, but I am an LPN and I do everything an RN does, without the co-signature of an RN. I assess. I care plan. I educate. I hang IV's. I start IV's. I draw blood. I pass my meds. I mix IV medications. I inject. I do everything, but push IV meds. I am compensated more than most BSN's I know working in hospitals. I am given more bonuses and more over time than you can imagine. Do I work in a hospital ? No. I have been in a SNF since I received my license. But I'm writing this because I'm tired.. SO tired of hearing 'oh, you're just an LPN. You don't do what RN's do' ..