"JUST" an Lpn

[Newnurse19882010]

I'm a new lpn, work in a clinic setting where I assist the doc with in office procedures. I was telling a family member about it, and in a shocked voice says "well where is the nurse when ur doing these procedures?" I said I am the nurse. She says " but your an lpn". I didn't know what to say, this isn't the first time I've had to try and explain the whole rn and lpn thing to the same person, they just don't get it. This person has said several times she thinks lpns just takes vital signs. Anyone ever dealt with anything similar?

[acim]

I'm a new lpn, work in a clinic setting where I assist the doc with in office procedures. I was telling a family member about it, and in a shocked voice says "well where is the nurse when ur doing these procedures?" I said I am the nurse. She says " but your an lpn". I didn't know what to say, this isn't the first time I've had to try and explain the whole rn and lpn thing to the same person, they just don't get it. This person has said several times she thinks lpns just takes vital signs. Anyone ever dealt with anything similar?

I haven't yet but I doubt I'd have the patience to constantly try to explain it to the same person. I'd politely introduce them to Mr Google or my state's BON and refuse to discuss it anymore.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

There is an idea, print out your BON's scope of practice for LPNs. I don't know some people will never get it. If you have explained it a couple of times, just let it go. You know you are a nurse and that you are not a CNA or "just" and LPN. Or you can just say, "I AM the nurse" and let it go at that.

[cocoa_puff]

I was at a doctor's appointment, and I asked the guy who was taking my health history, "Are you a nurse?" (which I always ask because I like to see what people say, and to see if the clinic/office hires mostly nurses or mostly MAs). He said, "I'm an LPN." I replied, "Then you are a nurse." He smiled and said, "Yes, I am."

I wish people would realize that the title is "licensed practical (or vocational) NURSE."

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

You will get this many, many times in your career as an LPN unfortunately. I get this in LTC and we literally do the exact same role as the RNs now that we can do PICC lines in our state. Literally, the job description is the same, and they are are no longer hiring RNs for floor positions at my LTC because of this. i also reply I am an LPN when asked if I am a nurse because i get tired of the "Well your not really a nurse" face. Many of the hospitals in my area also will hire LPNs for MA positions because the role is "so similar" --- which it really isn't. This is the number 1 reason I am back in school to get my RN because I am not getting paid what they are for the same role and we also do not get the same respect. It's not like we added in the nurse in licensed practical nurse so I am not sure where people get we aren't nurses.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

People ask my what I do and I just reply that I am a nurse. I decide when to let someone know I am a LPN

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

haters gonna hate.

They mad you probably make more money

[nurse619]

I tell them I am a nurse. If they ask what's LVN stand for I say the " N " stands for nurse. I have seen other lvn also write on patients whiteboard for the day... NURSE: their name. Instead of RN or lvn. Just nurse for the day.

[NOADLS]

There are some family members that insist that I assess their loved one rather than one of the perfectly capable LPNs.

To be honest, I don't know why any of you would find this frustrating. Just another way to dig your way out of a tough spot and dump it on the RN.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I couldn't agree more. One less PITA for me to deal with. :)

[nurse619]

A nurse is a nurse is a nurse.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I just wish my doctor's office still hired nurses. I have a heck of a time trying to get by the MA who fields the calls to the doctor. "You've never been on that med before. When did you start taking it?"..."Yes I have, the doctor wrote for it and has been doing so for over ten years." "Nope, you're not on that. Who gave it to you?" "The generic name is (fill in blank)". "How do you spell that?"....SMH..."Oh, here it is. The doctor doesn't have an appointment available for you today and he needs to see you before he'll fill it" "You cancelled my appointment yesterday and now I'm out. Can you rebook my appointment and give a partial fill until that date?" "No, because it's not an emergency"....."Dear, it's a cardiac med and you want me to not take it for two weeks. I need to speak to your supervisor please"....script later called in to pharmacy.

That lady that thought you only take blood pressures should have gotten to experience this gem;)