As an offshoot to the News article about nursing education, an opinion was brought to the board that LPNs are not adequately prepared to care for patients, and that their education is not strenuous like an RN program is. Having been in the field for awhile, what is your opinion on the differences between LPNs and RNs, other than the legally different aspects (LPNs cannot do initial assessments or IVs in my state for instance)
I'm not looking to start trouble, but rather discuss the topic in an area other than an unrelated thread.
Differences in LPNs vs RNs (educationally, functionally, intellectually)
Best way to combat any possible negatives of the above
Advice for an LPN student (who is too far through her program to just throw it out and start over in an RN program - already applied for an LPN to RN program starting Jan 2010)
Should I really expect to run into attitudes in the workplace about my not being worthwhile as an employee and a care provider because I chose the path that I have? How do you handle it if you do?
There is a local small rural hospital that pays incredibly well for LPNs right out of school and who has been trying very hard to recruit us during clinicals... am I going to be inequipped to care for patients there because of my education? I would never want to get into a situation where patient care was compromised because my education was lacking somehow...
don't get frustrated! i have been an lpn for 2 years. i was in an rn program before my lpn program, long story, but i think lpn's are indespensible, not just as one because i am going back in the fall for rn. ltc will always love lpn's for affordability. and education always depends on the particular program and instructors. i felt my lpn training was awesome! make sure your instructors are rn's because they will show you it all. some rn programs are really no different then lpn. i think for people who need a good paying profession, going into an rn program that gives you an pn certificate halfway through is a fantastic idea because you can start working, gain experience and start paying for schooling while still in school so the debt isn't huge. school only teaches a nurse 10% of what you can learn in the field and continuing education, keep your books around and always whip them open when curious about a certain case, you'll learn so much more then a classroom! what your doing is the best way to go in my opinion!
i doubt that LPN's will ever be "done away" with. although they have been downsized considerbly in hospitals, doesn't mean they are less needed in other areas. i'm in LPN school right now, just started, will graduate feb. 2010. was in an RN program about four yrs ago [long story] and now i've decided to go this route to get my RN. i was a little skeptical at first because of the lack of positions for LPN's in hospitals, this is where i want to work. don't mind what people say about LPN's that they are "doing away" with them. with the nursing shortage LPN's will be around for a loooong time.
I agree that LPNs will be around. At the same time, the LPN/RN controversy prevents harmony within this area of the nursing profession. Again, creating an accessible 6 to 10 month course that would elevate LPNs to RN status would help eliminate the controversy.
Part of the reasoning is that nurses get little enough respect from physicians. A stronger union in general would allow nurses to demand more respect and better work conditions. As probably the largest work force in healthcare, this would translate into demonstrably better patient care, more value and would increase pay rates. Patients and the nursing profession would be better off.
For example, APNs fought like anything to acquire legal rights like writing scripts while practicing as primary care providers, without a co-sign from a MD - that required cohesive, political action.
I don't know about you all but I'm a LPN. A dang good one at that. I can put most RNs under the table with starting IVs and with my knowledge. I have found alot of very stupid RNs out there. There are also a lot of stupid LPNs and alot of good smart nurses. Why do we need this arguement when we should all be combining our forces to get more nurses out there in the field. My understanding where I live is that Nurse educators would take a big cut in pay to teach. In my state us LPNs can do almost anything a RN can do. So please re-think your feelings about getting rid of us LPNs. I do not have the time nor the money to get my RN or I would. We are humanbeings also
I have met lots of nurses, good and not so good. I think the conversation should not be getting rid of anyone but elevating the entire field. Bringing everyone to within a couple of levels instead of 4, LPNs, ADNs, BSNs, APNs. Elevate LPNs to RN status, not a grandfather but through an additional education course that's accessible, rapid and affordable, like a 6 to 10 month course.
I never hear RNs talking about the difference between ADNs and BSNs except BSNs get more administrative positions and that's by virtue of the Bachelors.
So there would be RNs and APNs. Much like the medical profession where there's primary care docs and specialty areas. There wouldn't be so many layers.
In order for something like this is happen, the support of RNs would be needed and therein lies the problem. Take the sniping out, get a concensus and put some political action in and it could work.
I am concerned by the mention that they are now changing the LPN school to focus more on long term care. I can not imagine that. I never saw the inside of a nursing home until last year. That was I tried a prn position at a nursing home. It was not for me. I love working in the hospital setting. Call me greatful for the training I had back in the 70's. We were prepared for the hospitals, as we still should be. With that type of training we are better prepared to go most anywhere.
LOL! Some times WE have to laugh and walk away. Even though I am an RN student now,I am proud to be an African American LPN for 12 years with hospital experience. A good example of becoming what ever you want to be is. Our BLACK president. ENOUGH SAID!
Specializes in Pediatric, Geriatric, Renal, Telemetry,.
Your main goal should be to attain the highest level in your career as possible. With that being said, I've been an LPN for 22 years. I've worked in ICU (taking step-down patients), Dialysis, Neuro, Telemetry, High Tech Pediatrics, Med-Surg, IV therapy team, Volunteer rescue squad, Ventilator/Respiratory failure, I could go on and on. I current earn between $60,000 and 70, 0000/ year. I mainly work in Home Health Skilled Nursing Visits Las Vegas. Salaries here aren't great but competitive. Don't let anyone deter you from being an LPN. We are knowledgable and competent. l know of many situaions in which an RN was incompetent and unprofessional. I also know RN's that prefer to work with a solid LPN vs an RN. There are some things that we can't legally do as LPN's but that shouldn't stop us from knowing how to do them. In a distaster or similar situation it doesn't matter if you RN or LPN. I've never come across a patient in distress ask me if I'm and RN....They asked me for help! My best advice, be the best LPN you can and continue your education because with a degree comes more $$ and opportunity.
From what I understand, LPNs do A LOT of work. I am currently trying to get into an RN program because eventually I want to get my MSN and nurse practitioners license, so it would not make sense for me to get my LPN first. I have an LPN in my A & P class, and she said that LPN school did not prepare her for this class, but I think everyone doubts themselves no matter how much training they have had. I am not experienced at, all but friends of mine who are LPNs at nursing homes are unit managers, etc...so I wouldn't put yourself down or discredit yourself because your an LPN and not an RN.
you, have some good points, and i think its depends on what part of the country that you live. where i live in dallas there is a great mixture of races in the rn field, now you are right there are opportunities for everyone; however, many people don't know, see or hear about those opportunities, for example, who are going to tell everyone? if people are too afraid to go to the public schools and talk with the kids, and teach them about financial aid, tutoring and programs out there to help them, then they will never know. people aspect people know about everything, when we should be encouraging, teaching and telling the ct, lvn and other health care worker to improve their education. i am a black male from south dallas, and i wouldn't be in nursing school if my college professor wouldn't told me about a program that not only paid for my nursing education, but have a job waiting for me when i finish school. this same program go to local high school and offer free training, jobs to high school kids whom want to be nurses, and paid for all of their perquisites, then we them finish that part offer them a sit in nursing school. this program is offer to any of the hospital employees or their family members. yes i am to going to tell you where (lol) if you live close to dallas/ft.work the place is thr (texas human resources), which covers now 13 hospitals. this is free nursing education for those whom will to work hard their dream of being a nurse. "now i challenge everyone who know about an opportunity to tell everyone and anyone that can benefit from it".
absolutenurse
8 Posts
don't get frustrated! i have been an lpn for 2 years. i was in an rn program before my lpn program, long story, but i think lpn's are indespensible, not just as one because i am going back in the fall for rn. ltc will always love lpn's for affordability. and education always depends on the particular program and instructors. i felt my lpn training was awesome! make sure your instructors are rn's because they will show you it all. some rn programs are really no different then lpn. i think for people who need a good paying profession, going into an rn program that gives you an pn certificate halfway through is a fantastic idea because you can start working, gain experience and start paying for schooling while still in school so the debt isn't huge. school only teaches a nurse 10% of what you can learn in the field and continuing education, keep your books around and always whip them open when curious about a certain case, you'll learn so much more then a classroom! what your doing is the best way to go in my opinion!