It seems to me that everything I read about the "Nursing Shortage", actually means "RN shortage". "How do we retain Rns?" "The survey of RNs showed..." Bla, bla, bla. This is by no means meant as disrespect to RNs; I may be one someday, just frustration with the powers that be. It seems to me, increasing the number of LPNs would take some of the work off of overloaded RNs; and at a higher skill level than them having to supervise CNAs. Obviously there are alot of us on this BB, so LPNs must be needed somewhere. However, where I'm from, we only have 1 LPN program; and one major hospital that still hires LPNs. I just found out last night about NFLPN (National Federation for Licensed Practical Nurses). They obviously aren't doing too much to advance our profession, otherwise I would have heard of them before. Have the rest of you heard of them. Are you aware of anything they are doing? Wisconsin doesn't seem to consider LPNs very important. Is anyone else from Wisconsin?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I agree with the original post, the articles that I have read & what I have seen on tv mentions the shortage to be RN's only. While in the bridge RN program, two of our instructors referred to RN's being professional nurses, while LPNs are not. I felt that those were bold words, considering they were saying this to a class made up entirely of LPNs. :angryfire
Most state B.O.N.s refer to RNs as 'professional nurses' and LPNs/LVNs as 'basic nurses'.
We were provided with information from Johnson & Johnson (SE wax company) for nurses week. They too recognize RNs as nurses, not LPNs.
I spoke to the CNO (chief nursing officer) at my hospital, after it was announced that all nurses would be receiving a 2% raise, only for the truth to be found....it was only for the RNs. She told me, well, we have to retain the RNs. I was appauled by her answer, since I was a very hardworking LPN, whom has worked for the same hospital for 6 years.
In the healthcare field, RNs tend to be more valued, desirable, and sought-after than their LPN/LVN counterparts. I think this is due to the fact that RNs are permitted to initiate and perform more independent nursing actions. Also, most states do not consider the LPN/LVN to be an independent practitioner. This is the cold, rough reality in America.
I don't think that there is anything that can be done to change the way of thinking unless nurses bond together & educate both the medical community & their local communities.
The situation is quite dismal. All nurses need to come together and be more supportive of each other. After all, united we stand and divided we fall.
Specializes in Medical Telemetry, LTC,AlF, Skilled care.
Lordy, I've never understood why RN's were labled proffesional nurses (I'm not trying to offend anyone) it makes it sound as if LPNs are "unprofesional nurses" you know? I always thought that when people talked about the nursing shortage they were talking about RNs, LPNs, and CNAs I mean I know CNA's are not nurses but we do deliever A LOT of basic nursing care. I really think the Nurse and CNA relationship is very important, I know myself I go out of my way for the nurses who are good to me, respect me, and help me when they can. Once that trust is formed it makes the days go by a lot smoother. I hope one day the "RN Syndrome" everyone has gotten with resolve, I hope one day people will realize that in healthcare it takes EVERYBODY not just one person or one credential to do it all.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
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