"size of the paycheck"

[agnesj23]

Something interesting, I'm very interested how would you respond to this statement:

This is your first position upon graduation from The School of Nursing and receiving your license as a registered nurse. You are working as an RN with an LPN who has been on the unit for 20 years. On your first day she says to you, "The only difference between you and me is the size of the paycheck."

Demonstrate how you would respond to this statement, using assertive communication techniques.

[CVmursenary]

Say, "that's why i went to get my RN, to get paid more than you"

[happy2learn]

Sounds like homework.

To avoid being flamed by some people for asking for homework answers....

How would you respond?

You'll probably get more helpful responses if you state what you would do first.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

Read your nurse practice act, and look at the difference between the scope of practice for an RN vs LPN. That will give you all the info you need to answer the question. While the difference isn't always apparent, there is a pretty big difference between the two. And yeah, this does sound like homework.

[johnnyDoGood]

i wouldn't say anything but probably smirk. you would not want to get involved in petty altercations such as this. it sounds like competition to me, and all it will lead to is jealousy, coworker rivalry and bitter pettiness. then you will have to watch your back. for this lpn to say this sounds like she is spiteful in nature. she might try to get you fired over something if she doesn't like you.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I agree that it's petty, but I would take the high road. Clearly, she's just posturing because we all know the is indeed a difference.

I would smile and say "I can respect that, and I know I have a lot to learn from you."

Experienced LPNs and new grad RNs can sometimes bump heads, but if the new grad keeps her/his arrogant nose out of the air and shows a little respect things will be so much easier.

When I was a new grad it was the longstanding LPNs that showed me the ropes and how to be a hands-on nurse. I'm forever grateful.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

I would probably have approached this issue from the side of "Yes were are both nurses and we do valuable work. I'd like to hear your thoughts on xyz." She's probably been disrespected by new RN's feeling high on the hog so many times that shes just taking a proactive aggressive approach. Insult before being insulted.

Also this must be a ficitional question since the new grad actually got a job.

[diligent-trooper]

I would pick her up by the collar of her shirt, lift her off the floor, and press her against the wall and say: "You talking to me?, You talking to me?"

[NotFlo]

I agree that it's petty, but I would take the high road. Clearly, she's just posturing because we all know the is indeed a difference.

I would smile and say "I can respect that, and I know I have a lot to learn from you."

Just wanted to say I think this is a really nice response that would diffuse the situation immediately. I this answering like this is much more beneficial than smirking or starting to list the differences in the scope of practice per the nurse practice act.

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

Tell her you respect her experience, but you worked equally as hard if not harder to obtain your license. Picture someone dumping a huge bucket of manure over her head and smile.

[himilayaneyes]

Well you definitely should first learn the scope of nursing practice for your state to see the difference between an RN and LPN. Here in Florida, LPNs can't officially assess the patient. So the Rns have to do the admission assessment and every shift assessment. LPNs can't do IV pushes....in any state. LPNs can't take telephone orders. In codes, even if the patient has a LPN taking care of them...they ask for the RN covering the patient. She'll feel humble when she has to come to you to give an IV push for your patient or to take a telephone order for her patient. And as far as her demeaning comment, you should have said why don't you just become a freaking RN already. Good luck.

[kessadawn, BSN, RN]

Sounds like she may have gotten poo'd on by RNs in the past. I agree that focusing your answer on the fact that she can teach you a lot based on her experience is the way to go. My first job as a new grad was in LTC, and the LPNs I worked with, were FABULOUS teachers, I learned so much from them!