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.
"I am sure you have a lot to teach me, can you help me assess Mr Jones...oh...ummm...I mean...observe Mr Jones?"
I love goating the LPNs at work into these kind of amicable discussions, they are always sooo uptight and on the defensive. REALLY upsets some of them that they have been LPNs longer than I have been alive and I make more than them.
I have learned an amazing amount of info from their experience, although I will never admit it lol
I would probably respond with something along the lines of alrighty then, now that you made that is clear can we get down to some orientation. I work with a lot of LPNs and some have issues with RNs and some do not. I have found that the ones that have the issues are one of several things jealous, had RNs treat them like they are stupid, or just plain old mean for no other reason than they can be. I have learned to ignore their issues and get on with my life.
Really at the end of the day I am the one who will be held to the higher standard in court if something happens not the LPN. Higher reponsiblity = higher paycheck in my book.
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.
Just have to correct you (as a longstanding LPN) with no malice intended. I can do IV pushes in my state. Not sure where you got your incorrect information. We just can't push particular drugs like chemotherapy, thrombolytics, etc. But I push meds everyday and am working within my scope of practice. I am also perfectly capable and within my scope taking telephone orders and verbal orders. I can assess a patient all day and night long, as long as they have been assessed by an RN within the last 24 hours. Just wanted to make sure you understand what is one state's scope of practice does not hold true for all. And by the way, if some new nurse used the term "why don't you just become a freaking RN already" with me, I'd chew 'em up and spit 'em out. That kind of attitude is exactly why some LPNs go on the defensive with new RNs. And when we are working side by side on a patient that is going bad, and you don't know what to do...don't expect me to save your ass (even though I can)...I'm not an RN!
Everything I learned my first couple of years was from LPNs.
I still have my 2 favorite ones who can stick a vein that doesn't exist and who I'd call in a skinny minute for help in a code. We might not even be speaking that day, but when code xx got called I'd holler for T or L and they'd always be at my side.
As for size of paycheck I'd say mine was about 3" x 8" or so and was direct deposited. I have no idea what an LPN makes and really no idea what I made other than at eval time that itty bitty % raise they trot out. I'll take a NURSE anytime LPN RN BSN MSN PhD RN. NURSE.
I'd kick her in the back of the knee and say, "Now there is two differences... my money, and you be on the ground crying like a baby!"
No but really, as a LVN/LPN doing a transition to RN program the only RNs I take issue with are the ones shoving credentials in your face, especially when they make life threatening errors, or the ones who sit on her bums while I toil away in the salt mine.
Honestly, I'd be offended, but in the interest of avoiding conflict with my co-worker woudl let it go. It's HER issue with being an LPN..not yours. Just tell her you're looking foward to learning from her experience and move on.
I wouldn't bite. I would have a "masked" facial expression and bring up another topic. I'd then carefully watch this LPN in the future to see if it's going to be an issue.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Just have to correct you (as a longstanding LPN) with no malice intended. I can do IV pushes in my state. Not sure where you got your incorrect information. We just can't push particular drugs like chemotherapy, thrombolytics, etc. But I push meds everyday and am working within my scope of practice. I am also perfectly capable and within my scope taking telephone orders and verbal orders. I can assess a patient all day and night long, as long as they have been assessed by an RN within the last 24 hours. Just wanted to make sure you understand what is one state's scope of practice does not hold true for all. And by the way, if some new nurse used the term "why don't you just become a freaking RN already" with me, I'd chew 'em up and spit 'em out. That kind of attitude is exactly why some LPNs go on the defensive with new RNs. And when we are working side by side on a patient that is going bad, and you don't know what to do...don't expect me to save your ass(even though I can)...I'm not an RN!
I would hope you would be more concerned about saving the patient's ass than getting into a petty ****** match with an RN.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
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.
the lpn is being nasty -- who knows whether or not it was warranted. but the real difference between you and her is not the size of your paycheck or the length of your education but her experience and your lack of it. she can teach you an awful lot, if you're willing to learn from one who is "just and lpn."
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
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.
when i was a new grad, i could not have survived without the experienced lpns and nursing assistance that taught me so much. i'll be forever grateful as well.
Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
I always respond to inappropriate questions with, "why do you ask?" It immediately diffuses the situation, then she will have to explain herself, realize how inappropriate the question is, and move on.
Money is such a private thing. I sort of compare this question to, "Hey, are your boobs real? or Is your diamond real? Or Have you had Botox?" Hmmm...."why do you ask?" See my rationale? If they don't take the hint, change the subject. It is NOBODY's business what your paycheck size happens to be. Don't invite that conversation. Some people are just social morons.
Asystole RN
2,352 Posts
"I am sure you have a lot to teach me, can you help me assess Mr Jones...oh...ummm...I mean...observe Mr Jones?"
I love goating the LPNs at work into these kind of amicable discussions, they are always sooo uptight and on the defensive. REALLY upsets some of them that they have been LPNs longer than I have been alive and I make more than them.
I have learned an amazing amount of info from their experience, although I will never admit it lol