Receiving Negativity as an LPN/LVN

[SleehpyLvn]

Hello everyone, my name is Angela and I am new to this forum as well as an upcoming LVN (in Texas). Currently enrolled in a private college that is a little over a year and I must say I am finding out who I am as a person! Also getting to know the 'Nurses world', from CNA's to RN's.

Anyway, I wanted to touch base on the fact how LPN/LVN's are underrated. You don't hear much about them unless you do the research. And you would find that they get A lot of negativity, like not being "a real nurse" or being the underdog that the RN's may boss around-in a negative way. (No offense to RN's, As I am going to take a bridge program later on for RN.������) but we all must admit we've ran into some pretty rude, stuck up nurses...and the fact I've been through so many blogs and videos on people's journey to become a nurse, most say they don't want to be stuck an LVN/LPN as if it's so bad...they go on how they can't stand to be stuck in that position and I just feel like that puts down upcoming LVN/LPN's and even the current ones. Nursing school is very stressful so far, and I know the RN program will be 10x worse! But c'mon do not put down other people's options on becoming an RN later down the road and definitely don't be a rude or stuck up nurse. We are all in the same boat and we are all a "Nurse" no matter RN or LVN/LPN. We should have each others back and give a helping hand whenever we can. Especially the new nurses, we should build eachother up! Not break eachother down by making someone feel less of themselves because of their title. Stop the negativity! Does anyone else agree?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I agree with you that we should stop the negativity.

Like you, I am also in Texas. I was an LVN for a little more than four years. I became an RN because I wanted to be paid what I felt my work was worth.

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

We are all part of the healthcare team and all serve and very real purpose for the care of our patients. I work with FABULOUS LPNs and have no idea why there is a need for some RNs to "assert their dominance" or act as if they are better. Yes, they may have furthered there education but that doesn't mean they're inherently better nurses. Hopefully, as we all try to have more respect for our individual roles, we can get rid of the negative Nancies.

[voneek, ADN, BSN, LVN]

I agree, I am so tired of nurses and non nurses negativity about Lvn's/Lpn's not being real nurses.

[SleehpyLvn]

Yes my point exactly! I just don't understand why they are put down so much! I would never change the road I'm taking into becoming an RN and maybe even more.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I would change your user name if I were you. You should try and stay as Anonymous as possible on these forums. You make it way to easy to identify who you really are.

[SleehpyLvn]

Thanks for the tip.......

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I simply tell people that I'm a nurse. Because Lvn stands for licensed vocational nurse.

If the person wants more info-they usually don't- I explain the differences in Lvn vs rn scope in my state. 2 simple differences: I can't hang blood. I can't do Iv push meds. I have run entire buildings. Lvns run snfs, Alfs, LTCs--as dsds.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

I am a little skeptical on this issue. I have been there and seen it all. I don't think I was ever "put down", personally, as a LPN, when I was one. The only place I ever saw that take place was back on the AOL message boards! And, currently, as a RN, I am working with EXCELLENT LPNS! My do they run around and get so much done. I feel like I'm standing still....but part of that is they are young nurses as well. I tell them they are super nurses! ha

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I agree with you 100%. Nurses are nurses whether LVN or RN. I have met bad LVNs & bad RNs, on the flip I have met great LVNs & great RNs. One is not better than the other. I don't know why some RNs have a complex & look down on LVNs.

P.S. If you have not passed the NCLEX, you cannot have LVN in your screen name.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

OP, are you still a student or are you actually experiencing put downs because of your title? I personally have yet to see anyone belittled because they are an LPN as opposed to an RN. Unless you've been on the receiving end, I suggest you don't go looking for something that isn't actually there.

And if you are in fact, not an LPN yet, using LVN in your user name is against TOS

[DarkEyed]

Thank you! I love my LPNs!! I was an LPN for 2 years and yes there is a negative stigma. I can remember when I first got my RN, there was an LPN who had been working for 30 years. She was worth her weight in gold. Taught me sooo much. Ignore the hate, of you are happy as an LPN then know that you ARE loved and appreciated!