RN Treating LPNs as Beneath Them

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

How do you combat an RN at your job who is treating LPNs in your department beneath them?

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Dear Not Being Treated Well,

Without knowing the details of what the RN is doing, here's one way:

Address the person with your concerns and ask for different behaviors. Be specific and non-blaming. Use a "when you (do thus and so) I feel (thus and so) format.

Example "When you interrupt me I feel as if my opinion doesn't count.

I would like to talk with you and not be interrupted"

The RN may not know how they are coming across or that they're being hurtful.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

I haven't worked with an LPN for years as they have been completely phased out of the hospital I work at. However, there is no reason for an RN to treat an LPN as beneath her. How would that same RN feel if an Advanced Practice Nurse or MD belittled her. Low Rent

[Oldmahubbard]

Many times, without closing examining a name tag, I don't even know who is an LPN or RN.

Sadly, as long as there has been civilization, there have been hierarchies. And some people trying to build themselves up by pushing others down.

As usual, Nurse Beth has great advice.

[Kristiernbsn]

I usually never know if I am working with a LPN or RN until I need help with something, and ask so I don't go outside someone's scope of practice. When I was a LPN, I was insecure at times, and sensitive to anything that sounded like a put down. For instance, when someone would ask "are you a nurse or just a LPN?" Both, actually.

I've worked with some of the best nurses at all levels of licensing and education! We need each other too much to stir up bad feelings with education snobbery.

[Kaisu]

I am an RN case manager for a Home Health company. LPNs make up a large portion of my team. Those women make me look good everyday. It's one thing to tell a client you are going to provide them with services. When the LPNs go in and blow them out of the water with their care, commitment and professionalism it humbles me beyond measure. These are not "just" LPNs. They are nurses. They are amazing nurses practicing at the top of their licenses and making the team work for the benefit of the patient.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Our Employee Health Nurse is an LPN. We call this person our "secret weapon". Their degree level is plainly displayed in their office and on their badge. New hires come through Employee Health for screening, drug testing and for a tour of our facility as part of early on-boarding. We find out a LOT about a person based on how they treat our secret weapon and employment offers are withdrawn from time to time. It amazes me that anyone would be so small, but it happens fairly often.