What can an RN do than an LPN can't?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 4, 2005

Your teacher will tell you that as you begin your job, you will find out that the LPN are more knowledgeable about alot more then new grad RN's or even some older ones.

When people say things like this, it only adds fuel to the fire.

Nickle · Oct 4, 2005

Well, my LPN to RN program has definitely not rehashed everything from the LPN year. We have been presented with completely new material. I have learned so much that would have helped me in my practice earlier, and it's expanded my critical thinking abilities tremendously. I was always dissatisfied that I wasn't seeing the big picture as an LPN, and I wanted to be a better nurse. The one year LPN program just wasn't enough for me. I work with some LPNs who are every bit as sharp as the RNs from years of experience - but for me, I definitely wanted additional education on top of experience to get me there.

Darlene K. · Oct 6, 2005

depending on the state you are living in or working in, many places you do the same things as the RN. Alot of places say that you can not do certain jobs but when push comes to shove and with the shortages occur, you do the jobs. also some places will hire a LPN instead of an RN. Didn't you know what LPN stands for Low payed Nurse. LPN are cheaper then RN and alot of places will hire you for that reason. Your teacher will tell you that as you begin your job, you will find out that the LPN are more knowledgeable about alot more then new grad RN's or even some older ones. Just my opinion though. Go for the LPN, first, if you do not like the job after you start, then you have not wasted so much time and money in school. You can always go on for the
RN as a progression student. Good luck in whatever you choose.

I am an LPN, and I would never say that "I am more Knowledgeable than a registered nurse, new grad or not. I might have more "experience" than some of the RN's, in turn we can learn from each other. Whether our facility (or state) allows us to do much of the same task as the RN, the fact remains we are LPN's. You will never see the day that a hospital will hire the LPN instead of the RN because our rate of pay is less. That's just silly.

It doesn't matter whether you are an LPN or RN, be proud of what you are and do your job to the best of your ability. It's time all the bashing stopped. There is enough room for all of us.

I have to say one last thing....if you want people to take you seriously, please check your spelling. When you are stating how knowledgeable you are and you spell paid "payed", it doesn't support your theory.

jsteine1 · Oct 6, 2005

I am an LPN, and I would never say that "I am more I have to say one last thing....if you want people to take you seriously, please check your spelling. When you are stating how knowledgeable you are and you spell paid "payed", it doesn't support your theory.

YOU are a class act!!!

Darlene K. · Oct 6, 2005

Was it something I said? :smackingf

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Oct 6, 2005

People tend to be fatigued when they come here. A lot of people come here after work. So maybe they spell something incorrectly and miss it before they post it. SO WHAT! This isn't a college essay, nor is it charting. Work is completely different than a message board.

People take me seriously despite the spelling, and other flaws. If someone isn't going to take me seriously because of my spelling (or grammar) on my offtime, then perhaps i'm better off not knowing them.

queenbeelws · Oct 6, 2005

In this state, one thing an RN can do that an LPN can't, is be a CNA instructor

In GA, LPNs can be CNA Instructors. We are certified by the American Red Cross and I was REQUIRED to take the class and test for my current position as a Medical Assisting Instructor at a Post secondary school here.

I agree with so many of you other nurses on that instructor being out of line in her comments to her students. (But I remember a time when the RNs on the floors DID sit around while the LPNs and CNAs did all the work. We had a med team of RNs who gave all the IV meds and piggybacks) Anyway, I tell my students that they should consider their long term goals and financial resources when deciding on the next step in their education. I have been an LPN for 30 years and honestly, there isn't much that I haven't done. Most people think I'm an RN for some reason but I have no desire at this point in my life to go back to school to obtain the title. Yes, I'd love to receive a higher salary and I could always learn something that I don't already know but being an LPN has been rewarding for the most part so unless I do it online, I will remain the way I am. I only wish that more people would show respect to LPNs for what we do. Sometimes its the RNs that look down on us but more times than not, its patients or their families. I had a patients daughter, who thought I was the most awesome nurse, until she said "you know, with you being a Registered Nurse and all." and I told her I was an LPN. After that, she stuck her nose up in the air and wouldn't talk to me anymore. I figure if you can't tell the difference, what difference does it make? :rolleyes: Anyway, I have worked with some truly wonderful RNs who were kind enough to share their knowledge with me and I have done all I could to make their jobs easier for them in return so there is no jealousy here with me. I only wish that people and legislators would realize how valuable LPNs are and give us more opportunities. Until they do, I think its wise to obtain your RN and BSN asap whatever steps you have to take to get there.

I hope I didn't offend anyone with my first post.

RN34TX · Oct 7, 2005

I figure if you can't tell the difference, what difference does it make?.....I only wish that people and legislators would realize how valuable LPNs are and give us more opportunities. Until they do, I think its wise to obtain your RN and BSN asap whatever steps you have to take to get there.

Well said. Great post.

STRESSED SPN · Oct 7, 2005

I started my CNA class last night, and it's being taught by a woman who's been an LPN for 40 years. When she found out that most of us in the class were going for an RN, she advised us that it was not worth it to get an RN, and that an LPN is just as good and they can do everything an RN can. She said if you want to sit at a desk all day and do paperwork, get your RN. Needless to say, I was confused because I thought there was a lot that LPN's can't do, but I'm also new to this so I'm not sure. Can anyone help? If I could cut my schooltime in half and save some money, I would get my LPN.
Thanks.

I am in LPN school now and live in Southeast La. here an LPN is not limited by the state board as to what they can, but in order to do certain things like hang blood which really surprises me you must be trained by your facility and sumbit the info to the state board for approval, but there is no actual laundry list for LPN'S in La. As for RN being a waste of time I don't see how furthering your knowledge or training could be a waste of time.I am getting my LPN first so that I can work some and actually have a decent salary while being in school for my AD. I also think it will help me a great deal to actually understand the nursing process going into it as a PN.:)

RN34TX · Oct 8, 2005

The whole point of this thread is one nurse's statements to a student about becoming an RN being a waste of time and to go to LPN school instead.

We all know that 99.9% of all nurses, LPN or RN, would never tell someone that and would all agree that getting your RN is not a waste of time.

Finances, waiting lists, availability of certain programs in your area, personal and professional goals, job market, family obligations, etc. - These are some of the things that need to be weighed when selecting a particular nursing career path vs. relying on advice from some nurse way out there in left field.

LaShell · Oct 13, 2005

Well, my LPN to RN program has definitely not rehashed everything from the LPN year. We have been presented with completely new material. I have learned so much that would have helped me in my practice earlier, and it's expanded my critical thinking abilities tremendously. I was always dissatisfied that I wasn't seeing the big picture as an LPN, and I wanted to be a better nurse. The one year LPN program just wasn't enough for me. I work with some LPNs who are every bit as sharp as the RNs from years of experience - but for me, I definitely wanted additional education on top of experience to get me there.

Definitely, well said!!! I just started my LPN to RN program and after only half a semester, I have learned sooo much more. It's like I have a huge lightbulb on the top of my head "oh!! that's why I did that" and also think of the things I didn't do very well previously!

I can't believe what your teacher said in school, sooo unprofessional. She really shouldn't be teaching anyone with those kinds of closeminded attitudes.

scorp75 · Jan 3, 2006

Let me start by first saying that I don't know where any of you are working but apparantly it is out of the hospital setting. I am a RN in a Level 1 trauma center ED and we do very little "paper pushing". In fact we do pretty much total care because the nursing assistants we do have are too busy collecting urine, do the EKG's (that the RN's cannot get to) and setting up for pelvic exams. The mere thought that the community thinks RN's are paper pushers is appalling. Now I will agree that home health RN's, nursing coordinators, nurse managers do paper push; but the bedside Primary RN is a very physically and mentally demanding job.

To answer the questions I've seen in this posting:

LPN's are very important in nursing but unfortunately the national trend is giving way to all RN staffing unless you would like to work in LTC, secondary home health or if lucky you are already "grandfathered" in on a unit that allows LPN's to work UNDER a RN. I am not degrading the role of LPN because I myself considered the one year program so I could work and make money while continuing on to RN. I am glad that I didn't because nursing school is stressful enough without having to go twice.

LPN's are functional to an extent on a unit or ED or primary care setting. The LPN cannot initiate protocols or as some settings prefer "pathways". The LPN cannot perform initial assessments in this state, cannot push cardiac medications- or any other IV meds in that case. They cannot touch invasive lines and really are not supposed to initiate simple peripheral lines unless categorized to do so by their institution. LPN's cannot accept report here, run codes, give report, or be alone on their unit without a RN who will allow them to work under their license.

The day I become a paper pusher is the day that I will retire from nursing. I spent too much sweat and tears to leave the bedside, I may move to management but the hospital I work at the managers work on the floor as well.

I don't want to deter anyone from seeking a LPN license because as I said before they are vital to nursing; however you must realize that as time progresses in nursing and unless state Boards of Nursing advance the scope of practice for LPN's you are going to spend a lot of time wishing you had gone the extra year for RN.