Why do I always hear, why are you ONLY doing LPN?

CheyRN · Sep 25, 2007

As an new RN (after being an LPN for more years than I want to admit) I sometimes wish I were still an LPN. You can punt off alot of the administative stuff to the RN and refer questions that you don't want to answer to the RN because "she's in charge". As for being "only an LPN" don't EVER feel bad for that choice. I had a run in with a "civil servant" a few years back when he responded to me that "only RN's are REAL nurses". I've since seen him working at the Pizza Hut, but that's another thread. The fact that you have chosen to care for those that cannot care for themselves makes you an angel in my book, and angels don't have different sized halos or wings. One size fits all. :redbeathe

drmorton2b · Sep 25, 2007

With EMTs its confusing. People call EMTs, EMTs, weather there basic or Paramedic.

It will always be something.

I get "Why don't you become a Pharmacist" from the Pharmacists.

In my opinion the Why don't you become...?s mean your doing a good job unless it is said in a mean way.

I can Imagine what MDs get, "Why don't you become a Surgeon?" or Bob, Pediatrics pays so low why don't you become a brain surgeon?

In my opinions LPN/LVNs are Nurses, RNs are Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners are Nurses.

When I become an LPN, I will make sure my name tag says LPN, and the it says ________, LPN on the board. I will call myself a Nurse to the general public, but will introduce myself as an LPN to the patients or how ever the law requires.

mamunsey · Sep 25, 2007

i feel the same way, that is all i ever hear from my family! BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!

they are not in my shoes, i would love to go back and get my RN, but having a small child and a husband that works odd hours, it is hard to arrange child care. I always tell them that i will work on it when it is good for me, they don't lilke it, but they have to deal with it. Don't wory about what others say, do what is best for you !

ex1140 · Sep 25, 2007

L=low P=paid Nurse

That is what I was told in my first clinical by an RN at a prominent hosptial here in Miami.

LPNs are not respected...it's just a fact. When you say that you're a nurse the first thing you hear is, "oh so you are an RN?" People just automatically assume that your the top nurse. And my pastor even said to me when he gave me kudos for completing my course, "keep going".

As an LPN of 2 years I can understand the lack of enthusiasm. I intend to return to school no later than next year. I feel incomplete, I know I do have to go farther. In fact, I suggest if for no other reason, that anyone who can... to do the same.

LPNs are underpaid and in many cases do more work than our supervisors. I have more responsibility than my supervisor and she makes about $10 more an hour than I do. She justs does paperwork and does a few assessments here and there. She even suggested the when I finish RN school that I return to our place of work because it's a good gig for an RN. That's just my 2 cents...

dcrrlb8185 · Sep 26, 2007

LPN is something to be proud of. A title does not rank capability or capacity. I know LPN's that can run circles around RN's. It depends on the individual.

bigbandmusiclover · Sep 27, 2007

I get very irritated with ignorance. My daughter's riding instructor once asked me when I was going to become a "real" nurse, after I told him I was an LVN.

At first, I was dumbfounded. LVNs ARE real nurses! I don't think I ever really got through to the old fart, and for a bit my feelings were hurt, but I got over that,of course.

We all worked hard to get that license, and we are all real nurses.

I am trying for my RN, but the reason for that is because there is not much room for advancement as an LVN, which is a shame, really.I know some LVNs who can run circles around RNs (please don't think I am trying to insult RNs- we are all on the same side, after all)

But, I have heard some RNs talk condescendingly to LVNs based on the initials behind their name.

I guess there just isn't a cure for some ignorance....

registeredusername · Sep 30, 2007

LVN=LPN

Let's try to figure out why people ask such questions instead of assuming their motive. It is part of a nursing scope of practice to teach and educate people, right?

What drives some people to this question majority is that they are clueless about the role of LVN or RN.

What is your purpose as an LVN and what do you see yourself in five more years with that purpose?

What is your purpose as an RN and what do you see yourself in five more years with that purpose?

Maybe there are those who acknowledge the role of nursing and is a nurse as well (RN) asking the LVN the same question, "Why are you only doing LVN?" Like the some who does not understand the role of LVN/RN, people who understands too, see what's behind this role.

Maybe it's the style of the job? Just because someone is an LVN it doesn't mean that person is incapable to inform the patient is NPO or nothing by mouth. Will the patient require for a surgical procedure and perhaps the patient will undergo through general anesthesia? If the physician is not clear explaining some medical term to the patient, sure the LVN can clarify this information to the patient. But, what if the hospital policy strictly specify only RN can explain this procedure? The LVN can't do anything about that and feels a little inferior because she is not told she is smart enough to inform the patient.

Not many people like to be told they are NOT good or smart enough.

Maybe some of the RN was an LVN? Now when she was the lvn nurse who was NOT able to inform the reason why the patient had to go through NPO she projects this frustration toward an LVN. She utilized the same question everyone had asked her while she was an LVN.

I have no clue what specific motive drives someone to ask why do I always hear, why are you ONLY doing LPN. I do know that it does require a little COMMUNICATION to that person who asked such question. But this ISN'T easy or sometimes it is NOT the right time/place/person to communicate with. It does require much of nursing judgment.

From what has happened here, I think it is MORE than just people trying to disrespect the nursing role of LVN as inferior and RN as superior.

I think if we quickly assume that too fast, we should ask ourselves this:

Why do I always hear, I AM ALWAYS thinking of other as how I thought of MYSELF?

suziecue · Oct 1, 2007

I am finishing my LPN program in Canada and when I tell anyone that I am a nursing student, the first question asked is are you in the practical or the "degree" program.

I use to go into a feel out spiel about how our scope of practice is almost identical between the two programs when coming out of school (at least in Canada it is).... I am so sick of it now, I just answer, yes....

but nothing really differs us as nurses other then administrative work... most facilities in Ontario train LPN's to initiate IV's, that is the only thing keeping an LPN out of the emergency room but not for long!

kstec, LPN · Oct 1, 2007

When people have asked me why I'm only a LPN (usually RN's) I proceed to ask them why are they only RN's and not NP's, or PA's or even a MD? Why, because there are levels in healthcare and I fit right where I belong. I'm not rude enough to ask the housekeeper why she's not a nurse, or the maintanence guy why he's not a MD. People are right where they are supposed to be. If I wanted my RN and was willing to sacrifice my children and husband while going back to school again, I would, but it's not in my cards right now and I don't know if it ever will be. No being a LPN is not a transition to being a RN, it's a job and a career. Yes people have made me feel ashamed of my title, especially since I work in a family practice clinic affiliated with a hospital that does not like LPN's. When I have to go over the hospital I hide my badge, because they wonder what the hell a LPN is doing in a all RN hospital, even if it's just to get meds from pharmacy. I'm proud of my accomplishment but somehow made to feel ashamed of it at the same time. I guess if I had my druthers (sp) I'd be the CEO of a hospital, but since that is not possible and I would probably suck at it, I'll remain a damn good LPN who is well respected by her coworkers and loved by her patients and also I work Hospice and these patients have no idea what my job title is and they don't care as long as I take care of them and their family. Being a LPN is a job that has such a gray area that alot of people really don't know what we are and sometime I also wonder when I hear what some LPN's get to do in other states compared to mine. Other places sound like they utilize their LPN's and appreciate them, and here your LTC facility material and that is it. Well enough of my rambling. Sorry if I offended any LPN's this is just my personal feeling, not a judgement call against you personally.

l1p2n3me · Oct 2, 2007

I am proud to be a L.P.N. . My husband is 46 yrs old and lost is job of 20 yrs.. He was so impressed with what I do with my patients and he knows I enjoy my job working with the elderly community. I am a home health care nurse and work with 6 other nurses who are all R.N.'s. All 6 R.N.'s are fantastic. We work very well together and they are always saying go back and get your R.N. . I am happy as a clam being a L.P.N. I do not have to be a glorified secretary and work long hours on paperwork. As a L.P.N. I get to do a full assessment , visit with my patient, talk resources and referrals, and really make a positive difference .. Sometimes I feel the R.N.'s have so much paperwork to complete that they loose sight of the pt's needs. I love what I do and feel I am making a difference right where I am at. I love and respect my R.N.'s , I just prefer to go in second and do the outreach work for resources and assist the pt. in becoming as independent as possible. So if you like what you do , just be happy and know that no matter what letters are behind your name , stand proud . Back to my husband he is so impressed with my work as a L.PN. he to has decided go go to L.P.N. school . He is in his 3rd quarter and quite pleased.

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2007

I recently passed my NCLEX-RN.. I've had a few people say, "Oh that means you are a nurse now?", I had to stop and correct them by saying, I became a nurse when I passed my NCLEX-PN. Today I was asked if I was an RN or BSN....I suppose the hierarchy questions will never end. Be happy and proud of what you have achieved! We all worked hard to get where we are at.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 3, 2007

I am proud to be a L.P.N. . My husband is 46 yrs old and lost is job of 20 yrs.. He was so impressed with what I do with my patients and he knows I enjoy my job working with the elderly community. I am a home health care nurse and work with 6 other nurses who are all R.N.'s. All 6 R.N.'s are fantastic. We work very well together and they are always saying go back and get your R.N. . I am happy as a clam being a L.P.N. I do not have to be a glorified secretary and work long hours on paperwork. As a L.P.N. I get to do a full assessment , visit with my patient, talk resources and referrals, and really make a positive difference .. Sometimes I feel the R.N.'s have so much paperwork to complete that they loose sight of the pt's needs. I love what I do and feel I am making a difference right where I am at. I love and respect my R.N.'s , I just prefer to go in second and do the outreach work for resources and assist the pt. in becoming as independent as possible. So if you like what you do , just be happy and know that no matter what letters are behind your name , stand proud . Back to my husband he is so impressed with my work as a L.PN. he to has decided go go to L.P.N. school . He is in his 3rd quarter and quite pleased.

I agree that at times, too much paperwork and covering ourselves does take away from patient care. I don't want to be the last man standing in the nursing hierarcy to make a critical decision. I work better with framework, and making suggestions and hopefully improvements around that. I KNOW I make a difference with the patients as well as the RNs I work with. In fact, just today, I was orienting a new head nurse (for another clinic, though). I know that my patience and knowledge helped her a great deal. It is okay that she is a boss. I just like helping. Wish your husband luck for us!!