Why can't I do everything a RN does as a LPN? We should be equal.

[SweetPoo]

Why do RN's make more when we practically do the SAME THING. I don't understand how RN's having the ability to start IV's and give a few medications IV push make them more valuable than an LPN. Those extra courses you take to become RN's, heck even BSN's don't add anything clinically. When I am on the floor, WE DO THE SAME THING, yet I take home 30% less than my RN/BSN colleagues. Does anyone else agree that us as LPNS should be able to make the same salary? I hope the Affordable Healthcare Act (AHR) addresses this issue with EQUAL PAY for EQUAL work. We are a lot cheaper to higher than RN's so hopefully the (AHC) will realize this and create more of a demand for efficient LPN's that are easier to train, and cheaper to higher, thus bringing RN wages on par with our wages. It just doesn't make sense for the hospital to pay a RN $25-30/hr to start, while I make $22/hr and have more than 18 years experience. Any thoughts?

[drywit]

Wait a minute. One post back you were saying "we're both nurses" and now it's "you nurses" YOU have just divided the ranks and suddenly you're no longer a nurse. Oy!

This is because the OP is a former RN and now an MD who holds a lot of contempt towards nurses. Read my previous post.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

This thread has run its course. The individual who originally started this thread was perhaps seeking attention by purposely kicking up a virtual dust storm to elicit strong responses, but the membership handled this discussion with grace.

This thread is closed for review.