Why are LPNs not allowed to do more?

[GaMBA]

I've read several threads on here about what LPNs can and can't do. I've even read some threads where LPNs used to be able to do some stuff but are no longer allowed by law to do those things. I guess I'm not understanding something here. Why would an LPN no longer be allowed to do something they were able to do for years and years? If there is a so-called nursing shortage, why is the scope of an LPN's job becoming more narrow, and why are some hospitals doing away with them altogether? It all seems pretty backward to me. Does it have anything to do with the education an LPN receives? Are LPNs not trained/qualified to do the things they aren't allowed to do, or is it that it's becoming a liability issue? I've also seen a few posters say they consider themselves glorified CNAs and that's why the hospitals are getting rid of them. What is going on? I'm working on prereqs for an LPN program and I just want to understand what I'm getting myself into.

Thanks!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Just the other day, I heard that our sister hospital (who has attained Magnet Status) is now trying to implement a uniform change. The RNs are saying that they should wear white and the LPNs should wear beige or maroon. Now, it sounds petty, but to me, this is disrespectful. Traditionally, over the years, the uniform for both levels of nurses was white; the difference I know of is the cap...the RN had a dark blue line across hers while the LPN had a light blue. But, BOTH wore white.

Now, if the LPN is administering medications and treatments similar (not saying the same) to the RN, how do you explain to them (and even a patient), that this person has not earned wearing white? Just another way to diminish the LPN role.

lpnflorida said it right on...we are not a liability or an embarassment like disfigured children. We earned our right to do patient care and we must stand proud. I am also proud of my accomplishment and will not let anyone take my joy away from my positive contribution to nursing.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Up on my soapbox,:igtsyt:

We LPN's are not a liability to anyone, most of us trained hard, work hard, attempt to be help to those around us. To the RN's we recognize because of Nursing Scope of Practice that they sign many of the things I/we do. I try in return if they have to do something due to my restrictions of practice, I offer to do something for them my own way of recognizing they may feel it is a burden. Having to assess my patient even though I have already done it, and then co-sign my work. Yes, they are paid for the responsiblity they carry.Some are comfortable with the responsibility some are not experienced enough or have not worked with enough really good LPN's to be comfortable with this. Instead they say no room for LPN's in the hospital. Just like the BSN nurses imply there should be no room in the hospital for ADN nurse.

We LPN's are no liability, we are part of a team. We need not feel shame, even though there are those who make it seem we should.

My hat is off to anyone who has more education. However, it does not mean we as LPN's have no value. We have proven, we can practice safely and give good care.

There is alot of what I will simply refer to as propaganda. Yes , things are changing, but once upon a time, LPN's worked in ICU, CCU, PCU, OR, ER.

Some still do in parts of our country. Some do not, and who's fault is it. I believe it is our own fault. We do not stand up for ourselves. We do not show that we are able to excel in many instances.

stepping off my soapbox. Thanks to all the healthcare workers who have helped me through the years. You and the patient's are what have made it worth it.

:up::yeah::bow::nurse:

[lpnflorida, LPN]

Pangandeva2000.

I can not say I would like not wearing white. I have worn all white for the past 10 years prior, it was street clothes as that was the policy of our unit .

If they or my own hospital felt that was the only way they can tell an LPN from an RN. Perhaps we should consider it a compliment... ( OK, rude of me lol) seriously. At this stage of the game put me in polka dots it would not make me any less a nurse who's title is LPN.

Would I voice my displeasure, oh yes, they tried color coding us where I am. meaning nurses wore one color the aides wore another. Me I continued to wear all white.... they ended up dropping the color coding

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Pangandeva2000.

I can not say I would like not wearing white. I have worn all white for the past 10 years prior, it was street clothes as that was the policy of our unit .

If they or my own hospital felt that was the only way they can tell an LPN from an RN. Perhaps we should consider it a compliment... ( OK, rude of me lol) seriously. At this stage of the game put me in polka dots it would not make me any less a nurse who's title is LPN.

Would I voice my displeasure, oh yes, they tried color coding us where I am. meaning nurses wore one color the aides wore another. Me I continued to wear all white.... they ended up dropping the color coding

To be honest, I don't like white at all...never did. When I was an aide, we wore what we wanted, as long as it was a uniform...ALL of us. When I was in school, it changed to nurses (LPN and RN) to wear white pants and pastel colored solid tops, aides were to wear khaki or pink.

It was the way it was being done that I am not happy about (but, since it is not my hospital, I can't say too much), because during the discussion, it was eluded that only the RN should be wearing white. Now, I do feel that there should be some differentiation...maybe all nurses wear white pants/footwear, but maybe the RN should wear one color jacket/scrub shirt while the LPN wears another. I have no issues with wanting to demonstrate the difference between the types of nurses-I don't feel the need to align myself to or as an RN, but to me, this is sort of showing that LPNs are not nurses at all, thus, have not earned the right to wear white. I guess I am saying that just acknowledge and recognize that we are, in fact, nurses.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

lol...on the other hand, if i had to wear darker colors, maybe i wouldn't be so over conscious on those days of the month...

[Jules A, MSN]

I hate wearing white also but this would be the principle of the matter! I hope they come to their senses and pick a nice, flattering color for all their nurses to wear.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I hate wearing white also but this would be the principle of the matter! I hope they come to their senses and pick a nice, flattering color for all their nurses to wear.

That is what I am saying...it is principle as well as tradition. LPNs wore white the same as RNs, the difference was in the color of the hat rim. To even breathe that they should not wear white dimishes and separates nurses even further. Next, they'll be saying that ADNs and BSNs should not look similar. It is further breaks down and divides us.

[ilostmymuse]

What really annoys me is that I am going for my RN in January because where I moved they dont hire LPN's in hospitals and that is where I want to work. However the classes I have to take to get my associates and sit for the NCLEX are alot of bs classes such as gym and things that have nothing to do with nursing. I acually tested out of most all the nursing classes .

My point is its all about the degree and not nursing skills which annoys me. Ive been working in a hospital where all I would have to do is learn how to do an IV push and hang blood and I would do everything the RN's were doing on my floor and get paid double for it.

I hate to say it but at this point in time I really wish I didnt go to LPN school and went straight to being a RN.

[Jules A, MSN]

the classes I have to take to get my associates and sit for the NCLEX are alot of bs classes such as gym and things that have nothing to do with nursing. I acually tested out of most all the nursing classes .

My point is its all about the degree and not nursing skills which annoys me.

Oh absolutely but sadly this is the beast we call academia. Most times its more about the alphabet soup behind your name than your skill set. I didn't see any other option than to play the game by their rules though.

[ilostmymuse]

Yep .. thats what I figure. Just play the game and get it over with.

[mystic66]

Neither have I and to clear something up. I never meant that Lpn,s/ Lvn,s were a liability. I am one after all and have been for over 30 years. What I meant by the liability remark was that may be the reason some facilities were not allowing Lpn,s/Lvn,s to do some of the things they use to years ago. They were afraid of being sued, even though they were things we have done for years. Someone higher up sat in a conference room and decided they better not let us do those things anymore. Sorry if I upset anyone and I,m well aware of the Scope of Practice.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I know what you meant. I can envision the knights of shining nursing armor sitting at the round table and suddenly deciding that "Hey, LPNs shouldn't do this because..." and I believe it is silly. But nursing shoots themselves in the foot many times. From what I see, the nurse patient ratio is being considered in California, however, they are not using CNAs like they used to. Yes, there are some nurses that prefer to bathe their own patients to view their skin, interact with them more, etc... however, when those number raise, the immediate solution will not be to return a slew of CNAs to assist them. They decide that only RNs can assess, but, then, they diminish the role of LPNs, and what may happen? Even MORE paperwork, less assistance to take care of the stable, mundane skills, less patient care. Become a BSN? Okay, but there are less graduates, because their are less clinical instructors, because there is less pay and the few that get out thre and witness real world nursing run for the hills. It seems to me this will never end, because rather than stay together proud and say "Nursing is so inviting that we have several levels of entrance", we destroy each other.