Why don't people take LPNs seriously?

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I understand that as "nurses", we're the bottom of the food chain. I don't want to sound like a cry baby or put myself or other LPNs on a pedestal but I'm tired of people with the "you're just an LPN attitude". I do know many RNs that have been supportive and understanding. I know when you're a nurse, you have tough skin (and I usually do) but there are some days (like today) when it just gets to you.

I've been going to school for a long time - it's almost been 10 years from when I graduated high school. I've just been trying to get into any nursing school. I got my AA degree, became a CNA, worked, had to take pre-reqs over, and then the 2 years of LPN school. Now that it's all over, I realize how HARD it was...everything - emotionally, mentally, physically...especially if you had those really difficult instructors who made you feel incompetent. Anyhoo, the "problem" is mainly family members. I don't expect people to jump at my feet and floor me with compliments or attention but it's nice to be acknowledged. But if they don't, no big deal. I'm happy with myself with this accomplishment. I do get alot of "oh it's just LPN, no big deal" or "it's not an RN or BSN, so it's technically not a nurse yet." I do get what they're saying bc I have high expectations for myself and I know I'm not done in my career path but it really IRRITATES me and I think it's bc someone degrading the hard work I went through. Any kind of nursing school is HARD WORK. No offense but it's not like in CNA school...nothing compared to do that. It's almost like, "how dare you say that?" I think it's also a cultural thing to bc in my culture, it's like a stereotype to be a nurse. Anyhoo, sorry to be a debbie downer and vent but it really irritates me and I need to use my assertive, nursing communication "I-statement" skills now, should I? :)

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Yeah I hear you!I and other LPN's I work with have been referred to as "half nurses" by a certain non-staff person and It always made my blood boil when said person would request to speak with a "full nurse" as though we wern't qualified to address medication/health questions or concerns!

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I have been an LPN for 23 years. I am proud to be one. My father asked me one time when I was going to become a "real" nurse and I told him that I was a real nurse. The only thing that an RN (a real nurse) has over on me is that she makes more money. Be proud of what you are, you worked hard to get there.

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I agree 100% with AudraHallLPN for I am an LPN of 32 years and proud of it. Some of us actually like patient care and contact while others are more content - and comfortable - in other roles at the desk or in an administrative office. I've also had people ask me when I was going to become a "real nurse" to which I also told them I already WAS a "real nurse;" I completed nursing school, took a state board examination that I passed the first time and carrry a state license.

I must also add that this eternal in-fighting of nurses is SO counter-productive. All of us who practice nursing do so for various reasons, and we need to bury the proverbial hatchet, get along and take good care of our patients - together.

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Specializes in Addiction / Pain Management.

I'm a brand new LPN working in addiction recovery. I'm a real nurse getting a real paycheck. :rotfl:

My patients think the world of me and my fellow LPN's; we are their real nurses. That's enough for me.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

First of all, I'm a new-grad RN and I think LPNs rock!!!

....I am a little confused, though, and I always have been. It took me 5x semesters to earn my RN. I know it takes others another semester or two more than that, but it really isn't all that long. Is an ADN program really that much longer or difficult than an LPN program? I have always wondered why the LPN path exists at all -- it seems so similar and just a teeny step away from the RN "dark side" (if you will), so why not take that last step?

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I agree with Factorviia!! The LPNS where I work are phenemonal and I learn sooo much from them!! I think no matter what level you are people just have to say something negative and put others down... it simply speaks to how one feels about THEMSELVES!! your a nurse, claim it, own it and be proud of it!!!

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Congrats new grad!

During my pre-reqs, I always aimed for a BSN or an RN (from CC). It's been getting more and more competitive in my state (as I'm sure other states as well) and I was accepted to a 2 year, part time LPN program. I am currently looking into current bridge programs but unfortunately, they are phasing out as well. There has been talk (as confirmed by my former director of the school) that LPN positions are slowing decreasing. What's a new grad to do, right? My classmates and I are having a difficult time even finding a job. The agencies that did welcome LPN new grads from 1-2 years ago are now "requiring one year experience". The nursing homes have told me they have gotten resumes for even BSN new grads, something they're not used to. One nursing home director said RNs usually work at hospitals and clinics; LPNs usually go to clinics and nursing homes but now the game has changed.

So to answer your question, yes. I am more than willing to take that last step. Even after that, I do plan to get my BSN as well :) In the meantime, please pray I find a job :) Good luck to you, new grad!

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Specializes in LTC.

Factorvilla---because getting into an RN program these days isn't easy.

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Specializes in Primary Care.
In the meantime, please pray I find a job

Praying... :-)

YES, you will find a job. I won't lie... I had a miserable time finding my first job, but it can be done and you will get a great one. It's only a matter of time until things turn around and people will be beating down your door to give you a great job.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I love the LPNs. They do have less education and can do less skills than I was trained, but they are worthwhile team members and can be awesome nurses. Nothing but respect.

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I am an RN, and I have heard this before from non-health care professionals. I always tell them that I have learned many things from LPNs. I tell them there is no difference except a few things the law says they can't do like start abx, run blood, push meds. But I have found that you do most of your learning on the job and many experienced LPNs know a lot more than some RNs.

I am sorry that some people are ignorant on the subject and don't have the respect you deserve, but remember that other healthcare professionals do know how much you are worth. Plus, RNs are asked why they didn't become doctors instead. lol. I think most people are ignorant to what any nurse does. They think we work under doctors, still, instead of beside them. They are not our bosses but co-workers. :nurse:

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