You are just a LPN

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I currently work in the IT department with a large insurance company and I love it there. Occasionally, I pick up shifts with hospice so I don't lose some skills. I'm also in school, so sometimes my schedule can be hectic. Last weekend I picked up a shift and was assigned an elderly lady. When I arrived to the home, I was greeted by the patients daughter and quickly let me know that she was an R.N. and expected the best care for her mother. She questioned my skills and abilities during my shift, which was a bit frustrating. Then she said something to me that shocked me. "You are just an LPN", you can't possibly have the capacity of an R.N. It was the very first time that I felt the need to defend my title. I even explained that I was currently in a bridge program but she quickly brushed it off and repeated herself. "But you are still an LPN". When did nurses develop this mentality of superiority when titles collide? Yes I'm an LPN and no I can't I.V. Push narcotics but I'm a good nurse. My mentality is about patient care and compassion. I guess I have to shake it off. I felt hurt and belittled, so was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Shame on her. Some people are just not kind nor educated. ((HUGS)) When I was a new grad. I would have drowned if it wasn't for the LPN.......

she taught me to be a Real Nurse.....Thank you Louise!!!

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Have you not heard they saying "nurses eat there young" it is true and will always be true. I too am a LPN and working on my RN. In your situation you should not have given any value to her bad attitude and comments. You should let her know that if you are not qualified to take care of her family member and she is qualified then why doesn't she take care of her family member herself? You need to address the attitude and not give her all of your education qualifications. You do not answer to her when it comes to your education. You were hired to do a job. Be assertive and direct but not rude this will get her off your back.

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its sad I work in a nursing home and the way the RN's talk about the LPN's are sad.I just finished school as an LPN and Im very proud of it after being an CNA for 10yrs.I told my supervisor I was done with school and her 1st response was "continue to go to school because LPN's dont know anything besides how to push pills" I was so hurt so mad she really hurt my feelings

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Hi @lizmaryperez, I will also be attending Jersey part-time in May. How is it so far? Also,the insurance company you are speaking of, Are they currently hiring for LPN's in the Brandon area? You can inbox me if you want. Thanks

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Hi @lizmaryperez, I will also be attending Jersey part-time in May. How is it so far? Also,the insurance company you are speaking of, Are they currently hiring for LPN's in the Brandon area? You can inbox me if you want. Thanks

Hi!! I really enjoy the school, The teachers are amazing and they really care. It is challenging but well worth it. I am in my second term but will be withdrawing because I'm moving. The night time classes are very convenient.

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Thanks @Lizmaryperez for your response. I'm sorry to hear you are leaving school. I hope you will be able to transfer some of those credits where you are going. I'm thinking about the night program as well, because I need to work. What kind of testing do you have in between terms, like finals? Good luck on your journey!

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I currently work in the IT department with a large insurance company and I love it there. Occasionally I pick up shifts with hospice so I don't lose some skills. I'm also in school, so sometimes my schedule can be hectic. Last weekend I picked up a shift and was assigned an elderly lady. When I arrived to the home, I was greeted by the patients daughter and quickly let me know that she was an R.N. and expected the best care for her mother. She questioned my skills and abilities during my shift, which was a bit frustrating. Then she said something to me that shocked me. "You are just an LPN", you can't possibly have the capacity of an R.N. It was the very first time that I felt the need to defend my title. I even explained that I was currently in a bridge program but she quickly brushed it off and repeated herself. "But you are still an LPN". When did nurses develop this mentality of superiority when titles collide? Yes I'm an LPN and no I can't I.V. Push narcotics but I'm a good nurse. My mentality is about patient care and compassion. I guess I have to shake it off. I felt hurt and belittled, so was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem.[/quote']

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a negative interaction with this family member. Some people (including nurses) can be so unkind and hurtful.

Many of us have had similar experiences throughout the course of our nursing career. You are not alone and you are not less of a nurse as an LPN. Hugs to you!

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I wouldn't worry too much about it. I realize that it definitly must have been super frustrating for you. I am not going to tell you that I wouldnt have been upset at the time either!!! However, some of THE BEST NURSES start out as a CNA, CMA, or LPN. They really know their stuff and they are the ones who know what nursing is about before they choose to go to RN school. They have done all the "dirty work" and still stuck it out because they loved their job. They loved their clients and they understand what it means to really take care of people. So with that being said, I bet that she was "just an RN" she went to school and took a test,...anyone can do that! Keep your chin up, and keep nursing. Be proud of what you are! You worked for that title very hard!! A lot of nurses have that mentality and I have no idea why?? I think it hurts the profession as a whole for caertain ones to behave this way. As for me,..I am a LPN and I was a CNA before I went to LPN school. I applied to RN school this year. When I am finished, I WILL NEVER have the kind of mindset that I am above all and know it all. The reason I love nursing is because I will always have another professional to ask questions to. I'll never pretend to know it all because it will only make me look ignorant. If she was so upset that they sent a LPN maybe should call and have an RN sent out. Hopefully the newer nurses will leave this kind of thinking behind them and we can all work together for the greater good!;)

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health.
Shame on her. Some people are just not kind nor educated. ((HUGS)) When I was a new grad. I would have drowned if it wasn't for the LPN.......

she taught me to be a Real Nurse.....Thank you Louise!!!

This.

When I was a new grad I worked on a med-surg floor. There was an LVN there in her fifties or so (seemed ancient to me!) and she'd been working since before I was born. This nurse not only saved my butt on several occasions, but taught me what being a nurse is all about. She used to call me "Nancy Nurse" when I had my head up my situpon, and handed out both comfort and scorn PRN. I wouldn't have been half the nurse I am without her help.

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

You are not "just a LPN". You are an important asset to the profession. I was also "just" a LPN, and now I am "just" a RN. My comeback to "You're just a LPN" was "The "N" in my title stands for "nurse." :)

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That is so disturbing that people would treat a fellow nurse like that. You are going there to care for her mother, I just don't understand the mentality of trying to undermine a health care professional whom your putting your loved on in the care of.

Most of the time when someone behaves like that (the RN who was attempting to demean you) THEY are self-conscious and probably are not up on their skills, so belittling someone they "feel superior" of is their only option. Sorry you had to experience that!

No matter how high up on the totem poll you go, it always seems there will be someone up there, masters, doctorate, whatever, that will look down.. most will be looking up to you, though. =)

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