You are just a LPN

[BreathWisdomRN]

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.

[Faniel007]

I agree with you Evangalne! It's too bad sometimes we feel like we need to dish out our educational capabilities to people like this .. addressing people like this takes experience.. I used to be all nervous and jumbling my words, now I can easily disarm these people with certain communication techniques and make them feel silly without insulting them..