Why Are Lpn Looked Down At In The Nursing Profession?
I have been an LPN for over 10 years and have worked in a multitude of setting…I have had the pleasure of working with great RN’s and the misfortune of working with ones well ya know. I have personally assessed patients for them created care plans recalculated doses and much more yet I dont get any respect it seems so unfair
3 Answers to “Why Are Lpn Looked Down At In The Nursing Profession?”
Sorry you’ve had this experience -from what you are saying, you haven’t been treated badly by all RNs (thank goodness!) Some nurses simply have ego problems — actually, I should say, some PEOPLE have ego problems-doesn’t just happen in the nursing world.
I personally have never felt that way towards LPNs . I know that they went through alot to get the LPN license and respect each and every LPN I have worked with for their knowledge and care. I’ve met many great LPNs over the years (and also a few not so great – which is simply a fact of human nature)
On the reverse side, I’ve gotten alot of snide remarks from nurses (RNs) over my career for having a BSN – coming from those who are RNs with their ADN. I’ve never brought up the fact that I have a BSN and am a great hands-on nurse. But I’ve heard many putting down BSN nurses generically (not even knowing me personally or the fact that I have a 4 yr degree). They actually get rather embarrassed when they find out I have that BSN and I stick up for my education and degree in nursing. I’ve felt / heard that discrimination. And when I do, believe me I go into attack mode for my nursing degree. I’ve never put down the Assoc. degree nurses or diploma nurses – feel that the RN is a RN and we each need to do our job. (same with LPN). Lots of comments over the years no matter where I worked though about the BSN. (hospital, nursing home, homecare, hospice). I think some nurses just feel like they have to attack someone and some degree to make themself feel better. After 30 yrs it just gets old to hear some nurses attack others for the education that they have. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what needs to happen to change that as I’ve seen it for decades now.
That’s probably what you are feeling as a LPN and it is very unfortunate. I’ve always loved it when I’ve had LPNs on my team .
ego issue, one requires a degree while one doesn’t
First of all, where I live (in Canada), LPNs have a 2 year diploma. The program is intense, and LPNs can do most clinical skills that RNs can do with a few exceptions (No IV push (in most cases), no initial assessments, no central lines). LPNs are full scope and are usually team leaders on the floor in long term care facilities. Many people are proud to be LPNs and are happy in their field. I know one LPN who went into the program right after high school. She loves being a LPN in a hospital, and is sick of people asking if she’s an RN student. Some people like the hands on care and less paperwork. LPNs where I live make $24-$26 per hour, which is a livable wage. Let’s move on…
Assuming the problem was not a personality conflict with you and/or your work:
Because many RNs are not happy with their job and/or themselves. Perhaps they wanted to be doctors.
Seriously, anyone who respects themselves, their profession, their patients, and is happy with their life choices will not judge anyone else, especially not in a professional setting. People who do this feel the need to build themselves up to be something better than they are.
Next time some rude RN snubs you, feel free to point out how unprofessional they are. And ask them how they’d feel if an MD looked down on them for “only” being an RN. All members of a healthcare team are exactly that. No one is better nor worse, they all play a role. And you are there for the patients. There is no room in ANY profession for such pathetic conduct. Thankfully, most RNs are NOT like how you describe. There are rude and snotty people in every job, true, but when it comes to healthcare, your focus should always be on the patient. And the only way to do this is to work WITH (not against) your team. Each and every role is important. Everyone from the housekeeping aide who keeps the ward sanitized to the surgeon performing the surgery. And everyone in between.
Keep your head high and be proud of your job. There is nothing wrong with being an LPN. As long as you are providing good care within your scope of practice, you are HELPING the RNs. Even if RNs only like working with other RNs, I wonder if they’ll feel the same when one of them went to school for 4 years to give an enema, because there’s no LPN around to do it….
Best wishes to you and enjoy your career. LPNs where I live can go on to take additional training to work in an OR as a tech, or in an orthopedics ward, or start their own foot care business (i.e. for diabetic clients and those with other podiatry concerns). I’m sure there are other options where you live if you want to branch out and work outside of the general ward duty.