LPN vs RN

[bunnyboots]

I am an LPN - not an RN. I know that I do not have the further eduction that an RN has and I think that is what makes an LPN good - that she knows her limits. However, I have worked in hospitals where you were assigned a block of rooms and if ICU was filled they would trickle down into my rooms and I was not entirely comfortable with that - some of them were so ill that I felt they needed to have an RN. I also worked in a hospital were all you were assigned were the geriatric DNR patients who basically only required incontinence care, T&P etc. because as the charge RN stated "you should be happy that you don't have any of those sick patients - which is offensive to my training and abilities. I am a good nurse, who knows that I don't have the extra training. I work now in long term care and the new RN's I work with state that they (they were LPN's) became RN's because they didn't want to work so hard - and believe me they don't. I encourage all of my nurses aides to go to school - but for their RN - the pay is better and they don't work as hard.

[Jesse]

Hmmmm....I'd LOVE to have that RN who said she became one so she wouldn't have to work so hard,work with ME some time!!! I'd make darned sure she got a good "education" about her role as an RN...Such bull!

I was an LPN for 6 years before getting my RN degree...I worked, and still work hard every single shift..We ALL work hard, LPN's or RN's...It's not the initials behind your name that determines the job you do...It's only ourselves we're accountable for, and our patients who reap the benefits...or not!

[cassioo]

The LPN's on my unit work as hard as anyone. When I first started nursing on pediatrics there would be me and the LPN with 14-20 kids. We both had to work hard and she taught me a lot of things that you can't learn in school. She's still working hard on midnights and a very good friend. Now when I have a medication question the LPN's are the ones I ask first if I don't know. There is a 65 yr old LPN on my unit that knows more than anybody.

[edrn4hire]

Some of the best nurses I've worked with are LPN's!! I'm an RN, and beleive me, I learned the bulk of my skills from LPN's who were some of the best teachers I've ever had, and STILL have! The vast majority of LPN's I've worked with had my back and I had their's. I personally feel that with a good LPN by my side, WE can do damn near anything!

I've always thought nursing should be a apprenticeship.
Like many other professions.

1 year as a CNA, 2 years as an LPN and then 2 years of school to be an RN.. Or something along that line.

Many would know what they are getting into after those first few years and not be so overwhelmed after RN training.

JMHO

WR,,, three commas for Becca.

[CCHADWI]

WR, I think that is a very good idea. They would have a better understanding of things by doing something like that. I think in any profession, starting with one before the other is critical experience for the next level. Good Idea.

Well I also think it would give someone a chance to decide if they wanted to be a nurse without having to go to nursing school.. And a good foundation also.. If you don't like being a CNA you might like being and LPN or not..But you could get out without spending alot of money etc.

Many who go to RN school be it BSN/ADN don't get enough clinical to make an informed decision..IMHO .. That's why we call it reality shock.. A student might have 2 patients for part of the day.. And then come out of school and have 6 in a very short time. And all the other nurses are busier than one armed paper hangers and the new grad is left to fend for themselves. As a CNA you would be used to having alot of patients and hopefully have the priority skills somewhat mastered.

WR,,, three commas for Becca.

There is so much you don't ever see in nursing school. Apprenticeships are OJT .. On the Job Training.

[hemonurse]

I'm a hemodialysis RN and I assure you that I work as hard or harder than the rest of the staff, PCT's and LPN's. Nothing is out of my job description. I string machines, clean machines, make bicarb, put up stock, and yes I still wipe the occasional butt, clean up puke when necessary. I wouldn't have it any other way.

HN

[Pamela]

I was a Private Sitter for about 6 yrs then a CNA for around 4 yrs. Now I am a LPN going on 6 months. For each advancement i had to go to school. I believe before ever starting LPN school you should be required to have a min. of 6 months as a CNA and before going on to RN you must have a min. of 6 months as an LPN. That is the way things used to be when apprenticeship was still around. I plan on going on to become an RN but mainly for the money. Yes, i admit it. I have RN's making alot more than me where i work and the only difference between what we do is that... Well, not much. They can be day charge nurses... Yep, that's about it. Oh yeah, they can change S/P caths.
I only wish there was a program in my area that did allow us to test out of classes allready taken in LPN school.

[sdwolff98]

LOL,
I had my case of RN itis after I graduated nursing school *chuckles*. I got cured of it realllllly quickly by my nurse managaer. I work with lots of LV and LPN's that are well worth their salt and know every bit as much and even more than I do. The letters do not matter. It is the knowledge skills and experience that every nurse brings to the field that makes a difference to our profession....

Sean