LPN vs RN

15 Geez! So many posts seem to turn into a LPN vs RN boxing match. When I was a CNA I didn't know what exactly a LPN did, when I was a LPN I didn't know exactly what a RN did, and now that I am RN I see the differences. Of course there will be some LPNs who can run circles around some RNs, as well as vice versa. We all have our skills and experience. We have our scope of practice but aren't we still a team of nurses? Can't we all just get along?
I think this will always be the case. It is made worse by those who haven't worked in any other position (usually RNs) and get that "high and mighty" attitude as well. Which is why I choose to stair step. I wanted to ensure I knew exactly what each person does and does not do... and make sure I appreciate each of my staff members. Another thing I definitely see that runs rampant and proves true by reading this board is "nurses eat their young." Wow... just... wow...

Quote from demylenatedI think this will always be the case. It is made worse by those who haven't worked in any other position (usually RNs) and get that "high and mighty" attitude as well. Which is why I choose to stair step. I wanted to ensure I knew exactly what each person does and does not do... and make sure I appreciate each of my staff members. Another thing I definitely see that runs rampant and proves true by reading this board is "nurses eat their young." Wow... just... wow...

I am a new RN (almost 1 yr experience) who made a career change into nursing. My first position has been in the LTC environment where I work with a lot of LPN's and I have to say that I truly admire the work that is done. There are very few RN's at the facility that I am working at, so most of my observations and learning (outside of nursing school) have been of LPNs, aside from my own research. I appreciate what they have taught me and I think I have taught a few things myself. Nursing is always changing and I am grateful to the nurses (RN or LPN) that I have had the pleasure of working with!

A nurse is a nurse. Really, it shouldn't make any difference. Something I have noticed, which is also disturbing, is the fact that some people like to bash others for getting an education. We should all learn to be respectful and tolerant of colleagues no matter what their role is.

I'm glad I'll never have to be Charge. My health authority and provincial college are constantly pushing the scope of practice boundaries. The current model is heading to a huge number of LPNs on the floors and school health programmes with the RNs requiring a degree to assume a more management type of roll.I wanted to nurse because I wanted to do hands on care. Not due to a lack of knowledge but the fact that there are days I'd be so tempted to tell the patient or their family "Know what? You don't like it here? You're free to leave at any time. You're not a prisoner." Yes, it was a long week and the patients and their loved ones made every assumption mad about full moons true.

Honestly, I don't really care for being in charge. Mostly a pain in the *** Scheduling and more admin duties as an RN. I prefer the bedside. Some days I wish I had taken the LPN route.

I agree... Both LPN's & RN's work hard, & can do equal the work in my opinion. I've seen some awesome LPN's & RN's both. I'm an LPN & proud to be.... I would like to get my RN though, just because it would be better pay for my family in the future. I need 2 more classes to be an RN, and plan to complete those in the future. I am very content being an LPN at the moment though (can't return to college at the moment because I have 2 young kids). Nurses should respect each other, no matter what the title.

eez! So many posts seem to turn into a LPN vs RN boxing match.

Quote from FribbletWell, now that you've started this thread, get ready for another one.

I'm just gonna say this...we all have been puked on, pooped on and told off...so at the end of the day yeah we are all nurses.

Quote from joanna73A nurse is a nurse. Really, it shouldn't make any difference. Something I have noticed, which is also disturbing, is the fact that some people like to bash others for getting an education. We should all learn to be respectful and tolerant of colleagues no matter what their role is.

I think LPN's are great assets to the nursing workforce. There will always be a need for LPN's one way or another. I read a recent article stating that due to the new health care laws it is projected that LPN's will be taking care of more acutely ill patients. That is why that past April the LPN NCLEX became harder to pass. I was fortunate to go to a University where I took Pharmacology, and Med dosage with ASN students and BSN students. I can tell you that we all got along great. There were some LPN students who knew almost everything on anything and BSN students who were 1 semester away from graduating and did not even know what a diueretic was! So it can go both ways. LPN school kind of just "happened" to me. Yes I got accepted into many RN schools, but decided on the LPN. Know I am happy I can work, make money, while going back to school for my RN. If I did not go through the LPN route I would still be in school, and not working. So it is different for everybody.