Don't like to say I'm an RN. Long...

5 Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...
But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart.

Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway.

I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.)

Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).

Help!
Although I'm an LPN/LVN who works at a nursing home, I hear you loudly and clearly. Always be proud of your educational attainment.Until your LPN coworkers have actually attended RN programs, they cannot rightfully declare that the 2 types of nursing education are "the same." I'm sure they were able to work circles around you when you first entered the LTC setting, but no one can truly tell us the differences between LPN schooling and RN education except those nurses who started out as LPNs and attended bridge programs to obtain their RN licensure.As the old saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know."

Quote from TheCommuterAlthough I'm an LPN/LVN who works at a nursing home, I hear you loudly and clearly. Always be proud of your educational attainment.Until your LPN coworkers have actually attended RN programs, they cannot rightfully declare that the 2 types of nursing education are "the same." I'm sure they were able to work circles around you when you first entered the LTC setting, but no one can truly tell us the differences between LPN schooling and RN education except those nurses who started out as LPNs and attended bridge programs to obtain their RN licensure.As the old saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know."

I agree with the op's and I think they are jealous it about them not you. YOu definetly should not feel ashamed. I know in my state only an RN can be charge. So that may be why you have gotten it so quickly. They need to get over theirselves, you should not feel quilty that you have more education. There is a difference more education, like the op said if there wasn't any difference than we would all be the same. Good Luck and stop feeling ashamed.

The RN educational process IS different. LVN/LPN schools teach basic skills. These days they are teaching some background subjects but the RN is the one that learns the most pathophys, rationales, critical thinking skills as opposed to the LVN curriculum. RNs have a more in-depth, multi-faceted program. To be simple - RNs are taught to think and LVNs/LPNs are taught to do. Yes there are LVNs/LPNs that make some RNs look like idiots but that does not change what the formal curriculum that each one was required to learn. That also does not change what the Nurse Practice Act states is the formal education requirements and job description of each role. In my experience, the "old" LVNs/LPNs know more than a GN - but that is because they went to school in a different era and have had a lot more OJT.The LVN/RN argument is as old as the diploma/ADN/BSN argument. You need to find it in yourself to be comfortable with the fact that you are an RN, no matter what others say. A good RN should be knowledgeable of all the different types of education as well as learning each individual person's knowledge and skill level. This will allow that smart RN to treat all levels of nurses(and ancillary persons) with respect and be able to utilize each individual person when needed, according to that person's ability.As far as your employment issues - you have found out the hard way that anytime an RN goes to LTC they will be considered a charge nurse. LTC has a smaller profit margin thus they utilize fewer RNs and more LVNs than the hospital. It does not matter that the LVNs that you work with have been there longer or have even been nurses longer than you have. By way of your formal education and licensure, you are responsible for the LVNs actions. If they screw up, the charge nurse can be held responsible for improper delegation and supervision. If this is not something that you want to be responsible for then you need to look for a job with more RNs or at the very least with someone else as the designated charge nurse.I don't know what your job description is but if I were the designated charge nurse, I would not be accepting anything less than charge RN pay. That is too much responsibility and liability to work for less. Your post sounds as though you are not completely comfortable with your role as an RN, particularly a supervisory RN. I think that your employer has preyed on that to intimidate you into taking less pay. It is your choice but I would not be working there under the conditions you have described.

Quote from CaseyGirl827Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart. Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway. I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.) Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).Help!

CaseyGirl,Man, you sound so much like me - just wanting a harmonious environment, sometimes even at the expense of selling yourself short. Getting over that and you will too.If I did not have to sleep to go to work tonight, I would write a lot to you. So for now, I will leave you with this thought: The next time one of the girls brings up how LPNs and RNs are the same and blah, blah, as hard as it may be, YOU NEED TO CONFRONT IT RIGHT THEN AND RIGHT THERE. You don't have to be mean about it, but just make the observation, "Man, ya know, this topic sure is brought up a lot around here. Why do you think that is?". And then get ready as she (they) might get defensive, but at least you will be facing this head on, no longer ducking it. And on some level, it almost sounds like they want you to since they keep bringing it up. It's as though they are testing you, to see where you will set your limits. So you need to do just that by utilizing an open-ended opening (i.e. not just jumping in with your ideas about it).By approaching it this way, you will finally be asserting your control over the issue, but at the same time also giving her back *some* of the control by broaching it in an open-ended style. Feeling a lack of or fear of losing control is almost always at the root of all human conflicts.

I just re-read what I typed before - it sounds rather cryptic. Please understand that I worked last night and still have not slept. My eyes are crossing!!

Just had a lengthy conversation about exactly this type of thing with the Care Aides where I work, who are now being required to take a certification as Health Care Aides. They think that once they are 'certified' through a distance ed course they are taking on the job for 4-6 mths, that they will then be able to 'assess' patients and give meds. They feel that the RN role is redundant, because an LPN could do that, and that the nursing shortage will be solved by hiring more Care Aides, certifying them and moving all the RNs into administration. Also, they believe that Diploma RNs will have no place at all! Like the courses we took weren't important, and anyone can do our job.I agree that if you want RN status and RN pay, go to RN school!!!

Quote from nurseinlimboJust had a lengthy conversation about exactly this type of thing with the Care Aides where I work, who are now being required to take a certification as Health Care Aides. They think that once they are 'certified' through a distance ed course they are taking on the job for 4-6 mths, that they will then be able to 'assess' patients and give meds. They feel that the RN role is redundant, because an LPN could do that, and that the nursing shortage will be solved by hiring more Care Aides, certifying them and moving all the RNs into administration. Also, they believe that Diploma RNs will have no place at all! Like the courses we took weren't important, and anyone can do our job.I agree that if you want RN status and RN pay, go to RN school!!!

Quote from CaseyGirl827Ok, here's the deal. Usually I hear/read/whatever that LPN's are fed up with the "real nurse" thing and that they say they're "nurses" not "LPN's" nurses to avoid the whole LPN/RN conversation/explaination. I kind of have the opposite problem. I am a newer nurse (2 years) and I worked my first year at a hospital with all RN's.(tele floor) Last years I switched to LTC for a set 8 hour day schedule to work around hubby and child care. My employment system did not offer that in the hospitals and to stay with the same company I had to switch to LTC. Most of them are LPN's (on my floor ,all LPN's) and they are way more experienced than me. They are incredible nurses and have been my source of knowledge. I could care less, and honestly don't mention my title...But because of my title I was given the position of charge nurse, which is really uncomfortable because all the girls I work with have been nurses longer and have been there longer. My facility did not discuss this with me at hiring and after about 6 months on a med cart said they will not continue to pay RN salary for me to be on a cart. Its just that my coworkers have told me, an continue to pass comments that RNs are no different that LPNs. They say the only difference is you can hang blood and a few other things. They tell me my schooling was really no different. I don't want to defend my self because they really are great nurses and I don't want to offend them. But I really worked hard for my degree and I don't like when I'm told "its nothing, no difference". Although I don't openly disclose my title, its hard to avoid as charge nurse and everyone knows me anyway. I sometimes feel ashamed of being an RN. Some of the LPNs have told me the only difference is I'm paid more and there's really no reason for it. Believe me when I say that I NEVER bring up anything that can ever lead to this topic. I avoid it like the plague!! And yes, that's not a good quality in a charge nurse, but if I "take charge" then it becomes "us and them" and I'm alone. (Only RN on that floor. Only my shift has RN (me) other shifts don't.) Its like the girls are okay as long as I let them believe that my title means nothing. Its took me several years going part time for my prerequites, while working fulltime and living on my own before I could even go to nursing school, and that was another 2 years...getting tired of pretending that's exactly the same as 11 months (which is the length of the LPN program at our local vo-tec school).Help!

You should not be ashamed to say who you are. What the difference is between you and the LPNs is that they are seasoned in their area, but you do have a higher license; therefore, there is a difference.A similar incident happened to me on line yesterday. I discovered a medical assisting forum and decided to look into what their feelings were, and also, I wanted to share with them that they were of value as well. I used to be a medical assistant, so, I know what their duties entail, basically. One of them posts back to me and stated that she saw no reason for me to have to mention that LPNS and RNs are licensed nurses..."was there a reason to HAVE to say that..." and also, stated that whether I meant it or not, that I was passing the message that I am above them. NOTHING FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!! When I mentioned that there was a difference between how LPNs and Medical Assistants function, they took it personal...same thing..."we do what they do"". Not true. We have similar jobs, and skill performances, sure we do. However, there is a difference in the level of education, and responsibility and accountability. I was offended as well, because it was not my intention to attempt to make someone feel small. To me, the fact that a person has more education and a higher license that I is not offensive; the only thing I would find to be offensive is when a person makes me think that I have nothing positive to contribute to the team, or that I can possibly suggest or remind a higher licensed person of what else might have to be considered. These girls do not know what you went through to get where you are. I also hate to see when people say that "The RN does nothing but sit at the computer and give orders", and that, alone is sometimes the only incentive an LPN has to become an RN...what they PERCEIVE. That may be a fact for some of them, but not all...a responsible, caring RN has a heavy burden to carry, and I do believe that one should think carefully and decide whether they are trying to become an RN for the wrong reasons.

I am a LPN who works LTC and I know that the job description is pretty much the same there. But saying that I do know when I don't understand the patho of something or just don't know it, I look for the nearest RN, why because they did go to school longer and I love to learn. If it happens an LPN knows the answer great, but when you know you are working especially with a RN, BSN, you feel your getting a more educational answer rather than experienced one, Don't get me wrong but we have a nurse practictioner (sp) and I pick her brain all the time for the patho behind things. There is definitely a difference between an LPN and a RN but as long as noone acts better than the other and all come together for the common goal (patient care) than we can figure out just about anything with what we all bring to the healthcare system. Be proud that you are an RN, mentor when needed but because you are a fairly new RN don't be afraid to ask for infor. Noone knows everything and we are all learning something new everyday, that's the wonderful thing about nursing. I would be proud but watch out especially in LTC because we as LPN's are the majority because we aren't allowed to work in hospitals (atleast around here) so maybe they are just being terrritorial, but they should also be respectful of you accomplishment, I would be. Hope I didn't offend in anyone regarding the territorial thing, but LPN's are somehow gettting lost in the healthcare system and not knowing where they actually belong anymore. We used to utilized everywhere and now we are not, because it is a RN world. But from what I gather it's attempting to be a RN, BSN world. But I don't think that is very realistic.