I used to joke that upon passing the NCLEX-LPN, I would "practically be a nurse." My family and friends would laugh, some out of love obligation. Now that I've worked for 2+ years, I see that LPNs are treated as Lowly Peon Nurses. Personality matters when you work closely with people. I work my heart out for my clinics, patients, doctors, and fellow nurses. Hell, I've been known to bring coffee to the front office person, if time allowed for such. I would go the extra mile for a patient. I truly was glad that patient came in to be seen for whatever reason. Those people, the patients...they are the reason I have my job...or HAD my job.

Sometimes I wonder if perople who are working at 85% get mad at those who work at 110% because this hard worker shines the light on the fact that the other people aren't working so hard. I do my best at every place I've worked as an LPN. I do my best to be warm, caring, and even humerous when appropriate with my patients. But it doesn't matter how good you are or how much your patient's love you, if the boss or RN doesn't care for you, you're done for. Because most times, they'll take the word (or lies) of an RN over an LPN.

Does anyone else feel that the more they care and work hard, they get attitude from other nurses, whether LPN or RN?

I am sorry you feel disrespected and "practically a nurse" LVNs are nurses too. I have worked with many knowlegeable and competent lvns. Two of my sons are in nursing school to become LVNs. One has goals to become an R.N, the other has goals that require him to be an LVN. They both have my full support. I joined this forum to support my sons and am worried for them, because a lot of the posts here are angry because they feel disrespected and not valued by co-workers. I have never intentionally disrespected an lvn or any other co-workers. I am proud that they chose nursing and hope they have a better experience. I hope things get better for you as well.

That was so encouraging, ccolburn! Thanks for sharing! The two women I learned the best patient care from in nursing school was the LPN's I worked with on the weekends. Everyone is equal, there are just different roles.

I so agree with you, John!

I am glad that you know who you are, and do not let opinions of others change that about you!

allabtme says ...

 hey

 guys im new here! ive been a nurse for 11years and i have never and will never allow myself to feel anything but being a great NURSE! lol no one else has the power or ability to make me feel any other way! the paths we are on and have taken have been for various reasons be those reasons what they may be.......LPN=nurse! i graduated from RN school ten months ago and have not attepmted boards yet. im faced daily with the question....why have you not taken the nclex yet? my response, i will take it. but im a nurse now! i understand clearly RN means to certain people certain things, but to me RN=LPN=NURSING lol never allow any one in any setting at anytime to allow who ur are and what u believe about YOU to be challenged! 

In all seriousness, why have you not taken your RN boards?  I would expect to get that question every day.