I am tired of the reactions people get when that ask what your profession is and you say nurse. Then they say Oh..you're a RN, and you say LPN, then they say Ohh.., like a LPN isn't a nurse.  We LPNs  bust our humps, probably harder than alot of RNs, but we don't get the same respect. I have found that alot of RNs look down their noses at us, like we aren't much!!! Am I the only one or do I have other nurses(LPNs) that feel this way and how can we overcome this stigma?

I get this too at times. I think it's because I have been a nurse for a long time so they assume I'm an RN. Or a former co-worker will say "you should come apply where I work" then turn around and say, oh I forgot you're an LPN, don't bother, they won't even want to talk to you". Well I guess I don't want to talk to them either then, LOL.

I have been an LPN for 10 years now and understand what you are going through.  The only reason I am not an RN is due to Algebra!!!  I passed nursing math classes with a 4.0!!  It is not right that people think we are not as good as an RN.  I have met and been a patient of RN's who don't need to be in the field.  People forget that many LPN's have many more years of experience than some of the  new grad RN's.  The only difference between an LPN and RN is that they can push IV meds, hang blood products and be a charge nurse!!!  How many people know that!!??   

Melody511 says ...

I have been an LPN for 10 years now and understand what you are going through.  The only reason I am not an RN is due to Algebra!!!  I passed nursing math classes with a 4.0!!  It is not right that people think we are not as good as an RN.  I have met and been a patient of RN's who don't need to be in the field.  People forget that many LPN's have many more years of experience than some of the  new grad RN's.  The only difference between an LPN and RN is that they can push IV meds, hang blood products and be a charge nurse!!!  How many people know that!!??   

Algebra is a huge stubbling block in nursing, I have to take an advance algebra class for my BSN in nursing, already taken it for my ADN.

OMG!  This has been a "pet peeve" of mine for a looong time!  I am an LPN w/QUALITY experience in: Nephrology, Med/Surg,  Phys. Rehab, Psych, ICU/CCU and Pediatrics, as well as Office Nursing w/In-office Surgical assistance.  I am ACLS Certified, PALS certified and have utilized Con't  Ed to further my knowledge in each specialty area I've worked.  Does anyone care?!?!?  I get the "oh, you're an RN"  bit alot, too--and even though I'm considering taking some on-line courses towards my RN I must admit that it really ticks me off that in order to get the respect  and/or Salary I deserve I have to go back to school.  I agree, most young Nurses coming straight out of school as an RN (Or Heaven forbid! ) or BSN have a very stilted view of our profession -- most will go out of their way to not change a patient, do oral care, Trach care or anything else that either smells or is messy.  Wish they would stay OUT of the clinical arena, and let those of us who really DO care do the bedside Nursing.  But, in return (in a perfect world!) we would be compensated for our skills & dedication as well!  Oh - and another thing -- anyone ever get ticked when reading Nursing journals?  You'd think that LPN's were nothing more than glorified aides!