Hi everyone.

I'm a first year PN student (I will graduate with a diploma, I'm not in BC yet, but I am planning on working there).

Do you find that patients/Residents/MDs/RNs respect you? I haven't done any clinicals yet, but I am dreading it if I will get treated like not only a lowly student, but a lowly student who is worth no more than a bedpan pusher.

I understand that is/will be part of my practicum/job, but I don't think I can deal with being treated like an idiot with no education or other use.

Can anyone tell me what clinical has been like for them so far?

LPNs should be proud of their job and I don't know how I'd handle it if I was treated poorly!

Like everywhere in this world, I find that the best always respect anyone who is genuinely interested in what he or she is doing and anyone who doesnt GET respect is usually a lousy team member and anyone who doesn't GIVE respect is usually insecure. I work in Northern Health and the only ones who seem to look down upon the LPNs are care aides, housekeeping, etc or new graduate RNs. I had the chief physician sign my birthday card and asking me personally to stay with the facility instead of moving. So don't worry about respect. Just do your best.

Re Respect for LPNs,

I have been an LPN since 2003 and I've had the privilege of working in a hospital, rehab center, as a nursing consultant, and as a nursing instructor. From my experience I have had some instances where people who did not know me (RNs,doctor's etc) at times did not give me the credit I deserved as a LPN but by far I have been very fortunate to be very well respected as an LPN in my workplace. Sure there were a few other nurses who doubted me at first and were a bit difficult to work with but I found that I needed to earn their trust and that is what I did. It took time but as long as you know your stuff, have confidence in yourself yet respect the other nurses' feedback you will gain the trust of your team.

Your range of practice that you are allowed to practice will vary according to your workplace here in BC so do your research before you apply to make sure it fits what you want to do. There are many opportunities for LPNs here but you may need to get creative and really look hard for the job that will bring you the most satisfaction.

I work on a surgical floor that utilizes LPN's to the fullest. We team with an RN and have 7-9 patients between us. I am a new LPN (a year exp now) and found that the RN's on my floor respect other NURSES who do their job, are a team player, can admit when they don't know something, share their knowledge etc.

The respect is there whether you are an LPN an RN. The respect isn't there if the above qualities are not present, whether LPN or RN. RN's on my floor aren't automatically respected just because they have "RN" behind their name, just as LPN's arn't automatically disrespected because they have "LPN" behind their name.

We have a great staff, although I'm sure it's not like this everywhere. There still will be RN's, doctors or the general public who think less of LPN's, but be the best nurse you can be and you will be respected.

Be prepared, anywhere you go, to earn the respect you want.

As LPNs we are working on people, where an error can have serious consequences. Doesn't it make sense that you have to "prove yourself" at least a little?