Last time I checked we were all adults .....Right? LPN vs BSN

Jell'o Everyone,

Let's get right to it.

My first clinical was a nursing home. Our school understands that not all of us come from the same background. Some people have more experience than others and some are like me, no healthcare experience period. I am blessed enough to know an amazing doctor (who I admire and think he's bomb) who let me shadow some healthcare providers at the hospital where he works. I knew for sure what I wanted to do but shadowing and "doing" are very distinct things. So, like I said I first went to a nursing home. The main purpose of this clinical was to understand what a PCT does (patient care tech). It is important to know what this person does so that 1. we can get the basics and 2. know what this person's scope of work (what they can and can't do) when it comes to nurses delegating tasks.

I was actually loving that "Let's start with the basics" state of mind. Yes I'm working towards my bachelor's degree and no I'm not going to be a PCT but if we're going to work together as a team on the floor than I need to know what you do and how to even help you if you're falling behind and for some act of God I have the time lol. No but in all seriousness, giving a patient a bed bath shouldn't be beneath me so I'm all about it. Well I was pleasantly surprised at the reactions of some of the people on staff at the nursing home.

Before I start I should say the following ************************ I'm Not .... I repeat NOT saying that all LPN's  think this way but in my experience at this particular nursing home majority did think this way. ****************** I'M NOT AN EXPERT, I'm just a nursing student that knows absolutely nothing, lol. Now I proceed.

So in the nursing home I felt a big sense of tension and a "fend for yourself" mentality (thank God for my Bronx ways lol, I know that I can fend for myself). The LPN's (licensed practical nurse) at the nursing home didn't care to help us. A few of them defended their reasoning for getting an associates degree instead of pursuing their bachelors degree without any of us asking. Introduction went something like this:

Me: Hello how are you? My name is Mimiii & I'll be your student nurse today. Here to help with any and all your needs. 

LPN: Hey I'm LPN. Ok. So are you pursuing your bachelors? 

Me: Yes mam.

LPN: Why? I don't really know why people spend the extra money when we do the same exact thing.

Me: I just preferred that route (oddly smile & nod). 

It was definitely a weird environment. There were a few that were super helpful and were willing to answer any questions we had. Yes, I'm pursuing my BSN but that doesn't make me any better than anyone else. And no it's not true that LPN's & BSN are the same. LPN's have limitations. Different opportunities are available for nurses with their BSN and if you are thinking about expanding your education to get a masters and beyond you would still have to get your BSN first. DO YOUR RESEARCH before making any decisions. Where would you like to work? Doing what? Some hospitals are no longer hiring LPN's but on that same token chances are you won't see a BSN nurse at a nursing home. He/She won't get paid what they will at a hospital and so LPN's are hired. Point is I don't understand why majority of the LPN's there felt threatened but to each his/her own. Each person should know what is best for them at the moment and will work towards what they think is right and I'm no one to judge. It caught me off guard to say the least. I quickly realized that LPN vs BSN rivalry is a thing. One that til this day I don't understand but it definitely exists. 

My personal view is that I'm going to go all the way to my masters degree. I've met tons of people that decided to get their associates degree and decided to go back for their BSN. I've met people that liked the "nursing" world but decided it was too hard. Ended up realizing that they should have gone straight to nursing school. I can't tell you what will work for you but, just give opinions and tell you what I've done so far. 

I went into my Med-Surg clinical thinking that I may encounter that kind of behavior from the different nurses I would be paired with and I was wrong. Thank God they were all sweet and willing to help. Some were LPN's and others had their BSN. They would gladly answer any questions I had. People that are not "student" friendly will keep their distance. They won't sign up to be a preceptor or any kind of student related activity if they aren't student friendly. Don't be intimidated by anyone. Take it all as a learning experience and learn to deal with all types of people. Stay focused on your goals and crush them. Some people are too focused on others to work on pursuing their dreams and won't ever met their goals minding other peoples business. 

-NurseMimiii