we did nearly everything the RNs did except the IV

Yeah I had a similar job, lots of high acuity patients. Lots of tasks and lots of assessments. Err excuse me when I was an lpn I did "observations" :rolleyes:

Bottom line is that I was directly responsible for all my patients, I didn't report to an RN or work under one. Except in the eyes of the law. If I had fucked up, it would fall back on that RN, which is kind of the rub of LPNism.

I actually ended up leaving the facility I was at when I became an RN because I didn't like the flip side of that coin regarding responsibility looming over me.

And yeah I know plenty of veteran LPNs with lots of knowledge, even know one that they made an LPN case manager at a facility... which I don't really know the legality of all that but she is a badass.

I wouldn't go overboard though. All those vet LPNs I know got bogged down with school or some other detail that delayed or stopped their becoming RNs at the time. LPN isn't really seen as an end goal, and a lot of programs are closing.

At my community college RN program you used to be able to take the NCLEX-PN after 2 semesters. I was the last person to graduate with that and they changed the curriculum which no longer allows for students to sit for the PN, which is a big shame in my eyes since being able to work and have that nursing experience was a huge boon.

Now the only local places that are offering LPN are overpriced private programs and I wouldn't really recommend that trap on anyone. Community College waitlist can be a bitch though if you don't make the cut, and I know a lot that turn that direction.

But yeah, got respect for yall, was one of yall. Its just that legal responsibility angle that prompts the animosity.