Hi, I'm an LPN who has worked in the field since December 2021. I can't remember when I first heard of Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, but I was more than happy to subscribe. In your July/August issue, I was very relieved to read about the awareness of the nursing shortage and burnout. I teared up over the Wellness Mention, "This isn't what I signed up for!" because just before retrieving the issue from my mailbox, I experienced a meltdown. For the third time, I had no CNA to assist me at the facility where I provided wound care to over 40 patients. I ended up leaving that position because of many factors and I couldn't take the lack of assistance. I felt solace that the nurses behind Nursing Made Incredibly Easy knew my pain-the same pain as many nurses across the nation. However, my heart sank when I realized that this publication doesn't recognize me, as an LPN.
Let me explain how I came to this conclusion. The issue's Ask the Expert column encourages nurses to join the American Nurses Association. When I attempted to do this, I learned that the ANA is for RNs only. In that same column, the sidebar "Example nursing organizations" lists examples that are only geared toward RNs.
As an LPN, I experience burnout, unfair patient-to-nurse ratios, poor work conditions, and low pay. I need help too, but I'm not sure if NMIE supports me as I am. I find this to be a bit depressing and needed to bring this to your attention. Does NMIE recognize LPNs? Or will I have to look for another source of support? Please let me know.
-A.B.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
In response:
The goal of this column was to stimulate interest in engagement with professional nursing organizations (PNOs), and I'm grateful that it has! Although no specific nursing organization is recommended, each nurse is encouraged to find those that are best aligned with their experience, practice, and/or goals. Some PNOs offer membership levels according to licensure. Although not every PNO represents every nurse, each has a mission or common purpose. Here are a couple of PNOs specifically dedicated to the practice of practical/vocational nursing:
* National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, https://nalpn.org
* National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, https://napnes.org
It's right to note that all nurses need support as we make our individual contributions to the communities of life we serve. Thank you for your letter and the opportunity to respond.
-Jeff Watson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, CPPS, CPHQ
Associate Professor, Texas Tech University
In response:
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our Ask the Expert column. We appreciate that you're a subscriber and reader of our publication. Regarding your insight into the Ask the Expert Column, I share your concern. Allowing LPNs to join PNOs varies from state to state, and this also depends on the PNO you choose.
There's a movement among nursing professionals to include more LPNs in PNOs because they're valuable members of the nursing profession. This oversight in some of our professional organizations is short-sighted and doesn't align with NMIE. I recommend that you advocate for inclusivity. Thank you for your dedication and engagement.
-Lisa Lockhart, MHA, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Clinical Editor, NMIE