[Fruititarian]

I've just been accepted into an LPN program which I'm super excited about. 200 people applied and only 60 are able to get in for the FT fall slot. I finally feel like I'm getting myself together and on track with my life.

Well, when I was in my interview the lady was explaining everything to me and how I have to pay a uniform fee which she then proceeded to display the uniform on her desk. The shoes were clearly made out of leather and I don't wear leather (I'm a vegan). I was very scared to mention this because I fear they may give up my spot, but I also want to stand by my convictions and I refuse to wear leather. I feel like they gave me this wonderful opportunity and I don't want to be a "brat".

What should I do?

[afaulknerSVN]

Ask them if you can purchase your own shoes through another vendor. You can get shoes that look similar to leather that aren't leather. Honestly, when I shopped for shoes, I ended up with the ugliest pair because they were the most comfortable, lol. I didn't shop for aesthetics.

[MySimplePlan]

We were told our shoes HAD to be leather. It's a protection thing. There HAS to be an alternative, though, that's just as protective. Try to find out some info about your preferred type of shoe and present it to them. I'll bet it's all in the manner of how you approach it. Good luck!

[DooWopNurse]

They can't discriminate against you because you're a vegan. You should tell them before class gets started. Call them after Memorial day and express your concern and that you hope it won't interfere with your participation in the class if you don't wear their sneakers.

I wonder if they'll allow you to wear crocs, lol.

Anywho, I doubt you'll have any problems if you bring it to their attention immediately.

[tiriba]

I never heard about leather protecting more than other materials. We don't wear leather gloves for patient care. Under that rationale, the pants would also have to be leather.
At our school, allowances had to be made for the ladies who could not wear pants and for those who could not wear the short-sleeve shirts.

[MySimplePlan]

Originally Posted by tiriba

I never heard about leather protecting more than other materials. We don't wear leather gloves for patient care. Under that rationale, the pants would also have to be leather.
At our school, allowances had to be made for the ladies who could not wear pants and for those who could not wear the short-sleeve shirts.

For some reason, many nursing schools and hospitals ask their students and nurses to wear leather shoes for their protective qualities. Call me crazy, but it seems they know what they are talking about. If you have knowledge they don't have, please inform the nursing community in your area ASAP they have been wrong all these years.

[celery]

I hope things work out for you. I do not envy you for having to buck the system from the very first day!!

[Megsd]

The point of "leather" shoes is that they are not canvas, so things like body fluids, needles, etc. can't land on your shoes and soak in to your socks and feet. Ask the school if you can wear synthetic leather (if that would be acceptable to you, and you can find some shoes made of this material). The purpose is not so much the leather itself, but the waterproof qualities. This is usually why regular crocs aren't allowed -- they have holes in them.

[Hopefull2009]

Originally Posted by DooWopNurse

They can't discriminate against you because you're a vegan. You should tell them before class gets started. Call them after Memorial day and express your concern and that you hope it won't interfere with your participation in the class if you don't wear their sneakers.

I wonder if they'll allow you to wear crocs, lol.

Anywho, I doubt you'll have any problems if you bring it to their attention immediately.

I would disagree with that. Being vegan is not a religion, is a lifestyle practice, therefore, doesn't fall into a legally protected class. If the school requires them to wear leather shoes, and will not give her an alternative, then they don't have to make additional accomodations.

[Hopefull2009]

Originally Posted by tiriba

I never heard about leather protecting more than other materials. We don't wear leather gloves for patient care. Under that rationale, the pants would also have to be leather.
At our school, allowances had to be made for the ladies who could not wear pants and for those who could not wear the short-sleeve shirts.

Sorry for the double post, but here, there are certain religions that will not allow women to wear pants or short sleeves. That is a protected class and schools MUST make an accomodation.