[Jules A]

I agree with everyone! Kudos to you for accomplishing this at such a young age. I totally didn't have the maturity to do what you have already. The slightly positive part of what you are experiencing is that you won't ever be an RN who makes LPNs feel like less than a nurse and that is awesome. Keep up the good work. Jules

[SICU Queen]

Jumping in on the bandwagon here... kudos to you for your accomplishment! I like the "I'm a nurse and I'm back in school to get an advanced degree." response the best. The public hears "nurse" and that's all most of them know about. No need to go into details!! It just confuses most people.

Have a great Christmas.

[pagandeva2000]

I wouldn't have an issue saying that I am a nurse, and that is it. Of course, you have those who will continue with "Well, are you an LPN or a 'real nurse' " and for them, I say that we are BOTH nurses.

[gt4everpn]

"I'm an LPN and am in school to become an RN" will probably elicit about a thousand questions more than you feel like answering

Yes it does, Believe me I've said everything you guys suggested, I guess some people are so confused about the differences of RNs and LPNs they just keep asking me what the differnces are! I have a friend who doesnt even know what RN means, LOL!! huh!

[Lee2]

When they question you about your age just tell them you're a fast learner. If I were being taken care of by a 19 year old LPN I'd just think they were super smart to get their education done so early. I'm about to finish my pre-reqs and apply to nursing school. I'm crazy nervous about it and the fact that you have done so well gives me faith it's possible to thrive.

[gt4everpn]

I would just say "I'm a nurse. I'm going to school to get a higher nursing degree." You don't have to go into the LPN/RN explanation if you don't want to. Or be blunt, like Suesquatch stated. You're really saying the same thing. Or to make the explanation simple, just say that RNs have more education than LPNs, but both do most of the same duties and leave it at that.

None of this will be a problem anymore once you become an RN.

Gracias!!! I will use this ''I'm going to get a higher nursing degree'' perfect, thanks, too bad couldnt figure this one out!!

[gt4everpn]

Thanks everyone!! happy holidays!:icon_cool:

[Wenckebach RN]

Originally Posted by Suesquatch

Why go through all of this?

"I'm an LPN. I'm going to school to become an RN."

Perfect answer. Don't be ashamed of yourself. Stand proud!

[suzi-Q]

See...Even the RN's are showing respect for your LPN. That speaks volumes.

Like I said..I'm just starting nursing school for LPN and may never make RN, although I will try. But at my age I have kids and big financial responsibilities so I really admire you. So do these other nurses.

Stick with these boards too. Everyone here is very supportive and will answer your questions.

[lovelylpn]

I know exactly what the OP is going through because I've experienced the same thing. I went to a vo-tech high school studied practical nursing. Upon graduation, at age 17, I took my boards and became an LPN and went right back to school for my RN. I was asked these same questions about what an LPN is and how it differs from an RN also. I never became frustrated because I was proud of my profession and always willing to educate someone else on the LPN role. I just explained it very basically and simplistically without down playing either nurses' roles. I enjoyed answering these questions and usually the person I was speaking with appreciated the new info.