[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?

[caroladybelle]

Speak to them honestly.

Most places will permit a lookalike non leather shoe in place if you handle it tactfully. There are religious and cultural groups that do not wear leather or may require a veil, and I am sure that there have been exceptions made.

[feisty_lpn]

I would verify that they are indeed made of leather. I have a pair of nursing shoes that look like leather, but they are not. I don't wear them often because they are not comfortable, make my feet sweat more, etc.

In your career, you will encounter on an almost daily basis things that you don't agree with, challenge your personal ethics/morals/belief system. There will be many times that you will bite your tongue.

Choose your battles wisely. The LPN program I attended was "old school". Literally, if you didn't wear their selected uniform, follow their strict rules/guidelines for professional nursing behavior, etc... well, you knew where the door was.

This is a personal decision that only you can make. How important is becoming a nurse to you? If you discuss your belief with the school and they are like the program I attended, are you prepared to walk away or wear the shoes anyway but have that, in your words, "brat" label over your head until you graduate?

I wish you the best of luck in this decision. Its a hard one. But it won't be the last personal dilemna you'll have to deal with in your career.

[MagnesiuM]

Originally Posted by 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?

so....if you're still logging onto this, what did you end up doing? and, have you found any good non-leather shoes out there? i hate crocs, am looking for something a little better, with arch support, but all white (my program requires all white).

thanks!
fellow vegan :-)