[NycCutie]

You should be proud of yourself absolutely but don't down play anybody elses tile in the process it just so happens that you got to your RN a little faster than most people would like to but give credit where credit is due once you had to get something called a LICENSE from the STATE BOARD OF NURSING HELLO that title should be RESPECTED lpn or rn you are a nurse,How would you like it if someone told you RNs dont matter go be a nurse practitioner then what =, there are always higher levels of education in every field some people choose to pursue and some are content with what they are.

[NycCutie]

[quote=NycCutie;2796403]You should be proud of yourself absolutely but don't down play anybody elses tile in the process it just so happens that you got to your RN a little faster than most people would like to but give credit where credit is due once you had to get something called a LICENSE from the STATE BOARD OF NURSING HELLO that title should be RESPECTED lpn or rn you are a nurse,How would you like it if someone told you RNs dont matter go be a nurse practitioner then what =, there are always higher levels of education in every field some people choose to pursue and some are content with what they are.

[DarciaMoonz]

I say I'm a nurse. I took the state boards and as long as that last letter in the title that I have worked so hard to get says "nurse", than that is what I am. When people have a question or need me for something on the floor (be it to speak with a family member of a resident via phone or face to face, or to speak with others involved in the care of a resident) they ask for the nurse, not the registered nurse, not the licensed practical nurse, not the advanced practicing nurse, But the nurse :-)

[mytimenow52]

When I am busy at work handling the same patient load that an RN is and doing basically the same thing that the RN is doing and using critical skills thinking and judgement for the welfare of my patients and I am asked that question- I respond, "I'm a nurse." Because, I am. Making a distinction at that point and at that time is needless and ridiculous to me.I know my boundaries as an LPN and proudly work within them as an LPN on staff. Under normal circumstances, and in a different setting,I do make the distinction and proudly respond with all that I have learned at this point- "I am a Licensed Practical Nurse." i am not ashamed of that title and am not misleading anyone when i respond that I am a nurse. I am presently continuing my education to Registered Nurse. But being an LPN has only made my clinical skills and critical thinking skills that much stronger for my next step in the nursing field as RN.

[Evil Consultant]

Originally Posted by DGood

I know LPN's are licensed practical nurses but saying you are "a nurse" seems misleading. Right now I'm in "nursing school" for RN. If I was in LPN school. I would say I am in a "practical nurse school."
There is also "nurse" in certified nurse assistant, but they are still nurse assistants not "nurses".
I think people should refer to themselves with proper titles.
EXAMPLE >>There is an ARNP here where I work and everyone calls her doctor...how annoying.

I had a lot typed here, but I've cleared it all out, because I'd probably get kicked off this forum if I posted it.

I'm a NURSE, but apparently without the RIGHT letters behind my name.

Talk about 'open mouth, insert foot'. I want an apology.

[kxvc]

Originally Posted by DGood

I know LPN's are licensed practical nurses but saying you are "a nurse" seems misleading. Right now I'm in "nursing school" for RN. If I was in LPN school. I would say I am in a "practical nurse school."
There is also "nurse" in certified nurse assistant, but they are still nurse assistants not "nurses".
I think people should refer to themselves with proper titles.
EXAMPLE >>There is an ARNP here where I work and everyone calls her doctor...how annoying.

Well, I say I'm in nursing school. Our program was designed for PN exit after 2nd block. In other words...as soon as I finish block 2 I will be doing whatever it is I need to do to get my LPN. HOWEVER, I will continue to be in the program and (hopefully) graduate as an RN while working as an LPN.

...and YES I will consider myself a nurse if I get my LPN (and if I get my RN) as I consider all LPNs nurses. Like other posters have said, I would only specify if asked to.

[lpnnj479]

yikes!!!! it is these "superiority" attitudes that make working conditions between rn and lpn's ugly. we are ALL nurses...Lpn's give nursing care, why are we even questioning whether to call ourselves nurses or not? We are licensed NURSES...NURSES.

[BCCnurse]

I say I am a nurse.I went to liscense practical "nursing" school.I took the NCLEX-PN (practical "nursing")and I have a liscense for a practical "nurse" that is recognized by the State Board Of "Nursing". So I feel like I have every right to say I am a nurse.CNA titles end with "assistant" so there is the difference.And Be proud of what you are you earned it!!.And to the CNA's I am glad you guy's are there when I need help,you are like us you work hard but sometimes do not get the recognition you deserve.The medical field needs all it's members from M.D. to NP to RN's to LPN's to CNA's to MA's and all the others inbetween.

[softstorms]

I have read every page of this, and now I think we have all agreed that we want the same thing. So we can sit around this camp fire and let go of all the titles and give ourselves credit for what we all do. WE CARE...in any way we choose and in what ever manner we think we have to, but WE CARE. This in it's own way, makes us nurses.

[Super Nurf]

I think if there were as many LPNs as RNs, or more, there really wouldn't be these issues. I still think it's apples and oranges, different titles, different job descriptions, and we all should be working as a team.
I have noticed in my lengthy career that the RNs who have to lord it over everyone that they are such are the ones that are very insecure about themselves and are not as able on the floors as other RNs, the ones who just jump in and do their jobs as part of the team. The title is a kind of shield to them. This is not said to inflame anyone, it's just my personal observation.